Fretting fingers speed limit

Playing Technique
#1

Long time ago, while studying scales and stuff, I had this idea of basic building blocks of fretting hand technique — how fast can you play things like 1-2-1-2, 1-3-1-3, 1-4-1-4, 2-3-2-3, 3-4-3-4 (where numbers represent index, middle etc. finger respectively). To take picking hand out of the equation, I just played them with hammer-ons and pull-offs, or even with no pull-off.

I was nerdy enough to measure my speed of playing these patterns back then (I was like 18-20). I measured that my speed was 16ths at ~170 bpm for every sequence listed above (maybe little faster when I’m in a good form). 2-3-2-3 sequence was and stays the most difficult one (also while I play it, it feels like I’m about to do a damage to my wrist).

But you know what? I did those measurements 20 years ago, and since then I did not make ANY progress in this field of raw fretting hand fingers movements. Before writing this post I turned up the metronome, played 1st string for some time — it’s still 170 bpm, 16ths, I can’t really get higher this bpm mark. On the other hand — I don’t think I was ever slower than this. Seems that once I picked up a guitar and learned how to hold it etc, I already could play those things at that speed.

This leads me to a rather sad conclusion — there’s probably some physical limit for every individual here, and one can’t overcome it. I’m curious if someone out there were trying/able to push this limit. Me, I invested quite a time into these patterns without any noticeable progress. Stamina — maybe (and it fades away quickly), but not speed.

2 Likes
#2

Get a stress ball, squeeze it fast. By fast I mean contracting all muscles to produce that shaking or vibration effect. Over time increase the range of movement of opening and closing of the hand.

You’ll notice a difference between the left and right, whatever hand you masturbate with is very likely faster in this opening and closing vibration action. A lifetime of training lol

Trust me, I’m a random person online with no filter, must be true.

4 Likes
#3

:joy: I don’t see how that motion could help with the fretting hand. I mean, for sure it didn’t help ME!

#4

Well, it’s more the consistent use that does it, not the up down motion but the grip, isometric with some contraction, relaxation etc… I’ve no idea of profanity rules here so best not to go to. Deep.

Training this fast vibration grip ability directly applies to moving the fingers faster.
Ofcourse you need the synchronization between both hands to use it, but this is the most direct and efficient training for fretting speed I can think of.

#5

You could also play guitar hero, those guitar controllers are GREAT direct feedback for your brain.
The loud clicks are great for training.