Permanent string hopper

Playing Technique
#1

I’m afraid I’ve practiced hundreds if not thousands of hours string hopping just hoping I will eventually be able to play fast. With the help of CTC I’ve realized I’m a string hopper and I genuinely think it is impossible for me to learn a new technique. This is by far the most discouraged I’ve ever been when playing guitar. Please tell me there’s some kind of hope. I’m tired of the blues I want to shred!

#2

It’s not.

There is.

Try this spacebar test.

Don’t think music, or guitar, or picking. Just mash the spacebar as fast as you can for 10 seconds. You can use any motion you like, but don’t use alternating fingers.

Try the test about 4-5 times and post your results here.

Then, try drumming a 16th note drum roll on a table top, as in this short video (made for another user)

https://youtube.com/shorts/7Md3Aa_osJM?feature=share

How fast can you drum an accented 16th note roll on a table top, or your knee?

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#3

Remember, you don’t have to unlearn anything. You’re just learning something new. Follow Tom’s advice. He knows what he’s talking about.

I was an unconscious string hopper for over three decades. Now I’m not. If I can do it, you can too. You got this.

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#4

I am slow, only 5.9/second!

#5

Being honest, that is on the slow side.

I’d recommend trying that same test a few more times over the next few days or weeks. I’ve seen people improve their test numbers over time as they’ve become more comfortable with moving faster.

Remember, the only goal is to mash the spacebar as fast as you can, like you’re trying to set a high score. Don’t think music, guitar, or picking.

How about your drumroll, @kgk ?

#6

I used to think it wasn’t possible for me. Then I did it. If I can get faster, anyone can. Still not a shredder, I just have a little bit better, smoother technique. You need a light touch and you need to remember…it’s an electric guitar. All you need to do is touch the strings. Let the speaker do the work.

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#7

Trust me, if I can do it after 20+ years of struggle with picking technique, anybody can, including you. I know it’s frustrating but please be kind to yourself and exercise a little patience. It’s worth it.

1 Like