Hello. Does anyone have any advice for overcoming tension in the index finger when playing scale chunks that use the 1-2-3. When playing the Phrygian pattern the tension is not there but the timing is off. When playing the Major pattern the tension in my index finger gets so bad at times that it pulls the high e string off of the fretboard. I think I created this problem through the way I practiced legato. Pick and grin my brothers. Advice would be welcomed. Thanks. I’m thinking that the answer lies in chunking at slow tempos?
I’d be happy to help you, but I’d need to see some video of what you’re doing now.
Tension isn’t something that you overcome. It’s not a foreign enemy that you vanquish through effort and will. It’s you, you’re making the tension. You can not fight yourself and win.
You learn to perceive and release your habitual tension and inhibit it. The framing matters.
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Thank you Tom. I’m new to the forum but will figure out how to upload a video.I like what you said. It makes sense but sounds like a concept I will have to learn and practice.
Upload to Youtube and post the link.
Have you tried building up speed through a tapping sequence? It’s always another option. You can choose which string to start on, you may choose the 3rd string on frets 5, 7 and 9 with a tapped finger at fret 12. Or you take this pattern and move it up higher on the neck to get a shorter stretch. In the first example you’d play the pattern 5,7,9,12,9,7,5 and keep it looping from the beginning again.
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I agree with what you say. do you teach via zoom or would you be interested in a quick coaching session? how much would that cost or can we zoom for a bit and talk? thanks
Hi @todd_carver,
I offer lessons over Zoom. I was asked about this here recently, see here:
You can send me a private message for more details or to organise a lesson.
All that said, I’m still happy to give you some advice for free if you share a video of your playing.
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