Practice Like The PROS
Exercises to improve finger strength, stretch, speed & independence
Hey guitar players,
I hope you are all doing well!
How do we improve our finger strength, stretch, speed & independence? It’s all rooted in some really simple exercises, which have a huge impact on our overall playing ability.
I will link you to a free PDF, YouTube video and FREE Guitar Practice Course, that will help with everything we discuss.
👌 GUIDANCE
Start slow with every exercise.
Try each exercise on every string, and move them up and down the fretboard.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s hands and fingers are different, and it might take some time for you to find the positions that work for you. A lot of the time, the smallest movements and adjustments can make a big difference!
Repetition is key. The more you play, you will find that your hands and fingers start to make those tiny adjustments that are unique to your size and shape - and eventually, the desired results should click into place.
However, if you feel pain when stretching, take a step back and give your fingers a break.
* The YouTube video & course linked below, demonstrate all of these exercises in more detail.
🖐️ STRETCH
Our fingers need warming up. Just like other parts of our body would, if we were undertaking a form of sport. This exercise will help you shape those tricky chords (C major is a common problem for beginners) - and will get you ready for those scale shapes and lead licks that come later.
Start with your 1st finger on the 1st fret of the lowest ‘E’ string. Play fret 2 with your 2nd finger - back to fret 1 - and then stretch your 2nd finger to the 3rd fret (making sure your 1st finger stays down). Your 2nd finger then plays the 2nd fret, and your 3rd finger does the stretching (with your 1st and 2nd finger now remaining on the neck). Apply this principle up and down the fretboard, and on every string.
If starting on fret 1 is too difficult (the frets are further apart) - then shift up the neck and start from fret 5 or 9. Or try it on a different string (the lowest ‘E’ is the thickest, and tends to be the toughest to apply pressure on).
💪 STRENGTH
This looks straight forward, but it’s a great way of ensuring each finger is being worked on. After fretting each finger, keep that finger down, while the next fret is played. And try to shift your fingers as a block of 4, utilising your 1st finger as the root/starting point for each block (this finger never needs to leave the fretboard and should glide smoothly from one block of 4 to the next).
We are looking for consistency in tone. Every note should be sounding clearly, before you shift up the neck.
👉 INDEPENDENCE
I love this one! It takes the previous exercise to a new level. This time, we are working down the strings, rather than up the frets.
After you’ve played each fret, try to keep that finger on the fretboard (this will also work wonders for your finger strength)
Then, try to reverse the pattern.
*If you’re struggling, I’d recommend watching the YouTube video for this one, to gain a better idea of how it’s accomplished & improved.
⏳ SPEED
Bring out the metronome! This is a brilliant way of developing our timing. There’s nowhere to hide.
Start each of the exercises above at a slow tempo (60-70bpm is a good starting point).
Once everything is sounding clear and your transitions are smooth, start to add 2bpm each day/each time you practice.
This may seem like a small increment, but before you know it, your speed and accuracy will be dramatically transformed.
You can get a great free app for your phone called MetroTimer.
💥 The Next Step
This PDF covers every exercise in greater detail. And provides more for you to try.
You will also gain a lot more insight with my Guitar Practice Course. Sign up here and get 1 month FREE access.
You can also check a YouTube video I made, which covers the benefits of these exercises - and includes some extra examples.
🎶 Recommendations
John Bramwell - The Light Fantastic (Album): One of my favourite songwriters of all time. He previously lead the band ‘I Am Kloot’, and now has a solid solo career behind him. This mans lyrics, guitar playing and all-round ability, never fails to amaze and captivate me. Check the record. It’s a beaut!
The Smile - Teleharmonic: Taken from the new album, this track blew me away. I never get tired of Thom Yorkes melodies and harmonies. The reverb, synth sounds, and overall production on this track is stunning.
🌍 Links
All of my classes can be found on Skillshare. This link gives you 1 month FREE access to every course I’ve made and the entire Skillshare site.
🙋♂️Follow me for more guitar, bass & ukulele related chat & tutorials:
🧡 My Music Charity
Speak soon,
Marc
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