One of the most important things you need to do as a guitarist, is simply to RELAX. Now, this may not seem like a big deal, but learning to relax can have a surprisingly HUGE impact on how well you play guitar--and the nice thing is it doesn't take a lot of effort or time to see the benefits, which makes it something well worth trying.
Many guitarists--especially those just learning to play--play with a lot of tension in their bodies. But tension is actually an enemy that makes it harder for you to play guitar. To see for yourself how powerful an enemy tension can be, try this simple experiment...
1. Pick up your guitar and get ready to play
2. Place your left hand (if you're right handed) fingers across any four frets of the sixth string
3. Clench the muscles in your left shoulder and arm as tight as you can, don't clench your hand or fingers as you do this, concentrate only on your arm and shoulder muscles
4. Now try to walk your fingers across the strings and frets one at a time
It's hard to move your fingers isn't it?
Now release the muscles and repeat the finger walking exercise, it will be much easier this time around.
This exercise demonstrates two things:
1. Tension in your body makes performing guitar playing movements harder. Many guitarists find their hands and fingers cramping because they are gripping the neck too hard, or pressing the strings too hard. Gentle, smooth, and precise finger placement is what you really want!
2. Tension in places that don't seem directly related to the exercise have an effect on your playing. Unneeded tension, even in your shoulders or legs has a DIRECT effect on your fretting and strumming hands.
Like any other guitar instructor, my job is to teach you, to help build your confidence in yourself and your playing, and to help you identify bad habits such as tensing up in order to make you the best player you can be!
So, watch the video below, calm down, relax, and I think you will be amazed at how good you really are! Happy (and relaxed!) Pickin'!
