Classical Guitar Master Micro Study 2

Classical guitar master micro study 1 – left hand is part of the – #6stringinspiration – series of short and sweet studies that target very specific ideas. These are for those who have very little time and want huge gains from tight focused practice ideas.

Guitar Master Micro Study 2 – Left Hand Control

This is a left hand only exercise, and is the first one that I give to any new student who is still coming to terms with playing classical guitar. It is also know as the finger pump, as that is what you are doing: left hand fingers pumping up and down in sets, in their frets. This really focuses the attention on the left hand and its mechanisms. And allows you to gain control of the fingers in a much shorter space of time, than say just playing notes or even scales in the first position. Hence the master bit.

Finger Order:

1 2    1 3   2 3   1 4   2 4   34

This exercise is tough to begin with, so take it slow and be mindful of the movement. The movement needs to be relaxed and always initiated from the large knuckles at the top of the hand, with the elbow facilitating the rotation-see the video for clarity.

KEY Strategy

Move one set of fingers at a time, the micro study begins with the strongest fingers first, do it slow and controlled. Keep the fingers to their lanes/frets and aim for pushing lightly down on to the string.

Other Info

Note: This guitar master study uses the left hand only so that maximum concentration can be given to this exercise, which not only improves finger control but also has a bearing on tone production. Practice mindfully.

Secret

Full Movement (with elbow)

Make sure that you initiate this movement from the big knuckle of the right hand, and that its range of motion is full: from the top of the fretboard to the bottom. That way you build up the feeling of a full finger motion in the hand, muscles and nervous system. The left hand elbow has to provide help with this. there is no way around this so utilize it to rotate the fingers. See the video for this, especially on sets that involve the little finger.

And Remember: only move the fingers you need to.

Want More?

Click the link below if you want to go back to the beginning of the series.

Beginning of #6stringinspiration series link

Want the Dots?

No music for this example, use the video above to walk through the exercise. However they will be forthcoming in a new classical guitar technique manual. If you want to be informed to when this will be published, join the CGRocks community below.