Pumping Nylon vs. other Right Hand positions

[Bertrand Navarrete]

Bertrand Navarrete - 02:13pm Mar 28, 2003 PST


In pumping nylon, the book preaches a "straight wrist" position for the right hand while my teacher has preached a heavier, curved wrist position. Which is better? Pumping Nylon position seems more comfortable but I am not an expert here and don't want to go against what my teacher is drilling into my head.

Any input/suggestions here would be appreciated.

[Richard Pinferi]

Richard Pinferi - 11:26pm Mar 29, 2003 PST (#1 of 2)
There are two things to consider here: 1. what is more comfortable for you, and 2. Which gives you the best tone (personally, I think good tone is the more important factor). If both positions give you similar tonal qualities, then go with the most comfortable. But don't be afraid to challenge you teacher - ask why you should use a curved wrist when a flat wrist is more comfortable for you. Your teacher should be able to offer a plausible argument/explanation for doing things a certain way. If your teacher's arguments make sense to you, then take them on board before deciding. If not, then agree to disagree and just do it the way you think works best.

[donna]

donna - 12:59am Mar 30, 2003 PST (#2 of 2)
Pumping Nylon Position

I recently began taking lessons, and my instructor prefers the position in "Pumping Nylon". I have spent a good year and a half working on getting my right hand into the other position(like Segovia); and am now working my way out of it. I like this new position for two reasons -- it creates a warmer tone; and it protects the wrist area, thus preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm am also an RN, and have been really concerned about creating a problem in my wrist by using the Segovia technique. This new position takes that worry away.

Donna

[JoeAlders]

Bertrand,

Go visit the website www.mangore.com and then click to "classical guitar technique" and then click on "Hands" and also on "Carlevaro". Here you will find a lot of information about how the eventual differences/consequences when the RH is taking a curved position. or when you are holding the guitar a particular way when playing. But the whole website is worth browsing!!
Joe.

[AndyS]

I think you should follow what is most comfortable for you. Even if you produce a better tone from an uncomfortable hand position, it is uncomfortable for a reason. To prevent injuries, use what is most comfortable and try to produce the best tone in that position. I have used the Pumping Nylon technique book for years and I have never had a problem with any of the positions. Scott Tennant is an accomplished teacher and performer and that book is an amazing resource for classical guitar technique.

[YinWai]

I think you should follow what is most comfortable for you. Even if you produce a better tone from an uncomfortable hand position, it is uncomfortable for a reason. To prevent injuries, use what is most comfortable and try to produce the best tone in that position. I have used the Pumping Nylon technique book for years and I have never had a problem with any of the positions. Scott Tennant is an accomplished teacher and performer and that book is an amazing resource for classical guitar technique.

i second that. don't force yourself to do something, it will cause injury as i experienced once.

[M. Stephenson]

The curve of my hand changes based on how I am playing with the thumb.

When I play with the fleshy side of my thumb the wrist is flatter (classical) than when I am playing with the thumb nail tip (flamenco). I get a louder tone with the curved hand position (playing with the thumb nail) and it makes it easier to do thumb reststrokes.

If you put your fingers on the first strings and then slid your thumb from the upright to the side position you will see how this affects the curve of the wrist.

If you are a beginner, focus on just one position until you get the mechanics down. Eventually you should start to experiment with other positions.

Technique is a means to an end and a rigid technique limits your playing.