Trouble with left hand tension

[Bertrand Navarrete]

originally posted 06:17am Mar 15, 2003 PST


I recently started playing and am having problem relaxing my left hand. My fingers stress so much that my forearm begins to ache. I've tried to follow my teacher's advice to "push" with my thumb behind the neck, but I feel like it's getting harder. Any advice here would be great.

[donna]

originally posted 12:01am Mar 26, 2003 PST (#1 of 2)

I think you would really benefit from the following website: www.guitarprinciples.com. Jamey Andreas' work "The Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar" is centered on letting go of excess tension. If you push with your thumb only, you will create a lot of tension in your entire arm and shoulder area. Most likely, you will probably notice that you raise your left shoulder with great tension. You need to use the weight of your left arm to help you out. Try this: Place your first finger on the 6th string at the 7th fret. Just lightly touch the string. Then make your finger firmer and use just enough pressure to bring the string down to touch the fretboard. Now, let your left arm completely relax. Allow the weight of your relaxed left arm to create the pressure needed to hold the string down. "The weight of your arm is being supported by the guitar itself, as your arm hangs on by the finger and thumb behind. This means your arem is completely relaxed, except for some effort from the forearm, hand, and finger. The important point is that most of the effort of getting the string down is done by the weight of the arm. Make sure the force is directed straight to the string, so the string is "pinned" down to the fingerboard. Don't let the weight ofthe arm pull the string down toward the floor. Look in a mirror to check this: you can't really tell from your view as the player. This sensation of the heavy arm is one that you should have often in playing. Unfortunately, many players never have it. Their arm muscles and other muscles of the upper body are tense all the time." pg. 63 Principles of Correct Practice for Guitar.

Donna

[bluz]

originally posted 11:06am Apr 22, 2003 PST (#2 of 2)

Bertrand,
Donna's post is spot on, the only thing I might add, is this:
as a new student, you are doing well to recognize you don't want that tension getting the better of you. A certain amount of that tension
will get better as you become more familiar with the fret board. Use Donna, and Jaime's techniques to keep from building the tension. Another thing Jaime points out is to be aware of the tension, you may be having tension in other places other than your hand, be aware of, and relax, that tension as well. And try not to let the tension build up to the point, where you have to stop playing to get it to relax. Also watch your posture, and playing position. You will have less tension as you gain technique, and build strength, so you don't have to strain. I would commend you, for being aware that that tension is your enemy, when I was coming up, I would play until I had to quit, thinking I would eventually get the strength to over come, and build endurance. I was wrong. For you to be on top of this as a beginner, is excellent. Try to stay aware to anything that keeps you from progressing. And play those scales and modes!!!
Good Luck to you,
James