I’m increasing frustrated by the folks who think that everyone knowing exactly how each muscle in the hand/forearm works makes better guitarists.  It really doesn’t.

Guitar technique is not rocket science.

Guitar technique doesn’t and shouldn’t involve complex diagrams.

For those struggling with simple right hand free strokes and getting a good, full sound try this:  hold your hand open.  Close it, bringing the thumb to the side of the index.  That’s it.  That’s exactly what your free stroke should look like.

Without further delay, let me present my list of cues which I use almost every lesson with most students:

1. Keep the wrists straight (both hands)
2. Follow through with the right hand fingers (especially important for beginners)
3. Left hand fingers press on their tips, right behind (towards the headstock) the frets
4. Guitarists No. 1 job:  be as lazy as possible–use as little effort to get the desired results

That’s it.  There’s certainly finger points having to do with tone color, but really that’s it.  If a beginner can do the whole hand closing thing and snap off four string with p i m a, then they will do right hand arpeggio patterns and alternation with ease later on.

-CD

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About the Author

Christopher Davis founded The Classical Guitar Blog in 2008. He is currently pursuing a Masters degree in guitar performance. In addition to his studies, Chris is an active teacher and performer based in Middle Tennessee. Connect with Chris on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and the Classical Guitar Network.

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