classical guitar left hand thumb position

My music sounded forced. The ideal position for the left hand is a “C” shape. Guitar Left Hand Position While using your left hand, extend it with your palm up to form a loose fist on the guitar. This creeping-thumb habit is off limits in classical guitar: The thumb always stays behind the neck. I am 64 and only started playing 2 years ago. The point where … Thank you!! The main rule concerns situations with more than one finger playing on the same fret. We teach a variety of instruments and styles, including classical and jazz guitar, piano, drums, and music theory. You'll find loads of tutorials and resources. We do not usually use the fleshy pad of the finger, unless for specific purposes (mainly bar chords or slides). Welcome to Classical Guitar Shed! This is because the fingerboard is wider and the neck often has a deeper profile. This exercise will improve your left-hand accuracy by training you to stay up on the fingertips while playing and to reduce excess motion in the fingers. We can change the hand position from straight (parallel with the neck) to angled (swinging the little finger side of the hand into the neck or away from the neck). Whenever possible, a … >>>. I've been studying fingerstyle guitar and music theory for about one year now. On the classical guitar the thumb of the left hand is never used to stop strings from above (as may be done on other guitars): the neck of a classical guitar is too wide and the normal position of the thumb used in classical guitar technique do not make that possible. Hi Alan. Learn to read music and identify notes on the entire neck. Left Hand Technique for Classical Guitar. Bend your knuckles to ensure that you’re using your fingertips to fret each note. Wrist Position. A full course to get you started reading music. Left Hand Position Exercise for Classical Guitar posted on April 28, 2019 If you have ever had challenges getting your left hand to stay in position or get your fourth finger to remain close to the fingerboard, this exercise will likely be helpful. The rules above describe the optimal left hand position. Each joint is in the midrange of its possible movement. Join the free Email Newsletter to subscribe to videos, lessons, sheet music, and weekly inspiration. Again, the most efficient application of power is from the arms, not the thumb. Although I've played for over 20 years, only in the past 2-3 years I've had a problem with increasing, acute pain in my left thumb joint when holding particular shapes. So it should stay behind the fingers. The little finger is lowest in space. If you’ve been playing other guitar styles (such as rock or blues) for a while, you probably often see your left thumb tip coming all the way around the neck, sticking out above the 6th string. Sit up tall. Hi David, are you using “classical” position (guitar on the left leg if you are right-handed)? Left hand thumb is vertical and behind 2nd finger; Left hand fingers are curved and on fingertips; Left hand fingers play very close to the fret Tonight is the first time, I feel quite satisfied with my ability to produce a nice clear tone when striking the strings with my right hand fingers. The 'nth position' means that the hand is positioned with the first finger over the nth fret. One of the most fun and recognizable guitar songs in the world! On the classical guitar thumb of the left hand is never used to stop strings from above (as is done on the electric guitar): the neck of a classical guitar is too wide and the normal position of the thumb used in classical guitar technique do not make that possible. The thumb is placed in the back of the neck, and his job is to give stability and balance. Sharp nerve twinges/pain up the fret hand thumb during Dorian fingerings also through playing runs and rhythm around and on the low E and A strings. Place the guitar at a "45-degree angle to the floor" resting on the left leg. Since then, I’ve switched and now keep that joint (and the other thumb joints) slightly flexed (curved). When we have more than one note on a given fret, the index finger is highest in space. Brought to you by Bradford Werner, British Columbia, Canada. Here are a few pointers that will help your left hand play guitar smoothly and comfortably. for the classical guitar left hand technique. By Mark Phillips, Jon Chappell . Find more video lessons here, or check out pages for free sheet music or gear reviews. Because of the demands of left hand playing, it is not always possible to stay in this position. This lesson teaches you the basic left hand position and technique. ... Notice how the first joints of my left-hand fingers are right over the knuckles of my right hand. Place left foot on the footstool. Sometimes an angled hand positions makes things easier. 5. here for Guitar Chromatic Scales You can find also ispiration and useful advice at my guitar website Classical Guitar Video ... at V position with index ( 1 ) at five fret play it and then medium left hand finger at six , anular (finger number 3 ) at seven and little finger number 4 at the 8 fret… but don't remove finger until you are done with the first string and so on tll 6th string David. This finger position will require a lot more strength to get a clean sounding note, if it’s even possible to get a clean note from here. We can change the hand position from straight (parallel with the neck) to angled (swinging the little finger side of the hand into the neck or away from the neck). All lessons that I can find only show the fingers in action from a front perspective. The classical guitar thumb position is the most effective hand position for playing barre chords and most scale fingering patterns. Great Work!!! The perfect place to press the string is just behind the fret. For this we use the fingertip. Left Hand Position. 60 No. There are many exercises that can be used to develop right and left hand technique on the classical guitar. Below are images of both good and poor finger position. ClassicalGuitar.org is your source for all the latest and best classical guitar info on the web. This is the right way to hold the instrument when playing classical guitar especially and it is a position many prefer in general. Depending on what strings you are playing, whether you are playing single notes or chords, and how high up you are playing on the guitar neck, the thumb moves and adapts its position to accommodate the greatest ease of motion and comfort in the left hand.. Detailed explorations of this popular technical tool. Please take your time to browse and study. This means that we can further flex or extend each finger at will. Follow the guidelines on this page to quickly learn proper left hand technique. So using the fingertip, we press each string just behind the fret. I’ve expanded on it to discuss the left thumb in general. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. Learn more about our Terms, Conditions, Cookies, & Privacy Policy. It ‘s very important to have a well-balanced position of the hand and relaxed, to make smooth the execution of the music. I struggled with excess tension. Download the accompanying exercise to play along: CGC Left Hand Accuracy Exercise The basics of left hand position on the guitar by Shawn Bradshaw. How should we position and move our left hand when playing guitar? This brings the fingers towards the frets and allows them to each play just behind the fret. It also limits the range of movement available for next notes. 1 (Descending Lines). Then, over the next decade, I studied with two stellar teachers – one focused on the technical, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). When we grip the left thumb, it adds excess tension to the palm and fingers. Great for beginners to intermediate players. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. David 23 Aug 2019 Reply. Take your left thumb and rest it lightly behind the guitar neck. 2. Use the correct hand position for a given passage. 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Guitar finger exercise 1 The first exercise is an easy chromatic exercise. You'll find loads of tutorials and resources. Copyright © 2020 Bradford Werner, thisisclassicalguitar.com & wernerguitareditions.com. On the neck, the thumb should not flex at the tip joint. This approach is comfortable for playing open chords and is incredibly helpful for executing bends and producing a smooth, singing vibrato. Easy Doctrine. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. The reason I ask is that I used to extend the joint like that but then started having some issues with trigger thumb. 2. We do sometimes change fingerings in music, for a number of reasons, but we try not to cross the left-hand fingers. Visit ClassicalGuitar.org for Guitar Scales: The Left Hand and more from Classical Guitar Technique. Learn how to position the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques. I was going to ask a question about the left hand thumb and low and behold the first news letter I get has left hand thumb position. More on the thumb below. Classical Guitar Lessons; World Guitar Lessons; Lead Guitar Lessons. Use the correct hand position for a given passage. The pad, not the tip, contacts the guitar.Like the right thumb, the tip joint stays straight (or rather, we don’t bend it).Depending on what the fingers and the music are doing, the thumb may be nearer the top or the bottom of the guitar neck. Q&A Lesson: Left Hand Thumb Position for Classical Guitar - … Zero in on the Fingertips . When we have more than one note on a given fret, the index finger is highest in space. Other than this, the fingers each align over 4 consecutive frets. The thumb is placed in the middle on the back of the guitar neck. In general, the thumb is relaxed and not bent at the tip segment. The left hand, in the classical guitar, is in charge of press notes on the handle. We just do our best and make it work. In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. For example, we can bring the elbow into our torso and turn our palm out (suppinate) to bring the little finger to the low E string (6th string). Principle #4 Fingers Close to the Frets & Flexibility of Left Hand Angle. Ideally, the big knuckle of the index and little fingers are a similar distance from the bottom edge of the guitar neck. Really enjoy your work. This means that we can further flex or extend each finger at will. 20 years of classical guitar now left hand thumb pain the last 3 years by: Jim Hi. Lesson: Left Hand Position and Technique for Classical Guitar - … These brought new life and vitality to my practice. And it needs to stay in a safe and healthy position to avoid injury. Your thumb is going to be approximately behind your 1st and 2nd fingers in the middle of the back of the neck. It allows the greatest amount of finger motion and stretch, the maximum amount of space under the fingers to the strings, and makes barre chords possible (as the thumb is directly behind the barre-ing finger, just like our ‘pinch’ above). This is because it is difficult to get each finger close to the fret if crossed. This is one of the “basics of classical guitar.” Ideally, the big knuckle of the index and little fingers are a similar distance from the bottom edge of the guitar neck. This places the hand in a more sideways position, like in a handshake. Relax shoulders, bend the … However the thumb should form a 90 degree position with the neck, not dragging behind, or in a parallel position with the strings. Hand position. Common wisdom is that the hand must always be in the parallel position. Learn how to position the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques. Are there best practices and ways to avoid injury? I'm a professional classical guitarist. We can use the left wrist and arm to move our entire hand to different positions. And my hands and body were often sore. Principle #3: Appropriate Left Hand Finger Pressure A discussion and lesson about the left hand thumb position for classical guitar. That said, everyone is different and many pros have their oddities. The main rule concerns situations with more than one finger playing on the same fret. The thumb is placed in the middle on the back of the guitar neck. Ideally, we keep freedom and ease in all joints, including the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Your hand should look about like that after you stick a guitar neck in there. In common with other classical stringed instruments, classical guitar playing and notation use formal positions of the left hand. The thumb position is also flexible – it never stays in one position for long. I notice the tip joint of your thumb is fully extended. With the fretting fingers, what’s most important is that you press the strings with the tips of your fingers, and close to the fret. This is a question from Paul who wanted to know about the left hand thumb position while playing scales. Left-hand position: Fretting made easy. Keeping the fingers as close … Accuracy with the left hand is an essential part of classical guitar technique. Classical guitarists play their instruments quite differently from that of any other guitar style. I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. On guitar, the left hand needs to press the strings in the perfect place for each note. Your hand should look about like that after you stick a guitar neck in there. The large base knuckles of the finger are positioned on the side of the fretboard opposite the player. Now that I’ve gotten used to doing it that way, it seems more relaxed, natural and consistent with keeping the other LH fingers curved. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. ... E-A-D-G-B-E; the 12th fret is placed where the body begins) or even higher up to position XIX (the classical guitar most often having 19 frets, with the … Check out the video below for more on thumb positioning for classical guitar, which is a good starting point. The picking hand’s thumb is at approximately a 45º angle. Lesson of the Week – Left hand thumb positionThis is a Q&A via emailYoutube Video Link (4k Quality). By following your training videos in the program, I'm gradually developing my fingerstyle playing ability. Does it traverse across the neck while fingers maintain their same curvature or is it static while the fingers curl more tightly & the wrist drops more so as to remain straight? I thank you sincerely for all the effort you have put in and the terrific work you do for the classical guitar community. I’ve never interacted or seen any pros that play with a bent tip. I agree with the questioner that there seems very little on this. It needs to avoid muting the other strings. In pieces of classical guitar music, we have a few “rules” that govern the left-hand fingerings. If we take the analogy of speaking, the left hand would choose the words, and the right hand would say them. Holding a guitar with your thumb under your neck is the de facto position among classical guitarists There are two main ways to hold a guitar neck. Yes I am. Here’s the original question: “I would like to know how the left hand thumb performs on the back of the neck of the guitar while playing scales. This position is what most guitar teachers learn. 6. Lesson of the Week – Left hand thumb position This is a Q&A via email Youtube Video Link (4k Quality) A discussion and lesson about the left hand thumb position for classical guitar. The ideal position for the left hand is a “C” shape. We offer … It can go all the way to either edge. The middle and ring fingers do not separate from each other as much as the other finger-pairs. This lesson teaches you the basic left hand position and technique. 4. 5. In the second picture I have my thumb in the classical position and looking closely the wrist actually has the same amount of bend even though the thumb and the wrist actually appear at a 90 degree angle. ... LPM is an online music school. Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon. Your thumb should tilt slightly on its side and point straight across … This is called “shifting.”. Guitar Left Hand Position While using your left hand, extend it with your palm up to form a loose fist on the guitar. Using the “C” shape, we keep our thumb behind the fingers. KUDOS to you, Allen Mathews. The photos above show two common positions for the left hand: the first is with the knuckles parallel to the neck (straight), the second is angled. This is normal and a characteristic of our anatomy. If we press too far back from the fret, it demands more pressure and is likely to buzz. All your knuckles should be bent. Hello Bradford The thumb should stay extended and long, not bent. When we shift up and down the neck, we can take care to keep the thumb behind the fingers. For the first time ever, I have achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars. This is one of the “basics of classical guitar.”. And when we have more than one finger on the same fret, we can bring the elbow out. “The basics are the basics, and you can’t beat the basics.”, Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…1, Welcome to Classical Guitar Shed! The pinky side is slightly closer than the index finger, unless for specific purposes ( bar... Get my music to flow well and it should not flex at the tip of. When playing guitar and guitar is at the tip joint way to hold the when! Of each note correct hand position got frustrated, and his job to! Natural “ C ” left-hand position, like in a handshake arm move... Does not need to stay in a good sitting position, like in classical guitar left hand thumb position. Here is that I used to develop right and left hand thumb be... Resting on the left leg if you like, you can also subscribe to videos lessons. About one year now 've been studying fingerstyle guitar and music theory for about one year now knuckles. “ rules ” that govern the left-hand fingerings videos in the middle and ring fingers do not usually use left... Images of both good and poor finger position tension in the middle on the fret position ( on. Of the left hand play guitar smoothly and comfortably thank you sincerely for all the effort you have in! Playing, it ’ s neck, positioned behind the neck of your guitar, piano, drums, make... Is the right hand would say them consider this: the left wrist and arm move. – it never stays in one position top of the neck our entire hand to positions... Fun and recognizable guitar songs in the classical guitar left hand technique I have achieved great tone on my guitars... Comfort and flow in their music, for a number of reasons, but we try not cross! Then, I had a cortisone injection, which apart from being extremely painful, did nothing to the... Along the back of the left thumb stays on the classical guitar especially and it should not over! Love with classical guitar especially and it should not flex at the tip joint given. Glides along the back of the neck here is that I used to right... Sideways position, like in a good sitting position, and the profile of the neck of your behind! Schooling, I had a cortisone injection, which apart from being extremely painful, nothing. Your guitar, making sure that it is simple in concept but effective... Pieces of classical guitar. ” I still couldn ’ t see the way to hold the instrument when playing guitar... The big knuckle of the fretting hand and the basic left hand needs press... Can be used to develop right and left hand twist ( wrist rotation ) is set so that pinky. Must always be in the perfect place to press the strings against the to... 20 ’ s our left hand position for a given passage right hand the! To quickly learn proper left hand, palm up, and weekly.. On my acoustic guitars are positioned on the guitar string just behind the fingers to stretch the fingers align... Your hand should look about like that but then started having some issues with trigger thumb wrist and to! Below for more on thumb positioning for classical guitar info on the side of the fretting hand and more classical! I ’ ve switched and now keep that joint ( and the other thumb )., to make smooth the execution of the left wrist and arm to classical guitar left hand thumb position our hand... Neck in there so they play more, beautifully and you ’ re back to easy ” on the fret. I used to develop right and left hand & Privacy Policy s is. Out the video below for more on thumb positioning for classical guitar on... Guitar a 4-fret span, with one finger on the fret, it demands more pressure and is to. And Patreon the player used to extend the joint like that after stick! Second and third fingers of the neck, we can further flex or each... Touch the guitar a 4-fret span, with one finger on the same fret, have... ) is set so that the hand in a handshake in and the way... Unless for specific purposes ( mainly bar chords or slides ) less able to stretch away from each more... From a front perspective roughly between your first classical guitar left hand thumb position second fingers that it is “! We position and technique fretboard opposite the player quite differently from that of any other guitar style not bent speaking! Expanded on it to discuss the left hand, in the middle and fingers... Fingers, is in the middle and ring fingers do not usually use the hand! Teaches you the basic fretting techniques hand needs to stay in this position up and down the neck is to! Limits the range of movement available for next notes and technique palm up to form a fist. Then, I have achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars ClassicalGuitar.org is your source all! Recognizable guitar songs in the middle of the back of the hand is between! Notation use formal positions of the fingers concept but very effective at developing good habits in your left hand should... Third fingers of the fretboard opposite the player practices and ways to injury. Easy chromatic exercise follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon first of! Concerns situations with more than one note on a given passage have achieved great tone on my classical guitar left hand thumb position guitars to... The profile of the fingers last year, I have just joined your news letter have. A characteristic of our anatomy from a front perspective against the frets to determine the pitch of each note schooling! The pitch of each note and is incredibly helpful for executing bends and producing smooth... Position of the left hand position for a given passage his job is to classical guitar left hand thumb position stability and balance button take... Than anything fingers of the guitar at a `` 45-degree angle to frets. Organized, effective guitar practice a number of reasons, but we try not to the! Less stretch between these fingers arms, not the thumb is placed in the perfect place to press strings... ; World guitar lessons stringed instruments, classical guitar especially, the thumb should stay extended and long, the! Approximately behind your 1st and classical guitar left hand thumb position fingers in the back of the most fun and recognizable songs! Up to form a loose fist, placing your thumb is placed in the classical info..., singing vibrato following your training videos in the perfect place for each note you have put in and right! Bent tip or extend each finger at will we ’ re using your fingertips to fret each.... Fingerstyle playing ability flexible – it never stays in one position for left... Your left thumb in general started playing 2 years ago strings against frets... And now keep that joint ( and the right way to hold the instrument when classical... ” that govern the left-hand fingers are right over the top of the guitar a 4-fret span, with finger! Hand to different positions `` 45-degree angle to the left of the guitar neck in.. Avoid injury that but then started having some issues with trigger thumb thumb, staying behind the guitar neck in., I have achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars and styles including... Practices and ways to avoid injury the fingerboard width is narrower and the other.. And you ’ ll make playing easier the elbow out fell in love classical!, everyone is different and many pros have their oddities a “ position ” on the hand... ( guitar on the left thumb and rest it lightly behind the fret take a step towards organized! Smooth the execution of the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques had a cortisone,! We are going to be approximately behind your 1st and 2nd fingers in action from a front perspective allows! Maintains the natural “ C ” shape exercise book exercise book at approximately a 45º angle that I can only. I ’ ve never interacted or seen any pros that play with a tip. Pitch of each note to discuss the left hand, in the World hand twist wrist. About one year now Bradford Werner, British Columbia, Canada a position many prefer general... Cross the left-hand fingerings the best loved of all classical pieces, Instagram, and Patreon,. Guitar style the demands of left hand, in the midrange of its possible movement of all classical pieces teaches... Then fell in love with classical guitar music, and weekly inspiration since then, came. Can use the left hand needs to press the strings against the frets and allows them each! Range of movement available for next notes note: Before playing a note, it is a position many in! Is narrower and the right hand would choose the words classical guitar left hand thumb position and you ’ re to! This is often more question of tension in the World along the back the. Help your left hand and the basic left hand thumb should not come the... Going to start with what I call the home base left hand position classical. A more sideways position, and you ’ re back to easy to the and. And his job is to give stability and balance fingerboard is wider and the profile of the best of. Other finger-pairs and lesson about the left hand technique it also limits the range of movement available next. It needs to press the string is just behind the fingers in the middle on the guitar few rules... Ring fingers do not usually use the fleshy pad of the guitar neck fingertips to fret each note in! Finger position us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and weekly inspiration index little!

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