Right and Left Hand Technique for Guitar

HAND AND FINGER BASICS:

There is a correct way and an incorrect way to hold a pick with your strumming hand.  You’ll want to lightly rest the pick between your thumb and forefinger.  Your forefinger needs to be arced so that it forms a semi-circle.  The pick will rest between the first and second knuckles on the forefinger.  Each finger consists of three knuckles, one right above the fingernail, one half way up the finger and the last where the finger meets with the hand.  The first and second are referring to the ones right above the fingernail and half way up the finger.  From here you will place your thumb on the pick creating a loose yet stable pressure.

As you become more advanced in your guitar playing, you will learn that there are several ways to hold a pick and all of which will be held between the thumb and forefinger.  Do not let yourself fall into the trap of holding the pick with the tips of your thumb, forefinger and middle finger.  This is incorrect and is a very bad habit to break.  It will not allow for your remaining fingers to have any dexterity…

Before I move on to posture, let’s talk about dexterity.  What is dexterity?  It means skill and grace in physical movement, especially in the use of hand.  Finger dexterity is of utmost importance when playing any musical instrument and particularly the guitar.  Moving your hands and fingers through chords and different scales requires a lot of practice in dexterity.

If you go to a music store, you will find tools to help exercise and strengthen your hands and fingers while building dexterity.  Another highly recommended exercise is to purchase a tennis or racquet ball and squeeze them for several minutes to build hand strength.  Here are some excellent finger dexterity practices that don’t require you to purchase anything:

Place your hand on a flat surface and lift one finger at a time.  Go for accuracy first and gradually build speed.  Next, try lifting every other finger and again go for accuracy then speed.

Spread your fingers out and touch the center of your palm with each finger while keeping remaining fingers as straight as possible.  This will help with coordination.  Go for accuracy and then speed.

Crumple a piece of paper with one hand, and then flatten it back out.  Repeat this process several times.

Place your fingertips on a flat surface and practice tapping them in order (refer to hand diagram and finger numbers) 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1.  Go for accuracy and then speed.