Good right hand exercises?

[Flongoid]

I'm currently trying to train my right hand to play lighter having just lowered my action, but I don't really have much stuff to play that isn't either too intensive on the right hand or not intensive enough.

Anyone got any good exercises for right hand?

[wideyes]

Ever thought about playing with the floating thumb technique? Or about incorporating more fingers? Now would be a good time to explore techniques that will help you in the long run.

[Fergie Fulton]

Look at the back of you hand, on each finger you have 3 knuckles. A lot of new players swing the fingers from the first knuckle from the wrist, a habit they may carry on with.
This give a long shallow sweep to the arc, with minimal use of the other 2 knuckles and finger tips at different lengths. This technique means it is harder to get in between the strings as a swing is needed to generate the movement, and the un-even tips means un-even contact..

If you bend from the 2nd knuckle you will see the action is more compact, the swing tighter and narrower. This give more control to play gentle. To get the position hold you hand and fingers together straight then bend from the 2nd knuckle only. Notice now that the end of the fingers are now level so access to the strings is the same for any of the fingers used.
From the 2nd joint to the tips want to have a gentle curl, and from the same joint back to the first knuckle wants to be straight to support this movement in line with the joints used.

[Flongoid]

Originally Posted by wideyes

Ever thought about playing with the floating thumb technique? Or about incorporating more fingers? Now would be a good time to explore techniques that will help you in the long run.

I already play with a floating thumb. Incidentally, I don't know how any can cope without doing so! Great technique.

Good suggesting on incorporating another finger. I might try and use my ring more - I use it when I'm doing arpeggios etc but never during normal playing.

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

Look at the back of you hand, on each finger you have 3 knuckles. A lot of new players swing the fingers from the first knuckle from the wrist, a habit they may carry on with.
This give a long shallow sweep to the arc, with minimal use of the other 2 knuckles and finger tips at different lengths. This technique means it is harder to get in between the strings as a swing is needed to generate the movement, and the un-even tips means un-even contact..

If you bend from the 2nd knuckle you will see the action is more compact, the swing tighter and narrower. This give more control to play gentle. To get the position hold you hand and fingers together straight then bend from the 2nd knuckle only. Notice now that the end of the fingers are now level so access to the strings is the same for any of the fingers used.
From the 2nd joint to the tips want to have a gentle curl, and from the same joint back to the first knuckle wants to be straight to support this movement in line with the joints used.

Great advice, but one question - am I supposed to keep to first knuckle totally straight? Like not move it at all?

[Fergie Fulton]

Originally Posted by Flongoid

Great advice, but one question - am I supposed to keep to first knuckle totally straight? Like not move it at all?

No.... as straight as you comfortably can, as the angle of approach, height of the instrument, type of instrument you use will have a bearing. it will finds it own position as you use and refine it. It will move to support the action, not be the catalyst for it. Works good with floating thumb as it is based on classical playing styles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLHR8...eature=related

[Flongoid]

Originally Posted by Fergie Fulton

No.... as straight as you comfortably can, as the angle of approach, height of the instrument, type of instrument you use will have a bearing. it will finds it own position as you use and refine it. It will move to support the action, not be the catalyst for it. Works good with floating thumb as it is based on classical playing styles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLHR8...eature=related

I'm not sure I really understand what you mean. I'm trying to play with more second knuckle motion and it's incredibly uncomfortable when I keep my arms straight. I guess i'm doing it wrong.

Do you have any better videos?

[Fergie Fulton]

Any new movement is uncomfortable, so always rest and let any discomfort pass. Never try and hold any position, let the body dictate how it supports movement and position as a new function. It is because you are using muscles and the functions in a way that is new to you that there will be some soreness. If i went out tomorrow and played squash i would be uncomfortable during it and sore the next day, because it is a new function to me. Found this and it shows the idea again by the great Billy Sheehan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CAGinmT9Po