Treatise on "Proper Technique"

[ii7-V7]

I've just posted a new entryon my blog on why I consider proper technique to be important. I've gotten a lot of grief for some of the things that I post on my website. It seems that people are upset because my essays tell people what to do. I figure that people who are searching google and find my articles on proper right hand technique are looking for someone to "tell them what to do."

Now, this is geared predominantly towards guitar players, but the basic principles should apply to learning any instrument.

Check this article out and tell me if I'm being overbearing.

Thanks

http://grandweepers.wordpress.com/20...per-technique/

[bonzo4880]

I tell this to everyone I ever play with and the handful of students that I have had (that and my rant about ear protection). Learning technique and theory - for any instrument - can certainly be a drag at times. The learning curve is steeper in the beginning. That's why you have to take it slow. Don't try (or expect) to learn it all in day, or expect to see huge improvements overnight. It also depends on your age and how long you have been playing. Breaking old habits can be onerous. Taking lessons for a short time - even 2-3 months - can break you out of a rut or set you down the right path if you are a beginner. Good technique allows you to play things that you might not be able to play at all, or play as easily, and makes the stuff you already have down that much more solid. The only point of practicing and learning this stuff is so that you DON'T have to think about it. It doesn't restrict you, it will set you free. Cliche, yes, but you have to know what the rules are before you can break them.

[spindizzy]

Personally I think your wrist is too bent in at least one of the photo examples in part one and I do not believe the advice about starting with a pick is necessarily good for bass players. I am not saying that playing with a pick is wrong simply that in the case of bass it is incorrect to state that one is better than another when starting out (and if you did I would suggest fingers first, pick later).

All in all you have fairly common suggestions and the fact that you are advising folks to consider technique early is accurate and therefore not being overbearing simply being informative. There are a lot of folks here who regularly make strong statements about what they believe is the proper way to learn. Until you kidnap someone and force them to learn (a federal offense by the way) no one is being forced to follow your suggestions.

The fact that you took time to aid others is what counts and for that you should be commended.

Spin

[ii7-V7]

Thanks guys. Your point about starting bass with a pick is accurate. That particular post is specifically regarding guitar. But, I certainly wouldn't start a new bass player with a pick.....thats why I only teach guitar lessons.

As for the wrist being bent, assume that you are looking at the one photo of me with the acoustic guitar? I've actually thought that before as well, but I didn't have a better picture to use. The guitar is actually laid a little too far back as well. Its not nearly perpedicular to the floor. I need to consider taking a new pic.

[EADG mx]

Totally agree with you ii7-V7, but please, resolve your username. It's really tense.

[ii7-V7]

Now thats funny!

[skaliwag66]

Originally Posted by ii7-V7

I've just posted a new entryon my blog on why I consider proper technique to be important. I've gotten a lot of grief for some of the things that I post on my website. It seems that people are upset because my essays tell people what to do. I figure that people who are searching google and find my articles on proper right hand technique are looking for someone to "tell them what to do."

Now, this is geared predominantly towards guitar players, but the basic principles should apply to learning any instrument.

Check this article out and tell me if I'm being overbearing.

Thanks

http://grandweepers.wordpress.com/20...per-technique/

Great blog

I especially enjoyed the speed kills article