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Tips for speed and accuracy?

R

Reflective

Sep 6, 2009
48
1
#1
I've been playing for quite some time. I've focused mostly on ear training, pitch matching, chord construction, note selection and general theory application. I'd like to focus on my speed, accuracy, and dependability (in keeping time and clean transitions). I was hoping you all could lend some advice on a route for this. What I know about developing these things:

1. Practice with a metronome. Things that are too fast for my ability, learn at a slower tempo and work my way up.

2. Efficiency of movement. Don't dig in so hard with the right hand - let the amp do the work. Don't press harder than you need on the fret hand.

3. Go back to the basics. Don't focus so much on fancy fills and solos, play bare bones but do it well.

edit: 4. incorporate the ring finger on the plucking hand (for fingerstyle)
Any other tips would be much appreciated.
 
#4
JimmyM said:
I agree with those except #3. If you go back to the basics, how will you expand?
Click to expand...

+1

I would almost go the opposite way. Get a really tricky fill (or whatever) and start slow & build up. If you can play really tricky stuff up to tempo, then all other runs, fills, lines, techniques etc will be easier to play.
Doesn't mean you have to play them, or at least all the time. But if you want to play a tricky fill, you will be able to pull it out with less effort
 
#6
Don't underestimate the importance of accuracy, i.e. learn the notes/phrase/run perfectly at slow tempo, to the point where you're not thinking about it. ANY hesitation due to uncertainty tenses the fretting hand, which severely reduces agility (i.e. the ability to rapidly change direction). There are some licks that I've played 1000s of times now, to the point that I can play them faster than needed (and still on beat).

Relax your entire body, not just your hands. Make sure you're not holding your breath and tensing up.

Also, in addition to point #1, take part of the lick (3 - 4 notes), and play it against a metronome at ½ time then full time. Do short runs at full time interspersed with half time, then gradually do longer runs at full time. Start at ~80% tempo, then gradually increase the tempo on the metronome by 2 - 4 bpm. Master at each speed before increasing the tempo. Take your time- don't rush to get to full tempo.

Another technique is to sing it at full tempo. Then sing it while playing on the bass.
 
#9
Make sure you're not making any mistakes. Look at your thumb at the neck, or the distance of your fingers from the fret-board. Make sure these are exactly how you want them, because the more you practise, the more they'll stick.

So practising it correct is most important
 
#12
Reflective said:
Anyone else have some insight they can share with me? I know we have a host of knowledge on these forums!
Click to expand...


When I first started playing my fingers were so clumsy I couldn't pluck at all. Ironically now I can do sixteenths at 180 BPM with 2 fingers. I know it's not all about speed but put on a metronome and start around 70 BPM do eights sixteenths and maybe even triplets for 3 minutes. Keep raising the metronome in Increments of 5. This is a process I use and still use. Great warm up. Just relax your hands and body and don't think about it too much. Just play. :D and it is very helpful to use metronome. I'm used to it because I'm mainly a drummer but it gets you to think rhythmically about patterns. Just try it.
 

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