Speed Exercises For Guitar

[JonnyPac]

Yeah, Reg. I play things like this in all keys, etc. Up down you name it... Not mapping things out like this. Just playing.

[JonnyPac]

Hey Kojo, here's another set of things to play with:

[Kojo27]

Thank you, kind sir.

KJ

[Kojo27]

And don't forget this humongous resource of melodic patterns (or sequences) for developing "melodic freedom." (It really is a GREAT site.) Pick a pattern a day, or per week, and improve your fingers and ears for a loooooong time.

Melodic Patterns - 112 scale sequences for improving melodic freedom

[Jazzbo82]

I've recently discovered something about my picking technique. My pick strokes are too large. By practicing slowly and using a book called Right Hand Development for Jazz Guitar by Renard Hoover.

I've always thought I was using my elbow when I picked but I've realized that instead it was that my forearm, wrist, and hand moved. The muscles in my elbow were not being used at all. After I figured this out and took smaller pick strokes I can play a little bit faster. All's I need is just a big more practice!

[JonnyPac]

I'm still workin' on this shiz every day. It helps. Slow but sure...

[Kojo27]

I'm still workin' on this shiz every day. It helps. Slow but sure...

As long as it's helping, keep at it. I'm doing it, too -- and it does help. I've applied the "Pick-say-1e&a" idea to all sorts of stuff, and it's amazing. Simple, but so beneficial.

Also a thing I'm doing - you might know of it - called "no-tempo practicing." Heard of it? If not, I'll try to find the title and author of the book I learned it from. Very effective way to practice difficult passages.

[JonnyPac]

Cool beans. I'm really trying to keep my damn pinky from leaving the neck when it is not playing a note. It's got a lazy mind of it's own. lol

[23skidoo]

Cool beans. I'm really trying to keep my damn pinky from leaving the neck when it is not playing a note. It's got a lazy mind of it's own. lol

hell yeah, sometimes I want to cut it off. I've really been working the 1234 variations / arps from Reg's first video upthread. That needs to be its own thread, IMHO, in the "Getting Started" forum. I've gotten a lot from it - speed, accuracy, dexterity.... not sure if it's just me practicing like a mad bastard, but it seems to be a really focused, useful excercise. The variation with not lifting your finger till you need it - posted by Kojo WAY upthread - is great as well. I've been working that for several weeks and my fly-away pinky is better..... a little everyday.....