Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathans_Dad
Also, anyone have any exercises that increase your speed? My stinkin fingers just won't go fast enough!! I know it's all about practice but I am wondering if there are specific things I can practice to get faster. Thanks.
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Like driving, smooth is fast. If you are focused on speed you really should work on playing certain lines (scales, melodies, etc) slowly with a metronome. They should be as smooth as glass. Then slowly increase the metronome speed. Repeat.
That said, speed isn't always musical (in fact, it rarely is). So be careful what you wish for.
One really good exercise is to set your metronome at 40bpm. Play one note per bea (whole note)t. Any note, doesn't matter. The focus is on rhythm. After a couple of beats then play 2 notes per beat (half notes). Then 3 notes (triplet). Then 4 notes (quarter notes). Then 5, and on until you play 12 notes per beat. If you can do that smoothly you'll be playing plenty fast *and* you be able to shift between different feels.
Another good one is to play all the combinations of fingerings. On any string play:
1-2-3-4 (index, middle, ring, pinky, each on their own fret - no hand shifting)
1-3-2-4
1-4-2-3
1-2-4-3
etc. There are 24 combinations. Some will be easier than others.
And not related to speed but rather getting to know your instrument. Starting with your lowest string, play every E on your guitar. Low E, 12th fret on E, 7th fret on A, etc. Then play every F. Then every F#.
Do those three exercises every day and you'll have a great facility on your instrument.