How important picking dynamics relax left hand in order to make your singing phrase?

[Tomo]

I think it's really easy to pick harder with overdrive pedals than you need to.

Here is example go from clean sound into od pedal.

I set my OD tone a bit louder than clean(just a hair). When I go solo with od pedal. I use my picking control
to play a bit softer, I add more picking nuances as go with my solo...

This way you have 3 steps picking dynamics control by your picking. Please remember this...
You really need to work on how to relax your left hand/fingers too. No too much pressure!
It's not easy at all. Because we look after the positions too much, we rends to forget about
how important these approach.

Hope you find more fun playing. Above all. It's supposed to be fun. Not work.

Clean tone to OD tone playing picking dynamics (http://www.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/jf_clip01.mp3)

Listen this and think. Hope you will notice something.

Tomo

[trisonic]

Yep, hand control of a guitar is difficult - thanks for reminding me to release my "left hand grip of steel", Tomo.

"Hand dynamics" is way more important than what gear you're using for tone control!!!

Best, Pete.

[jspax7]

Great post Tomo! You have an amazing touch.

Many players, IMHO, are "heavy handed". When I first played through my Fuchs ODS, I discovered that I could go from clean to dirty by varying my pick attack.

Funny thing is, when I gave my guitar to other players, they couldn't do it.

It's like speaking. Whisper, speak softly, talk in a normal tone, speak loud enough to be heard, shout, yell, scream. (Just an example of the dynamics in our speech.) I suggest trying the same thing when playing.

Left hand too. Try playing without your thumb behind the neck. You'll soon discover how little left hand pressure is needed to fret the notes.

All great players have dynamics. SRV, Larry Carlton, to name just two.
Relax, and don't forget to breathe.

[Tomo]

Yep, hand control of a guitar is difficult - thanks for reminding me to release my "left hand grip of steel", Tomo.

"Hand dynamics" is way more important than what gear you're using for tone control!!!

Best, Pete.


Hi Pete,

I have taught many "Hard hitting" players. So no problem.

Once you get technique you will have Tone control & Volume control
built in you! Very cheap way!

Your gears will express more with your touch! It's all fun.

I just wrote this somewhere today. It works really well.
Many versions of these...

???I am really picky about my clams, muting technique. I was just teaching
my tape lessons.

I have many lesson ideas... but this one really works.

1) Play slow blues in A. Using triads & bend(very specifc line as a etude)

2) Play with overdrive pedal. Brighther setting.

3) Play like a clean tone. So you have to pick notes
really soft. If you hit normal, you will hear gain from od pedal.

4) Play chords. 9th riffs with overdrive on. So that you can hear
your noises from your left fingers.

There are many things to follow this ex. That's what I do everyday.
That's why I am into my lawn!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Great post Tomo! You have an amazing touch.

Many players, IMHO, are "heavy handed". When I first played through my Fuchs ODS, I discovered that I could go from clean to dirty by varying my pick attack.

Funny thing is, when I gave my guitar to other players, they couldn't do it.

It's like speaking. Whisper, speak softly, talk in a normal tone, speak loud enough to be heard, shout, yell, scream. (Just an example of the dynamics in our speech.) I suggest trying the same thing when playing.

Left hand too. Try playing without your thumb behind the neck. You'll soon discover how little left hand pressure is needed to fret the notes.

All great players have dynamics. SRV, Larry Carlton, to name just two.
Relax, and don't forget to breathe.


Thank you so much for your kind words. Most player tends to play without amps or set too low volume
,not enough brightness, too much mids, bass... these covers all essence of good technique to produce
good tone, touch and nuances. I have been working on these issues with many students at Berklee and others.

I do same way to explain this as your voice. Most people sounded like screaming all the time.
Whisper, some sexy talk(someone good at your own voice! Just transfer that idea into your guitar playing)

Thanks for adding. Left hand without thumb is really easy way to see the difference. Many other way
to understand this left hand problem. Most people tends to follow "right hand shapes" so shape sounds
are correct, but tone isn't sometimes.

I think if someone has better tone control(feel & technique), people could enjoy more playing through even
just amp and guitar.

Hope this will help some degree to people.

Thanks,

ES335 soft nuance R&B solo (www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Wizard_335_RandB-solo_1.mp3)


Tomo

[trisonic]

Tomo,
A quickie for you.

My daughter is 9 going 10 and because she had a great year at school I just bought her a Strat and a Marshall (mini of each)........

As an unschooled member of the guitar playing fraternity can you suggest to me a book course that I could use in conjunction with me to teach her?
I have some bad habits that I don't want to pass on........She's beginning to read at school whilst learning the Recorder and she starts on the Flute in September. Grateful for your advise.
Btw which Metronome do you recommend?


Best, Pete.

[Tomo]

Tomo,
A quickie for you.

My daughter is 9 going 10 and because she had a great year at school I just bought her a Strat and a Marshall (mini of each)........

As an unschooled member of the guitar playing fraternity can you suggest to me a book course that I could use in conjunction with me to teach her?
I have some bad habits that I don't want to pass on........She's beginning to read at school whilst learning the Recorder and she starts on the Flute in September. Grateful for your advise.
Btw which Metronome do you recommend?


Best, Pete.


Yes, I can help you deeply. Please email me. I would like to
make this suggestion more personal. ok?

Teaching children .... really important to have a few choices.

Thanks,

PS, Music is supposed to be fun. No homework! We have to
do some trick for that.

Tomo

[SouthernShred]

Great lesson Tomo. Still enjoying your first DVD. Hope to see more English versions of the rest of the series. I just toured Berklee last week as I was up there for a conference for work. Now to figure out how to get my wife to let me quit my job and apply...

[Tomo]

Great lesson Tomo. Still enjoying your first DVD. Hope to see more English versions of the rest of the series. I just toured Berklee last week as I was up there for a conference for work. Now to figure out how to get my wife to let me quit my job and apply...


Thank you so much for your kind words.

I hope so .... I am going to produce more Accelerate series.
Drums 4 and Bass 3 !!! AYGP has 1,2,3,4 and special etudes dvd
(based on tunes).

So you were at Berklee. I don't teach summer aat Berklee.
but if you come down here in Boston... you can catch my private
lesson? Sooner to strat is better than waiting. "Just do it"
thing. If you want to do that, just email me in advance.


Tomo

[mr.mattphisto]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Most player tends to play without amps or set too low volume
,not enough brightness, too much mids, bass... these covers all essence of good technique to produce
good tone, touch and nuances. I have been working on these issues with many students at Berklee and others.

I do same way to explain this as your voice. Most people sounded like screaming all the time.
Whisper, some sexy talk(someone good at your own voice! Just transfer that idea into your guitar playing)

Thanks for adding. Left hand without thumb is really easy way to see the difference. Many other way
to understand this left hand problem. Most people tends to follow "right hand shapes" so shape sounds
are correct, but tone isn't sometimes.

I think if someone has better tone control(feel & technique), people could enjoy more playing through even
just amp and guitar.

Hope this will help some degree to people.

Thanks,

ES335 soft nuance R&B solo (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/Wizard_335_RandB-solo_1.mp3)


Tomo

Tomo,

What an amazing clip! I am really trying to develop "my" tone as of late because the answer cannot always be, get another pedal for that tone.

Some of the great jazz players can cover a lot of ground with very little gear. I didn't realize that I was a heavy-handed player until I read this thread and heard your samples....man do I need to practice playing in a new way now.

I like the way you equate the guitar to the voice of the musicians. I am really good at screaming all the time, now I need to learn of to whisper.

This helps me understand the connection between my guitar and my hands in relation to my tone. Great stuff!

Less time looking at my next pedal purchase, and more time playing guitar...:crazy

[trisonic]

Tomo,
Email sent.
Many thanks!

Best, Pete.

[Tomo]

Tomo,

What an amazing clip! I am really trying to develop "my" tone as of late because the answer cannot always be, get another pedal for that tone.

Some of the great jazz players can cover a lot of ground with very little gear. I didn't realize that I was a heavy-handed player until I read this thread and heard your samples....man do I need to practice playing in a new way now.

I like the way you equate the guitar to the voice of the musicians. I am really good at screaming all the time, now I need to learn of to whisper.

This helps me understand the connection between my guitar and my hands in relation to my tone. Great stuff!

Less time looking at my next pedal purchase, and more time playing guitar...:crazy



Thank you so much! It's really easy to follow finger shapes, positions, because it's visual
and quick satisfaction. Same as pedals. buy one, it seems like you are getting that tone,
maybe... but if you could control your own playing more, you could have many tone variation
texture in both of your hands as if you have many pedals.

Sometimes jazz guitar player could stay that "Jazz guitar sound" many believing about
must have "13-56" strings for big jazz tone. Rolled off guitar tone? I believe that you are
limiting your tone range and it's easy to dig in and play hard, because you can't hear
the subtly over your top end sound as if it muted. I like 10-46 for regular electric guitar.
This way you can play with relax feel of your left hand... It's tough to understand by words.
I usually do this mostly explain by sound.... with simplest example.

This is another example playing by feeling, finger picking, more like plucking ..
and a bit edgy not all sweet stuff. Sometimes you want to show your emotion,
anger, sadness, other than just sweetness. Maybe some bitter sound?

Play music! Good blues. No scale and no theory. So I played those simple
phrases on 2nd string only(for a while).... A lot of feeling!

just blues with harder tone dynamics (http://www.tomofujita.com/jpn/mp3/Solo performance/Tomo Fujita solo 07.mp3)

PS, We all like overdrive sound, but clean tone has some beauty too.
Just plug your guitar into your amp and just enjoy your TONE!
Try to speak with your guitar, even just one note... Depth into your note,
You want to feel your guitar playing as extension of your body....
your tone will speak to you. You just need 2nd string to play E blues.
I want to say more... I should stop here. More later....

Thank you for listening.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,
Email sent.
Many thanks!

Best, Pete.


Hi Pete,

Thanks for your email. Sorry for waiting. I get so many emails
lately or I can't catch up. I just to have to finish another 250
emails in Japanese and English! Glad to not know another...

Thanks for asking this. It's really important for me too.

Good Luck,

Tomo

[Brian D]

This clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5fA6IdPU1E&search=andre%20segovia) from the "Let’s See Your Favorite YouTube Vids" thread might give some insight into the potential to create tone and dynamics with the hands and fingers alone. He doesn’t use a pick, but if you listen to the whole thing you can hear how he gets an impressive variety of tones from both of his hands.

[e-z]

Tomo,

This is an important idea you've brought up. My classical teacher has had me do exercises where I have to apply only enough pressure to sound the note without buzzing. It's difficult! This thread reminded me I need to keep at it so last night I practised this on the electric. Thanks for inspiring me to work harder.

ez

[Tomo]

This clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5fA6IdPU1E&search=andre%20segovia) from the "Let?s See Your Favorite YouTube Vids" thread might give some insight into the potential to create tone and dynamics with the hands and fingers alone. He doesn?t use a pick, but if you listen to the whole thing you can hear how he gets an impressive variety of tones from both of his hands.



Hi Brian,

Thanks for this "clip" Master! I wish I studied classical guitar. So many things to do!

Many guys into more soloing. So I made myself into more groove and tone, nuances,
other beauty with simple thing.

Thank you so much for this. Great way to learn from acoustic instrument. Even acoustic
people could dig in too much.

I also recommend use just finger pick instead of using regular pick. The point is people
need to notice something the person haven't notice before.... Having good left hand mute.

Today I just finished a couple of tape lessons. i did lesson with rear pickup only to
hear more unwanted noise and hear the left hand sound(comes from pressure).

I also did "Overdrive lesson" using CJOD to play soft and notice unwanted pull off
from left fingers. many topics in simple concept.

Thanks for this clip again.

Hope we can help more people!



Tomo

[Brian D]

I'm glad you enjoyed that clip Tomo, I know that I sure did. The thanks should go to frascati, who posted it on the YouTube thread for us to enjoy.

It makes a big impression on me to read how you decided to focus on groove, tone, and other nuances in your playing. I realized years ago (back in the 80's) that I wasn't dedicated enough to become the next great lead guitarist, and that it would be better for me to work on adding feeling, touch, and timing to the stuff I could already play. Even though you are far more advanced than I am, your decision to focus on these things as well inspires me to keep doing the same thing in my own playing. I think that your dedication to these aspects of guitar really shows in your playing, and makes you a truly unique voice on the guitar.

I usually practice my guitar unplugged, and I work on getting touch (from both hands) when I do. But I'm starting to realize that I really need to practice "plugged in" as well, because it is a different thing to get the same dynamics when you're amplified. Even so, there is a lot to be learned from playing acoustically, as you said.

Thank you for this thread, it has really made me focus on touch and dynamics again in my practice. It also points out that I need to focus more on my left hand pressure, and muting strings. You always have great ideas and bring a unique perspective to playing guitar, and I have learned a lot from reading your posts!

[Brian D]

Tomo,

This is an important idea you've brought up. My classical teacher has had me do exercises where I have to apply only enough pressure to sound the note without buzzing. It's difficult! This thread reminded me I need to keep at it so last night I practised this on the electric. Thanks for inspiring me to work harder.

ezI'm going to try this as well ez. I bet it's a lot more difficult than it sounds! Back when I first started playing guitar I checked out a "classical guitar" book from the library and I remember many such exercises. Classical guitar is a whole different world, and I admire you for pursuing it.

[Tomo]

I'm glad you enjoyed that clip Tomo, I know that I sure did. The thanks should go to frascati, who posted it on the YouTube thread for us to enjoy.

It makes a big impression on me to read how you decided to focus on groove, tone, and other nuances in your playing. I realized years ago (back in the 80's) that I wasn't dedicated enough to become the next great lead guitarist, and that it would be better for me to work on adding feeling, touch, and timing to the stuff I could already play. Even though you are far more advanced than I am, your decision to focus on these things as well inspires me to keep doing the same thing in my own playing. I think that your dedication to these aspects of guitar really shows in your playing, and makes you a truly unique voice on the guitar.

I usually practice my guitar unplugged, and I work on getting touch (from both hands) when I do. But I'm starting to realize that I really need to practice "plugged in" as well, because it is a different thing to get the same dynamics when you're amplified. Even so, there is a lot to be learned from playing acoustically, as you said.

Thank you for this thread, it has really made me focus on touch and dynamics again in my practice. It also points out that I need to focus more on my left hand pressure, and muting strings. You always have great ideas and bring a unique perspective to playing guitar, and I have learned a lot from reading your posts!




Hi Brian,

Thanks for writing. i went to Berklee Fall 87". I was a huge fan of Larry Carlton, B.B.King, Joe Pass.
Earth Wind & Fire. At that time, everyone was into Sco, Metheny... many styles. I have transcribed a
few Mike Stern's solo... (I love Wes, Kessel, Christian, Green, Burell... ) I thought I am not good at
soloing that much. I need to decide something different... Then I realized I was good at playing
funk rhythm. After I graduated from Berklee... I joined the blues band. My guitar & just Fender
Pro Reverb. No pedals. That was really hard to make great tone! That was another great lesson.
I thought I need to get more emotional depth in my tone ...not licks! Everyone can play licks.
Then I was into making better tone.... just bend one note or stay on one string, you know?
simple stuff. One night I was trying to imitate my cat's cry sound by my bending & vibrato for
long time.(just one note... I still do this. ) My wife really thought I went to CRAZY!!! I am also
really picky about time and I treat as if I am a drummer. I could practice just time.

So make this story short. Even teaching, now I am specialize those area of playing.
That what I get from students (at Berklee) People want to make sure their fundamental
for being better advanced or check their time feel, muting technique, clean technique.
less pressure on left hand. Many things that you can't see as visual.

When you unplugged, then you need to imagine as if you are using your tube amp.
So your picking touch and nuances are not spoiled. Another word, you can't hear
enough sound from your guitar. Sometimes, I play my acoustic guitar in front of
my children. Then don't want hear me playing, so I play so soft that nobody can't hear
but I can hear in my imaginary amp? Same way, I fool around with my Ukulele
in my living room. Play really soft with my fingers. Play tunes, challenge Uke solo?
just like solo guitar, any popular tune,"Over the rainbow" ? Jazz blues?

Thanks for stopping by. We have to share any good ideas to others. I had a good
conversation with Larry Carlton. I told him my life story... how much I got influenced
by him. I can't explain the details but he told me... keep playing your guitar
and we all need to share "Fun" good music. Good music, good tone!

I will share with you more story. by now.

Uke Blues to jazz (http://www02.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/blues_jazz_Ukulele.mp3)

Tomo

[Brian D]

Tomo, all of your clips are great but that Ukulele one rocks my world! I love your phrasing. Well done!

[Tomo]

Tomo, all of your clips are great but that Ukulele one rocks my world! I love your phrasing. Well done!


Hi Brian,

Thank you! I love playing my Ukelele. I was just playing it.

I like to have limitation(not all the time). 4 strings... you have to
think, feel different way than 6 strings.

I have a few more clips. Funky version and a jazz version.

This my article (In Japanese).. I always talk about TONE, practice
habits....

http://www.prosoundcommunications.com/tomofujita/archives/2006/06/18_xblender.html


Thanks,


Tomo

[Tomo]

Tomo,

This is an important idea you've brought up. My classical teacher has had me do exercises where I have to apply only enough pressure to sound the note without buzzing. It's difficult! This thread reminded me I need to keep at it so last night I practised this on the electric. Thanks for inspiring me to work harder.

ez





Hi ez,

Sorry about my late reply. I am catching up here. Yes, it's important topic for everyone and
your teacher's way is good too. Just place your fingers over frets and gradually press...
if you hear the nore... stop, relax again. Yes, it is really difficult to do this right. Plus, picking
control, musically softer to pick as if no attack tone and the note rings and sustain louder than
actual hit. I imagine Sax, trumpet, human voice. I do like to have my guitar wide open,
more treble less bass... all rear pickup to play all.

You're welcome and thank YOU!

Tomo

[anyone]

Clean tone to OD tone playing picking dynamics (http://www.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/jf_clip01.mp3)

Listen this and think. Hope you will notice something.

Tomo

Hi Tomo,

I just have to say that I couldn't stop moving to your rhythm on this one (and I make a stonefish look hyperactive!). I can only think of a handful of solos I've ever heard that were as gripping as your rhythm playing!

Chris

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo,

I just have to say that I couldn't stop moving to your rhythm on this one (and I make a stonefish look hyperactive!). I can only think of a handful of solos I've ever heard that were as gripping as your rhythm playing!

Chris

Hi Chris,

How are you?

Thank you so much!

Tomo

[Litsa]

Hi Tomo!

Great Clip!!! Can I ask one question? I hope this isn't to far off the subject. But can you tell me what kind of plectrum you use?

Like do you use light, medium. heavy the reason why I ask is I think picks might also have a lot to do with tone as well. Maybe, not, but I am just curious!!

Thanks, Litsa

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo!

Great Clip!!! Can I ask one question? I hope this isn't to far off the subject. But can you tell me what kind of plectrum you use?

Like do you use light, medium. heavy the reason why I ask is I think picks might also have a lot to do with tone as well. Maybe, not, but I am just curious!!

Thanks, Litsa

Thank you so much! Good question and no problem at all.

I use Pickboy 1mm for everything. Some people like to use certain pick for each needs... but I like to control all dynamics and tone by how I hold a pick.

Just one kind of pick for everything.... solo to rhythm... blues, jazz to funk.

Overdrive tone solo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Km9Lbw5Nf0&feature=channel_page

Clean tone solo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsiKR6TmgEE&feature=channel_page

Funk Rhythm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNsGZrsW90E&feature=channel_page

Fender '63 Duo Sonic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FlBkOHpla8&feature=channel_page

Gibson '67 ES 335
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umcNedT6wTw&feature=channel_page

Done by same pick!

Tomo

[Tomo]

It's very good to vary dynamics through the full range for expression and tone, as well as all kinds of techniques to give different sounds. But don't neglect the importance of a good attack too. It gives lots of conviction and authority to the sound of the player. Some of my favorite players really lay into the guitar and even unplugged, their solid body is very loud. I was surprised when I heard Eric Johnson riffing around, warming up. You could hear his pick attack and the notes jumped or had that "pop" off the board. I always liked that in those kind of players and it's rare. Of course you don't do that all the time, it's called dynamics and about letting the music breath. So much tone and phrasing is in the picking hand.

It's all about "give and take" both... all... important and

Above all... I wish all of you... can enjoy your playing!

Tomo

[buddastrat]

It is very good to vary dynamics through the full range for expression and tone, as well as all kinds of techniques to give different sounds. But don't neglect the importance of a good solid attack too. It gives lots of conviction and authority to the sound of the player. Some of my favorite players really lay into the guitar and even unplugged, their solid body is very loud. I was surprised when I heard Eric Johnson riffing around, warming up. You could hear his pick attack and the notes jumped or had that "pop" off the board. Not a ham fisted-heavy right hand, but an aggressive right hand. A few local players did that too and as I was growing up I noticed they always sounded really good. They had that conviction and did not play with a limp wrist like many guys. I always liked that in those kind of players and it's rare. Of course you don't do that all the time, it's called dynamics and about letting the music breath. So much tone and phrasing is in the picking hand.

But very much agree with the left hand, very easy to use too much force and all kinds of bads things happen from intonation to injuries!

[rockstarjay]

buddastrat-

Well said, I agree 100%

[Jon]

Hi Tomo

Sorry if this is a bit 'off topic'. but do any of your instructional materials have an in-depth section on how to approach/practice those great 16th note triplets that you intersperse your funk playing with? They seem to be almost 'rakes' rather than strums - I've tried to incorporate them into my playing but it feels like one of those things that's quite hard to make work at slower tempos when initially practicing them.

[ivers]

It is very good to vary dynamics through the full range for expression and tone, as well as all kinds of techniques to give different sounds. But don't neglect the importance of a good solid attack too. It gives lots of conviction and authority to the sound of the player. Some of my favorite players really lay into the guitar and even unplugged, their solid body is very loud. I was surprised when I heard Eric Johnson riffing around, warming up. You could hear his pick attack and the notes jumped or had that "pop" off the board. Not a ham fisted-heavy right hand, but an aggressive right hand. A few local players did that too and as I was growing up I noticed they always sounded really good. They had that conviction and did not play with a limp wrist like many guys. I always liked that in those kind of players and it's rare. Of course you don't do that all the time, it's called dynamics and about letting the music breath. So much tone and phrasing is in the picking hand.

Good post, I need to hear that solid attack, and find it gives a more pleasing balanced sound. I find I never seem to like the picking when guys choose a 'coordination' kind of approach, where the right hand is picking at the same speed as the left hand is moving, but isn't really engaging the string.

If that makes sense.

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo

Sorry if this is a bit 'off topic'. but do any of your instructional materials have an in-depth section on how to approach/practice those great 16th note triplets that you intersperse your funk playing with? They seem to be almost 'rakes' rather than strums - I've tried to incorporate them into my playing but it feels like one of those things that's quite hard to make work at slower tempos when initially practicing them.

No problem. Yes. 16th triplet with dragging ... it's like a marching drums. I love Steve Gadd! It's not raking. A lot people think it's raking.

Thanks for asking.

Tomo

[Jon]

No problem. Yes. 16th triplet with dragging ... it's like a marching drums. I love Steve Gadd! It's not raking. A lot people think it's raking.

Thanks for asking.

Tomo

Do you have any tips on how to develop this facility? - is it covered in any of your material that I can buy?

Thanks

[cram]

just blues with harder tone dynamics (http://www.tomofujita.com/jpn/mp3/Solo performance/Tomo Fujita solo 07.mp3)



Tomo - @ 0:43 are you switching from bridge to a two PU combination? There's a little pop or switching sound there and I'm simply curious.

I have friends from locally in boston to all the way around the world in malaysia that I refer to posts like this for. You have a great attitude and feel for music and instruction and it clearly shows in what you put out.

Keep on it!

[Tomo]

Tomo - @ 0:43 are you switching from bridge to a two PU combination? There's a little pop or switching sound there and I'm simply curious.

I have friends from locally in boston to all the way around the world in malaysia that I refer to posts like this for. You have a great attitude and feel for music and instruction and it clearly shows in what you put out.

Keep on it!

Wow! I haven't listened this for a long time... I think my playing got much better since I got my D'Pergo AVC start. It's interesting to see...

Yes, up to there... I was using my rear pickup of my SRV strat.... a la
Lightnin' Hopkins tone and I switched to Front pickup.

I try to be natural... which is very difficult .. once you are adult!

Thank you so much for your kind words. I love blues music very much.
I am very happy that I can help others... and they are happy!

Thank you!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Do you have any tips on how to develop this facility? - is it covered in any of your material that I can buy?

Thanks

Hi Jon,

I would say.. Foundation on rhythm. Work on simple swing beat.. Use strong upstroke and mute it by left fingers. Do it very slow... That's what I do for these technique.

Yes, I do have printed out material for funk grooves... I use for lessons. Not for sale... sorry about that.

Maybe Rittor Music site got some examples.. music & tabs???

Tomo

[Tomo]

Enjoy!

Tomo

[Tomo]

Less pressure on left hand!

Tomo

[onemind]

Tomo, as always very inspiring. You always make me want to pick up my guitar and practice (and often other instructors make me run the other way!) I'll be working on less pressure, left hand today.

[Tomo]

Tomo, as always very inspiring. You always make me want to pick up my guitar and practice (and often other instructors make me run the other way!) I'll be working on less pressure, left hand today.

Thanks for your kind words. Music, gears, guitar, people... should be fun! but guitar playing... too much info and it's not easy to have proper technique for unlimited improvement. I really enjoy helping people and I love to see people 's smile. Make sure that you use your amp.

Tomo

[dazco]

Hi Tomo. You seem to know quite a bit about playing tech and issues, so i have one that you may not have heard and i'd like to see if you have any advice for me. In my case it's somewhat opposite than most in that i've been playing for nearly 40 years and i had no problem with heavy handed technique at all. I gigged for 25 years till this problem among other things caused me to stop. About 10-12 years ago i began developing that a problem in my fretting hand that equated to a loss of control. hammer-on's and pull-off's were the worse affected area, and after a few years i could no longer do them bttter than maybe 10% as good as i previously did. all areas suffered, but thats where it was worse. and over time my grip has gotten very heavy handed because of this and made it even worse. i have tried to practice lighter but it doesn't help because i eventually realized that what i think caused the problem to start in the first place was weakness from age. And when i try and lighten the touch i cannot do it due to the weakness and i have to purposly use more force or i miss the string or it doesn't fret well enough and i get a dead note.

In trying to recognise just what is happening i have come to realize the problem is in my ring and pinky fingers almost exclusively. But theres another issue....any time i use my index finger to hold a string while hammering on or pulling off other notes up the string with the ring or pinky, (or even if picking every note) my index comes up off the string as soon as the next finger is placed down and really screws things up and makes thing like simple scales that i would do before with total ease next to impossible. And i have tried and tried but i cannot re-train any of my fingers. If i try my hand gets so weak i have to stop. i've tried weights and one of those hand exercisers but after months they helped very little. I think theres something else going on besides weakness, and i am also positive a lot of it is mental even tho it would seem not because no matter how long i practice to re-train my hand it never gets better. Yet at times when i'm feeling good and in the zone it comes back to a degree. No where near all the way, but enough to know it's partly mental.

I'm sure theres really not much if anything you can tell me that would help, as i know this isn't a typical problem. but i just figured i'd give it a shot and that maybe you may say something that will strike a chord with me and give me an idea to try. thanks for listening in any case.

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo. You seem to know quite a bit about playing tech and issues, so i have one that you may not have heard and i'd like to see if you have any advice for me. In my case it's somewhat opposite than most in that i've been playing for nearly 40 years and i had no problem with heavy handed technique at all. I gigged for 25 years till this problem among other things caused me to stop. About 10-12 years ago i began developing that a problem in my fretting hand that equated to a loss of control. hammer-on's and pull-off's were the worse affected area, and after a few years i could no longer do them bttter than maybe 10% as good as i previously did. all areas suffered, but thats where it was worse. and over time my grip has gotten very heavy handed because of this and made it even worse. i have tried to practice lighter but it doesn't help because i eventually realized that what i think caused the problem to start in the first place was weakness from age. And when i try and lighten the touch i cannot do it due to the weakness and i have to purposly use more force or i miss the string or it doesn't fret well enough and i get a dead note.

In trying to recognise just what is happening i have come to realize the problem is in my ring and pinky fingers almost exclusively. But theres another issue....any time i use my index finger to hold a string while hammering on or pulling off other notes up the string with the ring or pinky, (or even if picking every note) my index comes up off the string as soon as the next finger is placed down and really screws things up and makes thing like simple scales that i would do before with total ease next to impossible. And i have tried and tried but i cannot re-train any of my fingers. If i try my hand gets so weak i have to stop. i've tried weights and one of those hand exercisers but after months they helped very little. I think theres something else going on besides weakness, and i am also positive a lot of it is mental even tho it would seem not because no matter how long i practice to re-train my hand it never gets better. Yet at times when i'm feeling good and in the zone it comes back to a degree. No where near all the way, but enough to know it's partly mental.

I'm sure theres really not much if anything you can tell me that would help, as i know this isn't a typical problem. but i just figured i'd give it a shot and that maybe you may say something that will strike a chord with me and give me an idea to try. thanks for listening in any case.

Thanks for your post. I only post what I know or what I can do. This case, I need to read this more and think about it. I have backed up emails a lot so after that... let me think about it.

Tomo

[Tomo]

Have you try my AYGP dvd? I highly recommend to practice first couple exercises really slow. I mean insane slow and don't expect something will change soon. You should review your foundation. Even Pro players .. I teach them same way...

Tomo

[Tomo]

Hi Tomo. You seem to know quite a bit about playing tech and issues, so i have one that you may not have heard and i'd like to see if you have any advice for me. In my case it's somewhat opposite than most in that i've been playing for nearly 40 years and i had no problem with heavy handed technique at all. I gigged for 25 years till this problem among other things caused me to stop. About 10-12 years ago i began developing that a problem in my fretting hand that equated to a loss of control. hammer-on's and pull-off's were the worse affected area, and after a few years i could no longer do them bttter than maybe 10% as good as i previously did. all areas suffered, but thats where it was worse. and over time my grip has gotten very heavy handed because of this and made it even worse. i have tried to practice lighter but it doesn't help because i eventually realized that what i think caused the problem to start in the first place was weakness from age. And when i try and lighten the touch i cannot do it due to the weakness and i have to purposly use more force or i miss the string or it doesn't fret well enough and i get a dead note.

In trying to recognise just what is happening i have come to realize the problem is in my ring and pinky fingers almost exclusively. But theres another issue....any time i use my index finger to hold a string while hammering on or pulling off other notes up the string with the ring or pinky, (or even if picking every note) my index comes up off the string as soon as the next finger is placed down and really screws things up and makes thing like simple scales that i would do before with total ease next to impossible. And i have tried and tried but i cannot re-train any of my fingers. If i try my hand gets so weak i have to stop. i've tried weights and one of those hand exercisers but after months they helped very little. I think theres something else going on besides weakness, and i am also positive a lot of it is mental even tho it would seem not because no matter how long i practice to re-train my hand it never gets better. Yet at times when i'm feeling good and in the zone it comes back to a degree. No where near all the way, but enough to know it's partly mental.

I'm sure theres really not much if anything you can tell me that would help, as i know this isn't a typical problem. but i just figured i'd give it a shot and that maybe you may say something that will strike a chord with me and give me an idea to try. thanks for listening in any case.

Could you tell me these please.
Do you practice with amp all the time?
Do you practice with reverb on?
What strings do you use? (10s or 11s)
How often do you change your stings?
What kind pick do you use?
Your guitar is well maintained ?
What is your main guitar?
What is your amp?
Who is your influences ? name 3 guitar players.
Can you hold a coffee cup with your left hand?

Thanks,

Tomo

[dazco]

Thanks for your reply.


Do you practice with amp all the time?

Most of the time

Do you practice with reverb on?

a bit but very little

What strings do you use? (10s or 11s)

10's, D'Adarrio

How often do you change your stings?

When they start feeling much different than new.

What kind pick do you use?

i have tried many in hopes of helping but i always end up back to medium because i always play better with those.

Your guitar is well maintained ?

yes
What is your main guitar?

60's style strat

What is your amp?

I built it. Similar to the marshalls i've always used.

Who is your influences ? name 3 guitar players.

I have no influences in that i never try and play like anyone. i do however have favs. I could name many but i guess off the top of my head, SRV, brad paisly, gary moore. Ask me tomorrow and i migh name 3 different guys.

Can you hold a coffee cup with your left hand?

Oh, of course. My hands do not feel weak at all in normall day to day living. Only when playing guitar and fine motor control is needed.

One thing i want to mention is that this has in many ways caused me to FEEL like you do when you are a beginner....that clumbsy fingers won't go where you want them feeling. But no amount of practice that i have tried helps. Well, i shouldn't say it doesn't, it just takes forever and unless i keep it up constantly it goes away very soon after i stop. And because i no longer play out i really have to desire or reason to continually play every day. And yes, i do understand that you can't expect to play in your top forem in that case, but i don't expect that. But this isn't a matter of losing 20% of your skills, it's more like 80%. Far more than is normal just due to lack of practice. and it's very different. I shouldn't ask you to spend any time on my case because it likely has to do with health issues i may not know about, especially being my age. (56) So if you have any thoughts from the answers i've given you i'll listen, but don't bother spening more time than that. i appriciate the help but i DO realize this case is likely not going to be fixable.

[Tomo]

Thanks for your reply.




Most of the time



a bit but very little



10's, D'Adarrio



When they start feeling much different than new.



i have tried many in hopes of helping but i always end up back to medium because i always play better with those.



yes


60's style strat



I built it. Similar to the marshalls i've always used.



I have no influences in that i never try and play like anyone. i do however have favs. I could name many but i guess off the top of my head, SRV, brad paisly, gary moore. Ask me tomorrow and i migh name 3 different guys.



Oh, of course. My hands do not feel weak at all in normall day to day living. Only when playing guitar and fine motor control is needed.

One thing i want to mention is that this has in many ways caused me to FEEL like you do when you are a beginner....that clumbsy fingers won't go where you want them feeling. But no amount of practice that i have tried helps. Well, i shouldn't say it doesn't, it just takes forever and unless i keep it up constantly it goes away very soon after i stop. And because i no longer play out i really have to desire or reason to continually play every day. And yes, i do understand that you can't expect to play in your top forem in that case, but i don't expect that. But this isn't a matter of losing 20% of your skills, it's more like 80%. Far more than is normal just due to lack of practice. and it's very different. I shouldn't ask you to spend any time on my case because it likely has to do with health issues i may not know about, especially being my age. (56) So if you have any thoughts from the answers i've given you i'll listen, but don't bother spening more time than that. i appriciate the help but i DO realize this case is likely not going to be fixable.

Thanks for your time. I believe that you can fixed it. but you need to dedicate at least 3 months with slow exercises and you can expect anything, this make you feel like a beginning... but it's worth to spend fix this issue. Most people don't or cannot pay enough attention on details.. so people spend hours on wrong direction, bad habits, this will remain same next three years! .... My student just showed up....later!

Tomo

[Redhouse-Blues]

I have an amp question, I see you bring up a lot, setting up the amp for good tone. Do you have any general settings for a Strat and Fender Blackface amp?

[Tomo]

I have an amp question, I see you bring up a lot, setting up the amp for good tone. Do you have any general settings for a Strat and Fender Blackface amp?

Are you asking me? Black face amp. I set treble 6-7 and bass 3-4. No reverb. Sometimes I use my Fender BF Champ ... Treble 10, Bass 0, Rear pickup only to imitate touch of Jeff Beck and muting, noise purpose (not all the time.).

Hot Rod... I set treble 8-9, bass 3-4, middle 5-6... something like that.
And guitar tone full up so that you can hear everything.

This way my picking and fingering does all volume, tone control.
Cheap way to get your tone!

Lunch time!

Tomo

[dazco]

Thanks. I've tried and spent endless time trying to determine what to do, what are the exact issues, etc, and tied practicing all the obvious things very very slowly. I guess it's just my lot in life. Thanks for the time spent answering me tho....appriciate it.

[Redhouse-Blues]

Are you asking me? Black face amp. I set treble 6-7 and bass 3-4. No reverb. Sometimes I use my Fender BF Champ ... Treble 10, Bass 0, Rear pickup only to imitate touch of Jeff Beck and muting, noise purpose (not all the time.).

Hot Rod... I set treble 8-9, bass 3-4, middle 5-6... something like that.
And guitar tone full up so that you can hear everything.

This way my picking and fingering does all volume, tone control.
Cheap way to get your tone!

Lunch time!

Tomo

Thanks, why no reverb??

On my Super Reverb, I have the Treble 6, Mid 4, Bass 3 and Reverb 3

I had to spend a bunch of time getting my left hand in check. I used to dig in way to hard when I was bending and it caused a scratchy feeling while doing it. I had to spend many hours learning to ease up. I love using picking dynamics, it's the only way to cop the Ronnie Earl style of playing Blues.

[Tomo]

Thanks. I've tried and spent endless time trying to determine what to do, what are the exact issues, etc, and tied practicing all the obvious things very very slowly. I guess it's just my lot in life. Thanks for the time spent answering me tho....appriciate it.

Thanks for your time too. I really enjoy reading here... My job is fix the problem. If there is problem, I think we can fix it. I would like you to try a few things. Fingering & Picking exercise with really slow tempo or no tempo with fingering movement (less and less). Foundation work is king of boring so you tell yourself "It's boring so I only do 10 mins!" something like that so when it's time (to end) you are done! Make small practice sessions. Once a week, you want to record yourself about 5-10 mins and listen it without your guitar, but you need a paper & a pen. Write it down what your thoughts. We have thoughts all the time, but most of us feel, think a lot and not write it down so we forget... that's not productive. I push to get something done everyday, every week, every month... so every year you should feel good about yourself and your playing... if not... something needed!

And make sure that you use strap so that you don't need to hold your guitar neck. I can bend two whole step without my left thumb! I just lean my fingers to frets. As if lightly hold a paper as little as possible. It takes time. I am constantly work on my time and my lightly touch. We all play penta shapes so this way you get more out it.

Thank you!

Tomo

[dazco]

Well, i'll try again and see if playing so slow that i CAN do it a few times a day helps at all after a few weeks. I've tried things like this, but never 10 minutes many times like that so maybe that might change things. And when i say slow, i mean SLOOOOOOW! To play a simple scale w/o any mistakes at all i would have to play about one note per seond or maybe 2 seconds ! i literally have to think about every movment or i will screw it up. And believe it or not i used to be able to play some fairly impressive things years ago ! Amazing what can happen to some people and how much you can lose. It's like regressing to my very beginnings in many ways.

[Tomo]

Well, i'll try again and see if playing so slow that i CAN do it a few times a day helps at all after a few weeks. I've tried things like this, but never 10 minutes many times like that so maybe that might change things. And when i say slow, i mean SLOOOOOOW! To play a simple scale w/o any mistakes at all i would have to play about one note per seond or maybe 2 seconds ! i literally have to think about every movment or i will screw it up. And believe it or not i used to be able to play some fairly impressive things years ago ! Amazing what can happen to some people and how much you can lose. It's like regressing to my very beginnings in many ways.

When I say slow... yes... it may take one note to play 5 second-10 second... as much as you need. And make sure before and after this session (10 mins) do not play any blues riffs or anything but boring exercise material. Distraction is not good so avoid it. Stick to simple chromatic scale and away from major scales for this session. That's every movement and carefully not to move too much. If you move your pinky finger too far from fret board then put your finger back to close the fret board... student here!

Tomo

[dazco]

Will try this Tomo, thanks. the one thing i never put any time into was practicing THAT slow...IE: a few seconds between movements. I have as i said done a second or two, but i always give up soon because i feel like that won't help. But i will try again and even slower if needed and keep it up for a few weeks and see what happens. Maybe 10 min 3-5 times a day. I will post back once i come to realize it is either working or not and let you know. Thanks again sir.

[Tomo]

Will try this Tomo, thanks. the one thing i never put any time into was practicing THAT slow...IE: a few seconds between movements. I have as i said done a second or two, but i always give up soon because i feel like that won't help. But i will try again and even slower if needed and keep it up for a few weeks and see what happens. Maybe 10 min 3-5 times a day. I will post back once i come to realize it is either working or not and let you know. Thanks again sir.

It's simple about this. If you doubt a bit, it won't work. I mean, you need take your time as much as you do, that's why you need to limit these exercises otherwise you bored to death! At least 2 weeks everyday without any expectation. Please do it. You're very welcome and let me know your progress in 2 weeks. I look forward to hearing from you. You should try to work on muting with Rt 3 7 chords too.

Tomo

[dazco]

I will do it daily and let u know. Thanks

[Tomo]

I will do it daily and let u know. Thanks

Make sure that when you move your finger 1234... do not move your 123 fingers till your 4th finger is on the fret. but keep all your finger lightly.

Then put all your finger 4321 to start go down... you know? It will take some time to get used to this... but you need to keep your fingers close to fretboard.

Tomo

[dazco]

Thanks Tomo. I will do that. I already started but wasn't doing it quite like that but i will. I found one thing that i think helps which i did sorta naturally when going this slow....closing my eyes. I just did that w/o thinking about it and noticed that it really helps because when you remove the visual you become much more aware of every finger movement. I think this is a good way to practice this, no?

[Tomo]

Thanks Tomo. I will do that. I already started but wasn't doing it quite like that but i will. I found one thing that i think helps which i did sorta naturally when going this slow....closing my eyes. I just did that w/o thinking about it and noticed that it really helps because when you remove the visual you become much more aware of every finger movement. I think this is a good way to practice this, no?

You're welcome and thank you! Away from visual aspect is good. but your case, maybe you want watch how your finger move every step so that you can fix it every movement.

Tomo

[guitbeef]

I think it's really easy to pick harder with overdrive pedals than you need to.

Here is example go from clean sound into od pedal.

I set my OD tone a bit louder than clean(just a hair). When I go solo with od pedal. I use my picking control
to play a bit softer, I add more picking nuances as go with my solo...

This way you have 3 steps picking dynamics control by your picking. Please remember this...
You really need to work on how to relax your left hand/fingers too. No too much pressure!
It's not easy at all. Because we look after the positions too much, we rends to forget about
how important these approach.

Hope you find more fun playing. Above all. It's supposed to be fun. Not work.

Clean tone to OD tone playing picking dynamics (http://www.homepage.villanova.edu/david.kaplowitz/tomo/jf_clip01.mp3)

Listen this and think. Hope you will notice something.

Tomo

I've been playing a long, long time and still work on this- and usually according to your fantastic advice in the past. Tomo, I actually have saved some of your posts/ threads into documents to keep with me. One of my faves is you advising to imagine holding a sheet of notebook paper in the fretting hand!

[Tomo]

I've been playing a long, long time and still work on this- and usually according to your fantastic advice in the past. Tomo, I actually have saved some of your posts/ threads into documents to keep with me. One of my faves is you advising to imagine holding a sheet of notebook paper in the fretting hand!

I am working on this every moment when I play my guitar. It's nature to squeeze or push a bit too much. and most guitar has big frets...so easy to push more to fretboard. Since I have been playing vintage Duo Sonics, Musicmasters with original frets. I try to play less pressure as possible so that I don't wear off frets less. Thanks for reading my posts and leaned it from. Actually I publish something once a year. So this time I am making a book/CD for Rittor Music. Today I am working on making sound clips for this book. Include this idea too. Thank you so much! Make sure that your left fingers are half sleep all the time!

Tomo

[Tomo]

I practice more with my acoustic guitar. My electric playing (dynamics, touch) really helped my acoustic playing.

Tomo

[Guts]

Great posts, Tomo. It's always a pleasure to share the forums with you.

We often forget that the tone we're searching for is in our fingers, not the boutique rig.

And it's the players like you that remind us of that.

[Tomo]

Great posts, Tomo. It's always a pleasure to share the forums with you.

We often forget that the tone we're searching for is in our fingers, not the boutique rig.

And it's the players like you that remind us of that.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I really enjoy here communicating with people. If I can help or share about good fun ... just one person. I am happy! So you made me happy!

Yes, you are right... good gears are fun... but how you plat that instrument. One you touch with your soul... that instrument become alive! That's fun part of playing.

I just made this today. So it's fresh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1xFyUU2uWA

Tomo

[Tomo]

Thank you so much for your interest.

Slow blues is good to warm up with playing (dynamics & touch).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FlBkOHpla8

Tomo

[Tomo]

I spent testing final exam yesterday at Berklee. I am noticing more people thumb wrap around the neck and squeeze strings very hard. Everyone want to learn and get better, but it seems like a lot of people need to fix bad habits first.

2 things come to my mind.

1) Frets are bigger... so people can squeeze the strings and still not touch the fretboard.

2) Watch YouTube. Visualizing too much SRV or John Mayer...etc.

3) Not using an amp so that people can't hear the details. Visually correct type playing by playing right positions, right shapes.

I am really working hard to fix this problems for my students too.

Tomo

[abergdahl]

I recently got an archtop which I think is great for non amps practice, it really sings and is warm when you pick soft and can get quite bright when you dig in, translates well (put of course not perfect) to electric playing.
When I got my first really god amp, Mystic Blues, i sounded awful (might not sound that god now either bur most def BETTER) and the amp really forced me to think about dynamics. Many amp/pedal compress i such away it lets you get away with being sloppy and unintentionally varying the attack, not that amp. Pick soft and accidentally pick to hard and the accident JUMPS out...

[Tomo]

I recently got an archtop which I think is great for non amps practice, it really sings and is warm when you pick soft and can get quite bright when you dig in, translates well (put of course not perfect) to electric playing.
When I got my first really god amp, Mystic Blues, i sounded awful (might not sound that god now either bur most def BETTER) and the amp really forced me to think about dynamics. Many amp/pedal compress i such away it lets you get away with being sloppy and unintentionally varying the attack, not that amp. Pick soft and accidentally pick to hard and the accident JUMPS out...

Thanks for sharing your experience. I agree that great amp can make you sounds bad if you don't play the guitar really well.. i mean to make the guitar sound good. Most people play correct notes, correct rhythm etc. but once you notice about how you make your tone better... it's so much fun. Even one note you can enjoy more!

Fender Hot Rod: very nice amp but it got a lot of bass. If you set this amp with less treble and more bass... plus a lot of reverb. This can fool you. Or someone always use a multi effects. Delay, comp, overdrive... it's hard to hear actual your picking sound and your left hand sound (stiffness and too much pressure!).

Thank you!

Tomo