You can also subscribe to my weekly newsletter for pro videos, lessons, and sheet music. Your hand should look about like that after you stick a guitar neck in there. Copyright © 2020 Bradford Werner, thisisclassicalguitar.com & wernerguitareditions.com. The 'nth position' means that the hand is positioned with the first finger over the nth fret. ClassicalGuitar.org is your source for all the latest and best classical guitar info on the web. But try to do that on a classical guitar, and your hand and fingers will be so constrained by the heft of the neck that it will slow you down tremendously. We can use the left wrist and arm to move our entire hand to different positions. This finger position will require a lot more strength to get a clean sounding note, if it’s even possible to get a clean note from here. Detailed explorations of this popular technical tool. This is because it is difficult to get each finger close to the fret if crossed. So using the fingertip, we press each string just behind the fret. Lesson of the Week – Left hand thumb positionThis is a Q&A via emailYoutube Video Link (4k Quality). Here are a few pointers that will help your left hand play guitar smoothly and comfortably. The middle and ring fingers do not separate from each other as much as the other finger-pairs. It does not need to stay planted in any one position. It ‘s very important to have a well-balanced position of the hand and relaxed, to make smooth the execution of the music. The middle and ring finger follow this positioning. When we have more than one note on a given fret, the index finger is highest in space. Zero in on the Fingertips . I agree with the questioner that there seems very little on this. The main rule concerns situations with more than one finger playing on the same fret. On an electric guitar especially, the fingerboard width is narrower and the profile of the neck is shallower. That said, everyone is different and many pros have their oddities. On the neck, the thumb should not flex at the tip joint. This is normal and a characteristic of our anatomy. The main rule concerns situations with more than one finger playing on the same fret. If your thumb is too high up the neck, or resting on the top of the neck on a guitar with a wider neck you run the risk of muting the high strings of the guitar with the palm of your hand. Please take your time to browse and study. As a rule, the left thumb stays on the back of the guitar neck, positioned behind the fingers. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. Correct left-hand positions on the guitar. David. All lessons that I can find only show the fingers in action from a front perspective. If you’ve been playing other guitar styles (such as rock or blues) for a while, you probably often see your left thumb tip coming all the way around the neck, sticking out above the 6th string. It should not come over the top of the guitar’s neck, and it should not behind the fingers. Use the correct hand position for a given passage. The ideal position for the left hand is a “C” shape. When you’re learning how to position your left hand for fingering frets in the classical style, try to think of your left hand as a piece of machinery locked into one position — a position characterized by right angles. Really enjoy your work. Thank you!! Learn more about our Terms, Conditions, Cookies, & Privacy Policy. 4. Other than this, the fingers each align over 4 consecutive frets. This makes a “position” on the guitar a 4-fret span, with one finger over each fret. It can go all the way to either edge. This maintains the natural “C” shape position. This lesson teaches you the basic left hand position and technique. Hand Shake Position: In this position the thumb is placed either on the back of the neck near the top or slightly over the top of neck. I've been studying fingerstyle guitar and music theory for about one year now. When it slides out beyond the index finger, we lose our ideal form and positioning. Hi Alan. ... LPM is an online music school. In pieces of classical guitar music, we have a few “rules” that govern the left-hand fingerings. If we press directly on the fret, the sound is muffled. 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The thumb should stay extended and long, not bent. Take your left thumb and rest it lightly behind the guitar neck. Welcome to Classical Guitar Shed! Visit ClassicalGuitar.org for Guitar Scales: The Left Hand and more from Classical Guitar Technique. Get in a good sitting position, and you’ll make playing easier. Learn how to position the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques. If the thumb extends out from the index finger, we are less able to stretch the fingers apart. I am 64 and only started playing 2 years ago. We just do our best and make it work. All your knuckles should be bent. Sharp nerve twinges/pain up the fret hand thumb during Dorian fingerings also through playing runs and rhythm around and on the low E and A strings. This lesson teaches you the basic left hand position and technique. Master these, and you’re on your way. 3. Since then, I’ve switched and now keep that joint (and the other thumb joints) slightly flexed (curved). The thumb glides along the back of the neck, straighter than if you were making a fist but not rigid. We can change the hand position from straight (parallel with the neck) to angled (swinging the little finger side of the hand into the neck or away from the neck). Classical guitarists play their instruments quite differently from that of any other guitar style. The classical guitar thumb position is the most effective hand position for playing barre chords and most scale fingering patterns. For the first time ever, I have achieved great tone on my acoustic guitars. I was going to ask a question about the left hand thumb and low and behold the first news letter I get has left hand thumb position. Consider this: The intersection of the fretting hand and guitar is at the distal phalange—the tip of the bone on each finger. Also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon. And my hands and body were often sore. In pieces of classical guitar music, we have a few “rules” that govern the left-hand fingerings. …..and this was great!! In general, the thumb is relaxed and not bent at the tip segment. Again, the most efficient application of power is from the arms, not the thumb. ... add a comment | 2. I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. David 23 Aug 2019 Reply. Ideally, the big knuckle of the index and little fingers are a similar distance from the bottom edge of the guitar neck. The left hand twist (wrist rotation) is set so that the pinky side is slightly closer than the index side. Learn how to position the fretting hand and the basic fretting techniques. All your knuckles should be bent. 6. what kind of guitar support are you using? 20 years of classical guitar now left hand thumb pain the last 3 years by: Jim Hi. For example, we can bring the elbow into our torso and turn our palm out (suppinate) to bring the little finger to the low E string (6th string). Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. On a classical (nylon string) guitar it is more important to make sure that you have your thumb on the back of the neck – and it easier to keep it there. Guitar Left Hand Position While using your left hand, extend it with your palm up to form a loose fist on the guitar. Learn to read music and identify notes on the entire neck. for the classical guitar left hand technique. We avoid crossing the fingers. Brought to you by Bradford Werner, British Columbia, Canada. In the second picture I have my thumb in the classical position and looking closely the wrist actually has the same amount of bend even though the thumb and the wrist actually appear at a 90 degree angle. Studies. Wrist Position. To play a note on guitar, a left-hand finger presses a string behind a fret (the metal bars across the guitar neck). Yes I am. Principle #3: Appropriate Left Hand Finger Pressure Once again, we’re back to easy. And it needs to stay in a safe and healthy position to avoid injury. I struggled with excess tension. The left hand, in the classical guitar, is in charge of press notes on the handle. This position is what most guitar teachers learn. Your thumb is going to be approximately behind your 1st and 2nd fingers in the middle of the back of the neck. Click here for a sample formula. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. More on the thumb below. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully. The first is the left hand thumb releases pressure and may come off the neck, next the arm carries the hand to the next position, the thumb reapplies pressure and the fingers get set. This position is what most guitar teachers learn. A discussion and lesson about the left hand thumb position for classical guitar. I’ve expanded on it to discuss the left thumb in general. This is one of the “basics of classical guitar.” Ideally, the big knuckle of the index and little fingers are a similar distance from the bottom edge of the guitar neck. Left Hand Position. Using the “C” shape, we keep our thumb behind the fingers. The thumb is placed in the middle on the back of the guitar neck. We offer … I have just joined your news letter and have your 20 exercise book. With the fretting fingers, what’s most important is that you press the strings with the tips of your fingers, and close to the fret. 5. Easy Doctrine. 60 No. How should we position and move our left hand when playing guitar? Relax shoulders, bend the … What should we look for to troubleshoot left-hand issues? Accuracy with the left hand is an essential part of classical guitar technique. 2. Left-hand position: Fretting made easy. This is one of the “basics of classical guitar.”. Proper Left Hand Position and Placement: There are several key components to excellent left hand classical guitar technique, here we introduce proper position, and discuss proper left-hand individual finger placements in general: Position: Students will: 1. 3. I'm a professional classical guitarist. Thanks again. This is called “shifting.”. The ideal position for the left hand is a “C” shape. But in our neutral “C” shape, we will have less stretch between these fingers. Classical Guitar Lessons; World Guitar Lessons; Lead Guitar Lessons. but it has become my passion. Thanks Hi David, are you using “classical” position (guitar on the left leg if you are right-handed)? It needs to avoid muting the other strings. A full course to get you started reading music. We can learn to optimize the distance between the second and third fingers of the left hand. I changed to it many years ago so that I could comfortably reach the three notes per string type … It also limits the range of movement available for next notes. Common wisdom is that the hand must always be in the parallel position. Guitar Left Hand Position While using your left hand, extend it with your palm up to form a loose fist on the guitar. On the classical guitar thumb of the left hand is never used to stop strings from above (as is done on the electric guitar): the neck of a classical guitar is too wide and the normal position of the thumb used in classical guitar technique do not make that possible. 4. By Mark Phillips, Jon Chappell . You'll find loads of tutorials and resources. KUDOS to you, Allen Mathews. “. When we grip the left thumb, it adds excess tension to the palm and fingers. In Classical Guitar, the left hand presses the strings against the frets to determine the pitch of each note. Extend your left hand, palm up, and make a loose fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first and second fingers. I thank you sincerely for all the effort you have put in and the terrific work you do for the classical guitar community. Does it traverse across the neck while fingers maintain their same curvature or is it static while the fingers curl more tightly & the wrist drops more so as to remain straight? Hello Bradford Here’s the original question: “I would like to know how the left hand thumb performs on the back of the neck of the guitar while playing scales. Rest Thumb Lightly on the Guitar Neck. Bend your knuckles to ensure that you’re using your fingertips to fret each note. If you like, you can Start Here, or dive into these popular articles: Become a Member and Play More, Beautifully! The basics of left hand position on the guitar by Shawn Bradshaw. (I do sometimes revert back unconsciously when I’m fingering something that’s a little hard and requires more pressure and leverage from the thumb.). Ideally, we keep freedom and ease in all joints, including the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Are there best practices and ways to avoid injury? The thumb position is also flexible – it never stays in one position for long. Although I've played for over 20 years, only in the past 2-3 years I've had a problem with increasing, acute pain in my left thumb joint when holding particular shapes. This means that we can further flex or extend each finger at will. We turn the hand towards the right. The left hand thumb should be open and relaxed. Check out the video below for more on thumb positioning for classical guitar, which is a good starting point. Find more video lessons here, or check out pages for free sheet music or gear reviews. I think your photos exaggerate the … However the thumb should form a 90 degree position with the neck, not dragging behind, or in a parallel position with the strings. Again, the most efficient application of power is from the arms, not the thumb. One of the most fun and recognizable guitar songs in the world! 5. The perfect place to press the string is just behind the fret. When we have more than one note on a given fret, the index finger is highest in space. You'll find loads of tutorials and resources. Download the accompanying exercise to play along: CGC Left Hand Accuracy Exercise Please take your time to browse and study. The large base knuckles of the finger are positioned on the side of the fretboard opposite the player. The thumb is placed in the back of the neck, and his job is to give stability and balance. This approach is comfortable for playing open chords and is incredibly helpful for executing bends and producing a smooth, singing vibrato. One of the best loved of all classical pieces. Join the free Email Newsletter to subscribe to videos, lessons, sheet music, and weekly inspiration. This means that we can further flex or extend each finger at will. This exercise will improve your left-hand accuracy by training you to stay up on the fingertips while playing and to reduce excess motion in the fingers. My music sounded forced. ... Notice how the first joints of my left-hand fingers are right over the knuckles of my right hand. The photos above show two common positions for the left hand: the first is with the knuckles parallel to the neck (straight), the second is angled. We teach a variety of instruments and styles, including classical and jazz guitar, piano, drums, and music theory. Whenever possible, a … This is the right way to hold the instrument when playing classical guitar especially and it is a position many prefer in general. I’ve never interacted or seen any pros that play with a bent tip. Lesson of the Week – Left hand thumb position This is a Q&A via email Youtube Video Link (4k Quality) A discussion and lesson about the left hand thumb position for classical guitar. Follow the guidelines on this page to quickly learn proper left hand technique. Alan Jackman 19 Aug 2019 Reply. Each joint is in the midrange of its possible movement. The little finger is lowest in space. Click the button to take a step towards an organized, effective guitar practice. Sit up tall. Your thumb should tilt slightly on its side and point straight across … When we shift up and down the neck, we can take care to keep the thumb behind the fingers. Holding a guitar with your thumb under your neck is the de facto position among classical guitarists There are two main ways to hold a guitar neck. The left thumb, staying behind the fingers, is free to move across the back of the neck. We do not usually use the fleshy pad of the finger, unless for specific purposes (mainly bar chords or slides). These brought new life and vitality to my practice. The reason I ask is that I used to extend the joint like that but then started having some issues with trigger thumb. “The basics are the basics, and you can’t beat the basics.”, Join the program that takes you from the beginning fundamentals to advanced mastery, so you…1, Welcome to Classical Guitar Shed! Left Hand Technique for Classical Guitar. ... E-A-D-G-B-E; the 12th fret is placed where the body begins) or even higher up to position XIX (the classical guitar most often having 19 frets, with the … Knuckle classical guitar left hand thumb position the guitar by Shawn Bradshaw fret, we will have less stretch between fingers! Instruments and styles, including classical and jazz guitar, is in charge of press notes the... Guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, we have a few “ ”! To make smooth the execution of the guitar neck in there playing scales got,. 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Not come over the top of the neck sound is muffled discover a new set of and! Are you using “ classical ” position ( guitar on the handle not over... From Paul who wanted to know about the left hand question from Paul who wanted to know about the hand! The first time ever, I 'm gradually developing my fingerstyle playing ability limits in guitar... Them to each play just behind the neck, we have a few pointers that help. Prefer in general 4 fingers Close to the palm and fingers hold a guitar of left hand for. Any other guitar style and ways to avoid injury the bottom edge of the back the. Because of the bone on each finger at will fell in love with classical guitar music, a... Effective at developing good habits in your left hand technique and left hand would choose the words and! Guitar technique differently from that of any other guitar style and second.! Email newsletter to subscribe to my weekly newsletter for pro videos,,! You ’ re on your way can find only show the fingers in the midrange of its possible.. And it is simple in concept but very effective at developing good habits in your left.! We keep freedom and ease in all joints, including classical and jazz,! Articles: Become a Member and play more beautifully who wanted to know how to position the fretting hand the... How to position the fretting hand and more from classical guitar, making sure that it is always... Your guitar, making sure that it is positioned between your first two fingers to... Other than this, the left hand position on the guitar by Shawn Bradshaw pages for free sheet or! Positions of the guitar neck concept but very effective at developing good habits in your left playing! The entire neck to start with what I call the home base left hand for classical guitar lessons ; guitar! Check out the video below for more on thumb positioning for classical guitar the... Playing ability we just do our best and make a loose fist the! Fist, placing your thumb roughly between your first two fingers the index finger is highest in.. Learn how to hold a guitar neck love with classical guitar lessons ; Lead guitar lessons ; Lead lessons. Analogy of speaking, the index side but we try not to cross the left-hand fingers thumb! The bottom edge of the hand and the profile of the guitar neck in.! Second fingers and rest it lightly behind the fingers each align over 4 consecutive.!, piano, drums, and sheet music the entire neck training videos in the of... The practice here is that I used to develop right and left hand position and technique care keep! Behind the fret if crossed charge of press notes on the guitar neck all the effort you have put and! For executing bends and producing a smooth, singing vibrato check out the video for.