Theory Lesson No.6a: Pitch, Octave, Register, Octave Designation, and Pitch Class. In this lesson we have a more in depth discussion on pitch, the specific register of pitches and how we name them. This is an important lesson that will…
Question: What Tension Strings Should I Use on Classical Guitar? Answer Summary: Beginners should start with a warm nylon string in medium to medium-hard tension depending on the brand whereas advanced players may want a harder tension nylon or carbon string…
Performance psychologist Dr. Noa Kageyama from the Bulletproof Musician examines a study where adding variation to a motor skill test improved results to as much as double in participants. I completely agree that when practicing, adding variations to the passage…
Question: How can I play cleanly without looking at the left hand (fretting hand) on classical guitar? Answer Summary: A combination of technique practice and muscle memory, string crossing and shift exercises, and some dedicated practice looking away eventually results in the…
Well Balanced Technique Sessions and Cross-Technique Benefits. Students often underestimate the importance of cross-technique benefits, that is, how some technique exercises can actually improve your other techniques. Aim to create a well-balanced technique routine to ensure you are benefiting from…
Question: How many pieces should I play within a grade level in music before moving to the next? Here’s the full question from the student (paraphrased): “Do you think being able to play ten pieces well at grade 5 is…
Theory Lesson No.5a: Grand Staff, Middle C, and Octave Indications. Middle C is important mainly because it serves as a common reference point in music, notation, and instrument orientation and visually connects the treble and bass clefs. The grand staff…
Question: Is it acceptable to hit an adjacent string during slurs? For example, when playing a pull-off on the 2nd string is it okay to make contact with the 1st string with the left hand slur finger? Answer Summary: The answer…
Left Hand String Clearance Exercise – This exercise helps students play with curved fingers on their fingertips which helps with all left hand techniques. It also creates a situation where the student becomes aware of bad technique habits by listening…
Question: How do I not mute adjacent strings with the left hand when playing chords and arpeggios on classical guitar? More specifically, when practicing Giuliani Arpeggios, the 4th string D gets partially muted by my left hand 2nd finger that…
Question: How do I play through a simple mistake in music? For example, I have a habit of when I play a wrong note, I go back and correct it. It may not be a difficult passage, just a simple…
A final word of advice for my book, Right Hand Fingering for Classical Guitar: Concepts and Case Studies. This is from my book: Right Hand Fingering for Classical Guitar: Concepts and Case Studies. This book aims to give students a basic criteria…