Christian Guitar Tips
1. PRAYER The first tip as a CHRISTIAN GUITAR PLAYER is to start your practice sessions with prayer. It's so simple, but so easy to forget to do. Prayer has two sides. Not only does God want to help us through this life, He wants us to do everything to His Glory. Ask Him to help you learn the instrument. You can ask Him for help with certain chord changes, etc. Then play for him... even your practice.
2. RELAX It takes a lot of weight to hold down the strings of a guitar, especially for bar chords. But, not more than what's needed to get a good sound. Most CHRISTIAN GUITAR students hold too much tension in their hands. It's no wonder it's difficult for them to change quickly or get a good sound. A good way to release unnecessary tension is to start with relaxing your face. Consciously relax your face and shoulders while you play. That will help your fingers too. 3. LEFT HAND The best position for your left hand is when your hand is parallel to the neck. You want to have the pinky side of your hand as close to the neck as your first finger side. Many beginning Christian Guitar players hold their hand with the first finger side close to the neck, but the pinky side is an inch or more away. Relax! Most people hold too much tension in both hands. If you're playing an arpeggio pattern, only use energy for the stroke. Your fingers should fall back down with no tension. For strumming patterns, you're hand should be like a wet rag... relaxed. 5. FOCUS AHEAD A simple way to flesh this out is by looking at where the fingers will go next. For example, if you're playing chords in the first fret, but are going to move to a chord higher up on the neck... look at the trets you're moving to, not where you hand is now. You'll get to the new chord with more accuracy. If you're learning a new chord, try to visualize the chord before you change. Think ahead to the next chord, next measure. Think ahead to where your fingers are moving. Only look, if you watch your hands, to where you're moving too. You are on your way to becoming a better Christian Guitar Player! © Jean Welles Author of 'Jean Welles Worship Guitar Class' DVDs & Videos. Learn familiar worship songs & excellent technique with easy step-by-step instruction. Visit:
|
