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Is this a problem with my fingers or my guitar?   You are logged in as Guest
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Issam

 

Posts: 50
Joined: Sep. 3 2010
 

Is this a problem with my fingers or... 
This problem is killing me!

For example, this part of a falseta, from Jucal, is almost impossible to play unless I have a capo on at least the 3rd fret:

---------------------------------------
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5(h)--2(h)--1--2(h)--5--2(h)--1--
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---------------------------------------

Could the neck of my guitar be a little bit bigger for my hands? I kind of doubt it because I have some pretty long fingers.
I'm really confused, should I consider getting a new guitar or do stretching exercises more often?

Here are two photos to help you understand my problem:






I don't know if you can tell from the photos how difficult these two positions are for me, but they are incredibly difficult and a little bit painful.

Can you guys please try to play the same thing on your guitars and let me know how difficult is it for you, and if you need to stretch that much? Thanks!

Images are resized automatically to a maximum width of 800px
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 13:59:20
 
guitarbuddha

 

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
Any chance of bar/page numbers and the name of the edition you are working on ?
Or alternatively the time in the track.

I can't make head nor tail of your tab.

In general it is always the hand.

If you are playing on a strat and Jucal is the first thing you are trying to learn then you are being a bit ammbitious. Also you will not be able to learn the correct techniques of the right hand because steel strings to not respond in the same way.


OOPS just noticed that it is actually a nylon sorry.
D.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:09:06
 
guitarbuddha

 

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to guitarbuddha) 
I just noticed that you mentioned pain.

If you are in pain then stop and have a good think about what you are doing. Sit up straight and if possible practice in front of a mirror watching out for grimacing tensing cocking the head and all counterproductive affectations.

D.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:10:39
 
Issam

 

Posts: 50
Joined: Sep. 3 2010
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to guitarbuddha) 
I'm playing this on a Hnos. Sanchis Lopez flamenco guitar.

Jucal is not the first thing I'm trying to play, I'm well aware of how difficult this piece is. However, this is not the problem here.



the part I'm talking about is this: 1:28 - 1:29

And yeah, just a little bit of pain when stretching that much, but don't worry I know when to stop
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:19:21
 
guitarbuddha

 

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
Slide up the third string with the third finger to get to the sixth fret then move your hand back for the B natural with the fourth finger(this is where the camera cuts away..

The second time you see that he shifts with the pinkie, try both but if you are over stretching moving on the third finger should help you remember to carry the whole hand instead of grabbing onto the neck.

Don't try and sustain the low F sharp for too long either.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:27:00
 
Ricardo

Posts: 14806
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
you are tilting the hand back so fingers play at an angle like violinists do. you need to play more ON TOP of the fingerboard. Get your wrist down and out, your elbow more away from your body. Your hands are huge man.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:29:53
 
Issam

 

Posts: 50
Joined: Sep. 3 2010
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to guitarbuddha) 
Thanks, guitarbuddha.

But honestly I'm trying to find a solution for the big problem itself, not just a workaround to be able to play this part on this particular piece.

I just want to figure out if this is a problem with the size of the neck of my guitar, or a stretching problem.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:33:30
 
Issam

 

Posts: 50
Joined: Sep. 3 2010
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Ricardo) 
Thanks, Ricardo.

So you think this a problem with the position of my hand and not with the guitar? I just want to be sure to work on this.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:38:21
 
guitarbuddha

 

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Issam

Thanks, guitarbuddha.

But honestly I'm trying to find a solution for the big problem itself, not just a workaround to be able to play this part on this particular piece.

I just want to figure out if this is a problem with the size of the neck of my guitar, or a stretching problem.


Look at his hand, and listen to how clear the texture is.

He is sustaining open strings and the bass only for so long as is convenient. The phrasing of the melody doesn't require a melodic note to be held after the next one is played.

He makes it look easy because he is not making it hard.

Let your hand move about more.

D.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:38:54
 
tri7/5

 

Posts: 570
Joined: May 5 2012
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Ricardo) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricardo

you are tilting the hand back so fingers play at an angle like violinists do. you need to play more ON TOP of the fingerboard. Get your wrist down and out, your elbow more away from your body. Your hands are huge man.


I agree with this. You have to get almost underneath the neck so to speak.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 14:48:25
 
Issam

 

Posts: 50
Joined: Sep. 3 2010
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to guitarbuddha) 
guitarbuddha,

In the video I have posted he seems to play the F# note, the 4th fret of the 4th string, as you have mentioned (and I can play it like that easily) but in the recorded version, he actually plays the 5th fret (the G note) and that's the one I'm trying to play.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 15:25:01
 
Ricardo

Posts: 14806
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Issam

guitarbuddha,

In the video I have posted he seems to play the F# note, the 4th fret of the 4th string, as you have mentioned (and I can play it like that easily) but in the recorded version, he actually plays the 5th fret (the G note) and that's the one I'm trying to play.



It's actually supposed to be 4-2-1-2-5-2-1....but still it's about your wrist and elbow forcing your hand to sit differently over the fingerboard that will help you with this.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 15:45:39
 
guitarbuddha

 

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Issam

guitarbuddha,

In the video I have posted he seems to play the F# note, the 4th fret of the 4th string, as you have mentioned (and I can play it like that easily) but in the recorded version, he actually plays the 5th fret (the G note) and that's the one I'm trying to play.



OK I just did that and found it easy.

Here is why. All stretches are made (whenever possible) with the index finger reaching back. Move you whole hand and arm to where you can reach the G easily. Then gently reach back with the index and find the G#.

It is all about letting your hand be light and move. As Ricardo is saying you want to work on POSITIONING not stretching.

You need to work really slow so that (eventually and in the heat of battle) you reach for the easy grip with the easy thumb postition without thinking. If you keep setting your hand up to where the stretch feels tight you will get tired and sore and clumsy.

Best of luck and take your time.




D.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 15:45:50
 
Grisha

 

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Issam) 
Regarding the violin position vs knuckles parallel to the fretboard... With the knuckles parallel I can stretch from F on the 6th string to Bb on the 1st. But with violin position I can stretch to C on the 1st... That's 2 frets more - a significant difference.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 16:13:55
 
Ricardo

Posts: 14806
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Grisha) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Grisha

Regarding the violin position vs knuckles parallel to the fretboard... With the knuckles parallel I can stretch from F on the 6th string to Bb on the 1st. But with violin position I can stretch to C on the 1st... That's 2 frets more - a significant difference.


And that is why you play guitar in violin position then.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 16:23:26
 
guitarbuddha

 

Posts: 2970
Joined: Jan. 4 2007
 

RE: Is this a problem with my finger... (in reply to Grisha) 
quote:

ORIGINAL: Grisha

Regarding the violin position vs knuckles parallel to the fretboard... With the knuckles parallel I can stretch from F on the 6th string to Bb on the 1st. But with violin position I can stretch to C on the 1st... That's 2 frets more - a significant difference.



I'd love to hear you play Choro de Saudade Mr Goryachev.

D.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jan. 14 2014 16:28:23
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