So, I'm working on the beginner lessons, but I'm having trouble even picking out a melody because any time I lift my finger off a string to get to the next note, the open string sounds out. I've tried to change the angle I'm raising my fingers off the strings but it doesn't seem to matter.
I always wash my hands before I play. Could it be that my fingers are still too soft and are grabbing the strings? Anyone else have this problem?
I'm continuing to practice of course, but any ideas for causation or a solution would be appreciated.
Thanks all!
Megan
Unintentional pull-offs...sticky fingers?
The angle you take your fingers off is important you should attempt to lift straight up and also placement straight down. The fingering hand position can help with this ensure your hand is pushed forward , the way to see this is by placing your thumb centre of the back of the neck and push forearm forward at same time as rotating your hand up in front of the strings, this might seem exaggerated at first but it puts your fingers in a better place
I agree with Chas, I would put a special attention on your landing of your left hand. Your fingers migth already put a slight pressure sideways (migth be because you are not coming straight down, or because you try to put too much pressure especially if you are too far from the fret)and create a small prebend. So even if you lift your finger straigth up it will sound like a pull off.
Try to make a chord like C, and lift and lower the chord alternating with a full hand opening to similate as if you were coming from a another chord. See, when you release the chord, whether you hear anything, if you do follow, Chas advise about hand position (actually, his advise is good whether or not you have the pull off problem ) and I would add to have your fingers closer to the fret to lower the pressure.
Marc
Try to make a chord like C, and lift and lower the chord alternating with a full hand opening to similate as if you were coming from a another chord. See, when you release the chord, whether you hear anything, if you do follow, Chas advise about hand position (actually, his advise is good whether or not you have the pull off problem ) and I would add to have your fingers closer to the fret to lower the pressure.
Marc
Megan- Chas and Marc are correct but I think your fingertips may play a role too. Until you get really good calluses built up your fingertips will indent while pressing the strings down. It's even worse as your fingertips start to harden but aren't quite fully callused. If you have deep grooves in your fingertips this could be contributing to your problem.
Another thing beginners do is use too much pressure to fret the notes in the hope that more pressure will get cleaner tones. But pressure has nothing to do with string tone, your angle of attack does. Learn to use the minimum pressure you can get away to make clean tones. It's much easier on your hands and arms and will allow you to avoid fatique and play longer.
Work on your hand position, build up your calluses and be patient; it will definately get better with time.
Good luck! :cheer:
Another thing beginners do is use too much pressure to fret the notes in the hope that more pressure will get cleaner tones. But pressure has nothing to do with string tone, your angle of attack does. Learn to use the minimum pressure you can get away to make clean tones. It's much easier on your hands and arms and will allow you to avoid fatique and play longer.
Work on your hand position, build up your calluses and be patient; it will definately get better with time.
Good luck! :cheer:
These guys give such good, and detailed advice. The struggle is figuring out for your hands, where do I get the best sound, keeping in mind that there are proper positions you should aspire to. The whole callus thing is such a pain, so do have patience with yourself over that. Hang in there... Watch out for the hand lotions that you use too. I noticed that some of the more emollient lotions soften my calluses just a little. Then I have a similar problem that you have - but in my case, my callus has started to soften and peal, and it catches on the string.
The difficult part of the hand position is to have the fatty part of the thumb applying the pressure on the back of the fretboard instead of the palm (baseball grip). With the palm, you feel you can apply more force to your fingers on the fretboard, but it is a faulty impression and your fingers tips will be oblique on the strings (string buzzing or muting)as oppose to vertical.
It is really worthwhile to deal with the akwardness of the position as it will not be anymore in a short while, then you will have the proper position forever.
Marc
It is really worthwhile to deal with the akwardness of the position as it will not be anymore in a short while, then you will have the proper position forever.
Marc