Any time that someone tells you "learn this one secret and you won't ever need lessons," you know that you are being lied to. Yes, I did listen through. As I expected, it was more than one thing, none of which was particularly secret, and all of it together won't replace a teacher -- not even close.
I get what you are all saying. On the other hand, there are small truths to what he is saying. I agree it isn't a secret. However, I think it is valuable information for a certain demographic of guitarists.
I appreciated the video. The theme is expressiveness, and he packaged some good tips together. Sure the video title is a little over the top, but these guys are competing for views and he delivered relevant content, so I don’t have a problem with that.
I have an extensive background in Classical guitar, degree, etc., and also play electric, adn acoustic guitar. Fretting is very different between them for a variety of reasons. Classical guitar music tends to be polyphonic, with multiple lines of music moving around at the same time. The action on a Classical guitar tends to be about twice the height of an electric guitar. Unless you play on your fingertips, you'll probably be inadvertently muting strings. Music on the electric often involves single lines, where muting unfretted strings is highly beneficial so they don't accidentally ring out, so flattened fingertips are a big benefit. Acoustic guitar music tends to be somewhere in between the two. Of course playing styles and techniques can vary widely, and you'll get the best results by understanding how to use them with the appropriate music and styles.
Not only that, I can get the same expression he got with my fingertips. I'm just not buying it, if you're bending notes it is easier to flatten your fingers because you're pushing from a stronger joint. Also, on a guitar that 's insensitive, or if you're using effects that nullify crushed or muted notes, you can get away with this; however, you are practicing sloppy tone and it will slow down your speed. There are occasions this makes sense, just like using your thumb to to create otherwise awkward chords.
I've been coaching as long as this guy. I believe if students learn proper technique with cleaner note placement, they can always dirty it up later. Getting clean notes is the biggest challenge for most people at first. The feel is something you add in once they get the basics down 1st.
@@Wallimann Then why are you teaching proper tech as if it's wrong? And why are you saying manipulative shit like "teachers won't teach you this because you'll like not show up after wards"? Bro...
Hendrix was the main reason I picked up the guitar as little boy in the 70's. I used to hold the guitar exactly like he did, with the entire back of the neck wrapped in the palm of my hand, thumb over the top and fingers on the fleshy part. It looked "cool", and Jimi played that way. When I started to take formal lessons in the 80's the first thing my teacher did was correct my grip and made me play hold it properly. Fingers up on the tips and just the thumb on the back of the neck to brace it. He was correct. This allows for greater reach, dexterity, speed, and cleaner tone. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've come to find that I adjust my grip (and general over all handling of the guitar, for that matter) for what it is I'm playing. But for about 90% of the time, I grip the neck properly, the way I was taught. In retrospect, I think every novice guitarist should be taught that from the very beginning.
@@SealedKiller In my humble opinion, it isn't about choosing not to but rather picking the right tool for the right job, at the right time. The true greats know when to break the rules.
@@N3gativeR3FLUX True but I was saying why wouldn't you want to use your thumb, it just adds more to your playing at certain times which is what you appear to be saying. You don't have to use it all the time of course.
The claim that guitar teachers keep knowledge from students is ridiculous. Joke or not, this type of claim really plays into the distrust of experts that is rampant on the internet.
The only experts I’m weary of are lying “experts” in govwrnment positions or in the medical industry who don’t really know anything. When the “experts” are objectively wrong about everything, you’d have to be an idiot to trust these fools.
Obviously there is no cabal of guitar teachers keeping the truth from potential shredders, but in the bigger picture there should always be a level of distrust in 'experts' chosen by a government to represent said government. There are experts who say differently. It's just that they weren't on the side of the government.
I'm learning to play bass and have been doing this and it has COMPLETELY changed my tone and approach and suddenly I can actually play the instrument with confidence because I know it doesn't sound like crap with every note. This trick is real, guys. You still have to learn all the others stuff, but that subtle shift in tone makes a huuuuuge difference.
When I first had a go at bass the bloke who was showing me said don't let the notes ring out and make it sound more like a kick drum. After that I felt like I was playing bass like a pro.
You're right. No one tells you this stuff. I figured it out partially because I have short fingers and struggle to stretch my fingers across the fret board. I noticed that people who can play keep their fingers relatively flat. Also allows you to hold the guitar lower while standing. Thank you for confirming what I thought, and giving so much detail. Reinforcing me to get this down. Its a different muscle dynamic and takes some getting used to. I actually got good at bending strings with the very tips lol.
I feel like a true beginner should learn how to play on tips initially and then the flattened fingers after. I've see moments where playing on the tips of my fingers worked better such as if I'm playing a hammered on double stop where the hammered string is on the d and the barred double is on the g. With flattened fingers it mutes the g. Atleast in my playing it seems
Really good video David👍 Everything you said is 100 percent accurate. I have been playing guitar since 2016. Now it's 2023. I also started guitar like everyone else by learning chords and then slowly switching to lead guitar. Now I am the official lead guitarist of my batch in my university. So happy about my journey so far. Still to this date I cannot get over the fact that most guitar teachers/ UA-camrs teach these very strict rules to their students thnking that will improve them but actually all it does is hinder the improvement of the students. (A very good example is the one you explained where the students are taught to fret the notes by the tip of their fingers. The chromatic scale most commonly known as the spider exercise 🙊 is an instance where the above finger technique is pretty common with typical guitar teachers. I personally found out that by flattening my fingers that I am much able to silence the other strings while being able to bend/ vibrato the strings more easily. Doing legato licks feels more easier with the tip of the fingers.). Personally I am happy that I never went to any guitar classes because without them I was able to improve much faster as I didn't have any unnecessary strict rules to follow, which allowed me to experiment with different styles and techniques. In 2020 I got my first electric guitar. I learnt how to adjust the pickups last year(2022) and learnt how to adjust the saddles and truss rod yesterday(2023). All of them I learnt by myself, by watching UA-cam videos and trying on my own. Pretty sure no guitar teacher would have had such courses to offer me if I had gone to a class😂😂 This is the first ever video that I saw through your channel but still I believe that the guitar world needs more teachers like you. Keep it up buddy👍👍👍💯💯💯
I teach this quite a bit. A lot of beginner players tend to play only with the tips of their fingers and very curved. Which is what you need to do when playing open chords. Which is where almost everyone starts out. However, when playing single note riffs or lead lines, playing with the pad of your finger with flatter fingers helps control and mute the adjacent strings. There’s different “grips” or technique that work better for certain things. It’s good to be able to play both ways when needed. Also everyone’s hand size and finger length is different and impacts this as well. I think you’re the first person I’ve seen talk about this though in video.
@@garydow1540 yes, you will be muting the strings your aren’t playing with the fingers being flat. Flat fingers is more for single note things like riffs and solos. For chords where you need 2 or more strings to ring out, that’s when you go curved fingers.
i'm a pickcer and do lots of straight, picking and a plucking notes but this was Great, it gave me a new way of getting that slide smooth tone to work in and out of songs so it's never boring with a ton of sharp clear notes, having the relaxed smooth slide notes ( flat fingers!) makes it easy , fun and opens a whole new world. Thanks a ton for your free to the point way of teaching!
As a total beginner I have noticed that when teaching they emphasise the end of the fingers but when you see pros play they don't do it like that. I figured it was just through experience. I do think there must be a reason it is taught this way, probably to stop you hitting other strings by accident.
Everywhere and every tutor instructed me to curl my fingers and use the tip of my finger But it was until later I started to "see" details in playing and zooming in on pros that I saw how their fingers were flattened. Bonus it helps with noise control with high gain... Great video with tons of tips
I was born in '85, and I can remember watching SRV concert footage when I was probably 11 or 12 and I could see how flat his fingers were when he played, and how his thumb was always wrapped over the top of the neck to hit the low E. Then I watched a legato player like Joe Satriani who uses a more classical grip, almost never wraps his thumb over the top, and does his legato with his finger tips. That's the thing about the guitar. There is no "one right way" to do it. All that matters is how it sounds.
My wife keeps asking me why I play the same thing alot, it's called practice and it's repeated until I learn it...thank you for your lesson sir. I'm going to do this all weekend 🤪 😌
I've had the opposite experience of starting playing flat fingers and finding I get a much more expressive sound when I switched to using fingertips. Maybe it's because I played Cello in school orchestra or maybe it's because I have small fingers. I find that when I play with the flats of my fingers I just don't have any leverage to do vibrato or bend notes. I seem to have much more control when using my finger tips.
From my experience, and no I'm not a session player, just many years in many different genera, it's not either or, it's both. There are sometimes, especially chording you need to be on your fingertips to generate clean notes but many times, not always, playing lower on the fingers can make bending, vibrato and especially muting much easier and expressive. Great video as truly there are a lot of individuals who haven't figured this out yet!
Here's another style/way you can add some more expression to the notes and some sound you may want to try. You talked about the placement of the fingers and that is so true but if you try placing the thumb is the hitchhiker position on some of the notes that don't need a neck-hold grip, you will find amore note sustaining sound when the pressure on the neck matches the rod inside the neck, play around with it but don't get mad if it changes some of your playing style.🍺
This really helps someone who wants to take good insight and make it part of their expression minus adding opinions and drama. I don't give other than I got something kindly offered. I received and already using it.
Very nice. I've played classical guitar for years, but I recently--2 yrs ago--started playing electric. I love this tid-bit of information. This kind of incorporation really helps relative beginners like me. 👍
Aside: OK, the guitar teacher comment was a 'hook' I think to get people in. He is also a teacher! In this video he has taught. Now to the video. Thank you thank you thank you!! I watched an amazing player for years at a club I worked at. He played with such feel and I wanted to sound more like him and other great players. I noticed that a great players fretting hand looked 'different' to how mine looked. I couldn't articulate it. I'd have called it 'more relaxed' or that 'it flowed' whereas mine is 'jumpy'. You've articulated it PERFECTLY! Part of that difference in sound seems to come from a beginner or early intermediate (me) doing things 'to' the guitar, but great players are playing 'with' the guitar. I hope that doesn't sound like BS; it makes sense in my head. Thank you so much for this truly fantastic lesson.
I get what you are saying about a guitar being 'organic' and 'expressive' ,and you mentioned that you have more tonal control over notes than say, a piano. But, since I play both, let me explain to you what a piano has that a guitar does not have, and that are harmonic horizons you can achieve which you can't on a guitar. I can do poly chords, dense clusters that are unreachable on a guitar. There are certain inversions of the dom 7 - 9 - 5 chord which are exciting on piano, but lackluster on guitar, not to mention the dom 13 #11b9 chord, difficult to get the right sound of that chord on guitar. So, I play piano for it's harmonic possibilities my ears hear, but with which the guitar was unable to reach, which is why I started in on the piano at the age of 45 ( started guitar when I was 14 , I'm 71 now ). I got tired of envying piano players regarding harmonic possibilities and I started even at that tender but late age. and I play guitar for it's more expressive possibilities -- but I play nylon string/jazz stuff. In rock, it's not that big a thing and the guitar is THE instrument for that genre, of course.
A light bulb moment for this beginner! I've watched so many lessons for acoustic which place great emphasis on the importance of the upright, tip-of-the-finger placement to get clean notes. I've found this awkward. I have an electric guitar as well as an acoustic, and agree that electric offers much more opportunity for expression. Thanks for a great video.
Playing with the flats makes it harder to avoid dampening strings unintentionally when playing chords. At least this is someting I struggle with. Do you have a video on this, by any chance? Thanks.
This style works well for single not playing, and can work well for double stops. But it can get in the way when playing chords, or open string runs. Like so many things in guitar its not a question of which technique, but rather a matter of having multiple tools in your tool box and knowing when to use which style.
That's where I'm at what you said, I've been trying to play Diary of a Madman all day, talk about unintended muting of strings 🤪 and that's just the first 9 chords, to many years of using the flats, my son is a musician and guitar teacher told me to play that for a month and he will show me the rest, and that's over the phone if I want in person lessons I have to pay like everyone else. Yeah he's a smart ass...😂
I think the most important thing to note, that he glazed over when taking about this technique, was whether you are playing electric or acoustic guitar - I primarily mean the style MOST people tend to play on each respective guitar.
"Guitar teachers are hiding info that would prevent you from needing lessons." Also, Officials in your area are FURIOUS after an elderly grandmother revealed this one simple trick that gives you a bigger tool and longer life! You won't believe what happened next!
I think this video is great! I am a trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which is, essentially, a 'model of modeling'. NLP was created as a means to rapidly replicate for any skill what is commonly known as 'genius'. One of the things I have noticed in studying guitar is that most instructors tend to focus on basic mechanics, while almost zero of them bring you into the mindset, psychology, and belief systems of accomplished players. I think this lesson in guitar goes a good distance in that direction.
@@Wallimann You are welcome, and thank YOU for providing some great insight into playing, and for doing it in such a relatable, easy-to-understand fashion!
This is cool, I've been playing like that for years now, it's great. But one thing that I did just last week was this: I have been aware that I had my little finger anchored below the high E string. I imagined that it helped my accuracy. I started releasing my little finger from the anchor point, and I was surprised that my accuracy is even better now, because I'm not tying up my hand at that one point. I can much more freely and play longer lines at faster tempos.
I've been playing for over 30 years and I still don't know very much about scales or a, c, d placements. My friend taught me a couple of Death Metal riffs on guitar and I learned on my own from there.(Pestilence-Out of Body is the first song that I learned). I have multiple albums on UA-cam and everything... Play what you feel and how you feel...🤘
I have often wondered how some other UA-cam guitarists were playing so cleanly. A few of them always seemed to have their fingers so flat against the strings. I always struggle trying to get just the tip of my finger to press on only a single string without touching adjacent strings. That often results in a buzz from adjacent strings, or sympathetic ringing of other unwanted strings. I will have to develop this technique myself. Thank you.
Been trying to contort my poor somewhat abused and twisted fingers into that classical style formation for some time now, they just can’t do it, this video was liberating! And I was just taken back to Mr Pooke, who gave me a few piano lessons as a child. I could never get my hands to look like they were gripping an orange as I played, much to his annoyance. I was a tad annoyed myself when decades later I noticed that many of the top concert pianists were playing flat fingered, as mine wanted to do. But anyway I fell in love with guitars, of all kinds. If I ever get rich by some miracle, I will by a big studio with a grand piano, and space for the necessities of rock and roll of course. Meantime I pluck away in my room and write songs in my head for my cat.
All 100% True and helpful unless you decide to go down the legato route, then you need to go back to the tips (just when your using legato). I have been on a Tom Quayle bender for a couple of years and he's into using the tips for legato. It's been a weird journey trying to re-learn using the fingertips again after using more of the finger face for such a long time. Thanks for the vid :)
Great video, David! For so long, I've tried to do the curled fingers thing, thinking it was the "correct" way to fret, even though flatter fingers is waaaay more natural feeling and allows me to move more quickly and accurately. Thank you!!
I am now learning to play guitar on my own i've been rejected and told by some of the guitar player that i can't do it and its too late coz i am old to learn so i should just stick on my singing ..that why i thank you all guys who are uplaoding this kind of videos🙂😊😉
As the other person said. You are never too old to learn. I bought my first guitar when I was 59 yrs old. I'm retired now and am so glad I started playing. I will admit, I came extremely close to quitting. But then I found some very good learning videos and it just took off from there. Not every video works for everyone. I found it took me a bit to find the one instructor that worked for me. But the good news is there is plenty of material online, and you will find what works for you!!
Theres a band of four guys called The Big Push, who busk in Brighton, Sussex, U.K. you can find them on you tube. Three play guitars, and one the drums. They are amazing, they put their heart into their music.A must watch. 👍
Your video seems very honest. Thanks for the concept. Glad you like Sweetwater Sound. I live a couple miles from the store and absolutely love going there. Love you all Bill.
Absolutely correct. Also, "the correct way" doesn't exist. Want proof? Check out "Four on Six" by Wes Montgomery (the black and white video on youtube). He was one of the best (jazz) guitarists that ever lived and the way he played is completely wrong if you believe the "rules". Check it out.
I have played guitar for over 50 years. I would consider myself as advanced in some styles, intermediate level in other styles, and a beginner in other styles. I spent over 20 years in Nashville Tn. Listening to world class players. I even have a couple a friends who are unbelievably accomplished professionals. They can play just about any style at the highest level of competence. All that having been said, this video is, in my opinion, very misleading. Every accomplished guitar player is an individual. There is no “magic” information or secret. While there is some truth in this video, there is no substitute for practice and some knowledge of music theory combined with the desire and love of playing music. The intricacies involved in playing guitar at a competent level are too numerous to be included in any one teacher’s knowledge. The great guitar players have learned from many many other players in order to a high level of proficiency. Sorry dude, but i know better. There is no such thing as a magic knowledge to open the door to being an accomplished player. I have known too many great guitarists who all “woodsheded” To get to their own particular level of playing guitar. They all say the the same thing. And It ain’t what you are saying. Sorry, but thats the way it is.
@ Mark Brown... Obviously you don't need or benefit from Dave's videos so what you should do is go elsewhere. Glad you know so many virtuoso guitarists.
I’ve studied and played with top guitarist in the world and this video and concept is wrong. In some cases depending on the tone you are looking for is up to the artist. Just look at top guitarist and they are not playing with the finger flat…
This information is, as you say yourself ... kind of stating the obvious, but until fully explained and the way you put it across with it's necessity in either just playing the notes or "PLAYING THE NOTES" ... is so on the money. It's also (after being told by you) something that when listening to other guitarists, you are very much more aware of, fantastic David ... and a big “Thank You”.
so many guitar teacher overlook this topic. For them is all about learning the modes and harmonizing. Not a lot about how to express yourself and dynamics .... thanks 4 this!
Uncle Ben’s lesson on “Why Your Muting Sucks” covered most of this. It isn’t like anyone is trying to hide anything, the difference is that classical guitar didn’t have to deal with the same issues that modern guitarists have to deal with, specifically modern high gain amps.
Great vid, just subbed. I would consider piano one of the most expressive, you use your feet also and don't underestimate the expressiveness of touch on a great piano!
Trumpet, sax, guitar, clarinet, harmonica and violin. One of those things that is half subjective. We all know drums and flutes and double basses aren’t in the same league as trumpets and violins.
Fretting with your tips makes running through multiple strings a bit easier, but I generally use more of the flesh. Just depends on what I'm playing. But good tips ..... get it?! Tips?!
I took 2 lessons at twelve years old when I began playing over 40 years ago. Back then, there was no Tablature, they taught you how to read music, and it was boring as hell. I never even had a friend to help me learn, just time, and trying to play along with records. 40+ years later, I am masterful on the guitar, and I learned quickly. You have to really, really want to learn to play if you're going to stick with it, and you must think outside the box - always. I still consider myself a student, and always will. The guitar is the greatest instrument, along with the drums, that you can really manipulate and develop your own true signature style.
Really found the fuller connection to the fretboard and saying something was a great way to enhance exression. Fun excercise. Takes you out of thinking about scales by getting a feel for how to make the guitar speak in your voice. Cool and thanks!!!
I'm torn. I really don't know if I'd be as good a player as I am today if I hadn't started with more classical form before transitioning to a more relaxed "rock" form. When I played with a classical form, my fingers were usually hovering directly over each string, so I started on a really good foot in terms of accuracy and efficiency of motion. You have to move your hand way more with a blues grip. The way the two forms blend together has made me a much more well-rounded guitarist. All that said, I think what's even more important than finger position, specifically for a rock style, is how your hand (usually somewhere along the outer edge of the index finger) connects with the edge of the fretboard. Hard to describe without showing, but experts tend to always have the same spot of their hand connected to that edge most of the time. For me, the classical floating wrist style did not work for playing faster licks at all, and the more I keep my hand planted these days, the better I get. Also you can get a very different feel by changing the exact spot/area that connects... worth a try.
I’ve been looking for a video on this for a awhile. I’m 24 and a huge blues guy, so all of my favorite players use the overhand grip with really flat fingers. I noticed my hands didn’t look like their while playing and it’s been driving me crazy lol
This is a very interesting video. I’m 37 year old and have been playing for almost five years, in the past four months I’d say I’ve improved my playing and expressiveness substantially. Over the past few years I’ve been anal about trimming my fingernails on my fretting hand almost every time I play which is everyday. Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed that I haven’t been having to trim my fingernails as often, and I was thought about why but I wasn’t sure. Part of it is from playing regularly my yolks get thicker, harder and more pronounced so the nails don’t protrude as easily, but the biggest reason is I started playing less with the tips of my fingers. I think this is because I’ve lowered the action on all of my acoustics snd I got my first electric guitar a couple months back. The electric definitely helped make me more expressive even when on an acoustic. I’ve also been learning diatonic button accordion which I’d say is one of the more expensive instruments, it literally feels alive sometimes the way it breaths and vibrates and moans
There is a lot of truth to this. I disagree that it's 100% true, but it's mostly true. One of the definite myths, though, is that you can't get as gnarly of bends. That's actually unadulterated horseshit. You can get way bigger bends with a Classical grip, because your wrist is dropped way down, and therefore your fingers can easily reach all the way to the top of the board. I, like most guitarists, am equally comfortable with a Blues or Classical grip. But they each have their strengths and weaknesses. You can be an elite rock or metal guitarist with either, but if you can effortlessly go back and forth it adds more overall range. There are things that you either can't do, or can't do quite as well, with either grip. Most non Classical guitarists use both grips without even thinking about it. They use a Classical grip for Barre Chords and Shredding, but switch to a Blues grip when they want to dig in, and/or use their thumb. You can play Jimi Hendrix with a Classical grip, but it usually sounds more authentic with a Blues grip.
@@morningmoon97 Some people would argue, but you are correct. Almost everyone uses both. Classical for Barre Chords and Shredding, and Blues for down and dirty.
@@uh-ohstinky3581 I never saw highly skillfull players with epic bends and vibratos do it with classical grip. I used to do it when I first learn guitar coming from acoustic. But as I learn more electric, it's only natural to switch to blues grip. It just looks wrong (for me anyway) to do bends & vibrato with classical grip.
I studied with Chick Corea's guitar player Bill Connors. He gave me great technique and opened my hand up to do all sorts of things that FLAT fingers cannot. I even went on to do Classical and now finger style. So, your technique is limiting not expansive. Love to see you try some more advanced fusion.
I almost gave up because my pinky doesn't stay on the chord or I can't press hard enough very frustrating. So I didn't pick up the guitar for several days. After seeing this video I will pick the guitar again . If you can give me any advice I would be so appreciative and happy. Thank you You are definitely a great teacher and doing what you do is awesome for so many beginners like me.
Your strength will build only if you play every day. Also, most beginners try to push too hard. Focus on getting your fingers in the right place, just behind the fret, and you'll find that you don't need as much pressure. Stick with it, I've been playing for 40 years and I'm not Eddie van Halen, but I always have fun! It is a lifetime skill that you will love forever.
Look up spider walking and other finger dexterity/strength exercises for guitar. Spider walking especially is very good to help build dexterity. Perfecto de Castro also has a great pinky exercise, definitely worth checking out.
*Great advice for rock. Hopeless for jazz, alas, especially if you're playing fingerstyle and playing any kind of counterpoint. But great to learn both styles of fingering ...
When you play single notes It doesn't matter if the fingers interfere with other strings as long as you have a precise right hand picking only the string you want .
@@SoundOfYourDestiny Finger angle when chording will largely be dictated by the chord shape, but you are right that your fingers need to be more upright much of the time. The #1 beginner mistake with chords imo is pressing too hard.
I teach my students that the rest of your upper body needs to relax so as to be able to be guided by your fingertips. If your fingertips want your elbow in, it moves. If they want you to tip the guitar neck up an inch, it happens. Very important!
Like everything else, take the finger placement with a grain of salt. I think his point is that you need to be comfortable while playing to get really expressive. This is definitely a tool in the box that can be used often but don't completely ditch your proper form since if you want to play more complex chords or riffs that require that dexterity that you don't have yet. There are positives and negatives of playing with the pads of your fingers. Be aware and preferably it's a technique you use sometimes but not too often especially early on. Reason is because it's easy and you want to gain comfort in the less comfortable positions. 100% on the mindset thing though. If you're improvising or writing you want an emotion first and everything else can come later. Also if you're playing a song, even off of sheet music, think about the mood the song is in so you can match it.
Right. I do not think I know, the most important aspect of playing is naturally getting to the point where you can play quite comfortably, with out thought. The real deal is the ability to compose. If you look at Neil Young, lets face facts, he is not the best guitar player or singer. He is a composer who writes music that appeals to the masses.
Hi David, c'est toujours un plaisir de suivre vos explications . vous donnez a tous un supplement d'âme a notre objectif d'appreciation de ce magnifique instrument qu'est la guitare. Merci encore. A+jc
Your changing your pick attack too... I am a beginner... I find if I hold the pick deep between my thumb and finger and attack the string at an agle with a little bit of twist as I pick I can get a really snappy note with some pinch harmonics.. it sounds really cool
That said, the reason guitar teachers train new students to use the end of the tips of the fingers is to ensure that the notes are played correctly by exact placement of strings accurately below the frets - ie to avoid buzzing. Also, the classical guitar has nylon strings whereas a the top 3 strings steel stringed folk acoustic guitar bloody hurt - which has put many aspiring guitar players off. However, I agree with the technique of using the flesh of the fingers gradually as pressing on the strings directly from above with arched fingers and thumb pressing hard at an angle gives you quite painful fingertips especially on the top E etc thin wire strings - and an aching wrist pretty damn sore - another off putting thing for new students. A few years ago, I saw a UA-cam video where a woman showed the technique of using the flesh of fingertips - but more from the perspective of the fingers slanting up the fretboard thus also enabling a more relaxed flatter wrist angle.
Nice video, but starting a video with "Most Guitar Teachers Don't Want You To Know" is not only irritating, but simply not true. MOST teachers (myself included) want our students to do well and excel. The better our students play, the more successful we are as teachers. Expression and feel are indeed very important, but that's all a student needs. To be a good player, one must know MANY aspects of guitar playing. A great feel/touch does nothing for someone who doesn't know where to put their fingers, and this stuff must be taught one thing at a time to keep a student from being overloaded and overwhelmed. One trick I learned from a friend who also teaches workshops, is, after a student has learned some blues notes, tell them to get MAD when they play their solo (I teach week long Swing and Blues workshops) They then get the idea of how to put their feeling into a solo, and it works amazingly well.
I highly doubt any students would hear that stupid opening statement and take it seriously. If I did I would not have said this since all my income comes from teaching guitar.
As we learn to play, at least I, tend to concentrate on the mechanics of playing. Hitting the correct notes, not muffing a chord, and rhythm. My father use to say that there were some that could play perfect yet not sound as good as someone else who makes a few minor mistakes. I suspect this is just one of the reasons.
why django was so great... and many tech perfect gypsy jazz guitarist dont match up.. in my opinion.. Why one sounds flowing and natural and the other machine like....the thing is some people like the machine sound also... i do.. and who doesnt admire tech prowess...but well, if i had to pick.... i would pick Django
🎼 I've been around for quite a while, played many a session (some with major Stars 🌟). What I've found is having good timing, you can't be out with the drummer, providing he's in time, things have to be reasonably tight (helps to have a good headphone mix where you can hear things clearly). I have a friend who played with Heart, he told me that he sets up so that he can watch the drummer (of course, today a lot work is to programmed drums, so practice at home, even youtube gives you drum tracks, as well as basic Backing Tracks). Also, you should have a Guitar that stays pretty well in tune (you don't have to have heavy strings, at least I never used heavy gauge, usually 9 - 42, although I started using 10s). I've moved back to 9s, although I'm not working that much at the moment (mostly writing/producing). Stop by, say hello, I'll set you straight. 🎸 🎶
Lol! I remember my first Mel Bay classical guitar beginners books, where they had detailed photographs showing you the “correct” fingering technique and how you needed to aim to have the fingers straight on the strings with no flatness AND you must contact directly on the fingertips. AND the left hand thumb must stay right in the center of the neck and never peek over the top! I even had a classical guitar teacher who kept a ruler handy to WHACK any wayward thumb that dared peek over the top edge of the neck!!
As someone who began learning to play Guitar in1966, I can not recommend this advice highly enough. What David is teaching here is really Why we want to learn; we want to play Music! And he begins with explaining which are the most expressive instruments, because that's what music is, Self Expression.
I was skeptical at first, but as the video progressed, it made me think differently in my approach to the instrument, which was a godsend bc I've been in a rut for way too long. Also, turning the gain down a bit allows you to hear the guitar, not just the amp. Obvious, I know, but it allows for more expression and a better "interface" of sorts...So, as I primarily play rock and some metal styles once you get that "feel" into your head, you can bump the gain back up and you've got that something that has been so elusive, especially playing fills and solos... as the old adage goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained ...a rhythm player's 2 cents...Good info, thank you!
Hi David. Thanks for this helpful video! I can really feel how it provides a greater expressive range. I wonder, though, how using this fleshy part of the fingers might influence pulls-offs, which I am trying to work on at the moment.
This works for many styles especially on electric. Personally, I prefer fingertips on most acoustic work in order to keep different strings sounding to allow for simultaneous melodies.
I think the bigger issue for beginners is that their fingers get mushy from lack of playing. I found out when I took short a break from playing, and after returning, sounded sloppy. Easy fix with exercise.
Great advice David. I remember commenting on a video of an old blues musician, who was fretting on the flats of his fingers. It was either John Lee Hooker or R.L Burnside. How was he doing that, when I was told to use the tips of my fingers? I figured it out myself, and you're the first teacher I've heard say to do that.
Any time that someone tells you "learn this one secret and you won't ever need lessons," you know that you are being lied to. Yes, I did listen through. As I expected, it was more than one thing, none of which was particularly secret, and all of it together won't replace a teacher -- not even close.
BS video overall.. title is utter crap
The answer is practices. You ain't goin anywhere without that.
I get what you are all saying. On the other hand, there are small truths to what he is saying. I agree it isn't a secret. However, I think it is valuable information for a certain demographic of guitarists.
I appreciated the video. The theme is expressiveness, and he packaged some good tips together. Sure the video title is a little over the top, but these guys are competing for views and he delivered relevant content, so I don’t have a problem with that.
Exactly. My particular top of the Arggh list, UA-cam guitar ‘lesson’ -wise.
The ‘ol “How to memorize the entire fretboard…in just 5 minutes!”
Arghhh.
I have an extensive background in Classical guitar, degree, etc., and also play electric, adn acoustic guitar. Fretting is very different between them for a variety of reasons. Classical guitar music tends to be polyphonic, with multiple lines of music moving around at the same time. The action on a Classical guitar tends to be about twice the height of an electric guitar. Unless you play on your fingertips, you'll probably be inadvertently muting strings.
Music on the electric often involves single lines, where muting unfretted strings is highly beneficial so they don't accidentally ring out, so flattened fingertips are a big benefit. Acoustic guitar music tends to be somewhere in between the two. Of course playing styles and techniques can vary widely, and you'll get the best results by understanding how to use them with the appropriate music and styles.
Yep
Well, spoken! (From another classical player)
You can't do that on a cou stick
I totally agree!!
They are different instruments really. That was kind of the point of the video.
Not only that, I can get the same expression he got with my fingertips. I'm just not buying it, if you're bending notes it is easier to flatten your fingers because you're pushing from a stronger joint. Also, on a guitar that 's insensitive, or if you're using effects that nullify crushed or muted notes, you can get away with this; however, you are practicing sloppy tone and it will slow down your speed. There are occasions this makes sense, just like using your thumb to to create otherwise awkward chords.
I've been coaching as long as this guy. I believe if students learn proper technique with cleaner note placement, they can always dirty it up later. Getting clean notes is the biggest challenge for most people at first. The feel is something you add in once they get the basics down 1st.
I agree man!
Exactly, NO ONE should learn how to play with the thumb over at first. It's SO easy, that any mediocre guitar player can just start doing it...
@@Wallimann Then why are you teaching proper tech as if it's wrong? And why are you saying manipulative shit like "teachers won't teach you this because you'll like not show up after wards"? Bro...
@@kambion I just never ever thought that ANYONE would take that comment so seriously!
i agree. what he is describing will come naturally
Hendrix was the main reason I picked up the guitar as little boy in the 70's. I used to hold the guitar exactly like he did, with the entire back of the neck wrapped in the palm of my hand, thumb over the top and fingers on the fleshy part. It looked "cool", and Jimi played that way. When I started to take formal lessons in the 80's the first thing my teacher did was correct my grip and made me play hold it properly. Fingers up on the tips and just the thumb on the back of the neck to brace it. He was correct. This allows for greater reach, dexterity, speed, and cleaner tone. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've come to find that I adjust my grip (and general over all handling of the guitar, for that matter) for what it is I'm playing. But for about 90% of the time, I grip the neck properly, the way I was taught. In retrospect, I think every novice guitarist should be taught that from the very beginning.
Hey pmkrak@ Hendrix and Stevie Ray playing guitar gives me goosebumps...awesome!
If your hand is big enough I don't see why you wouldn't want to use your thumb on the low strings.
JIMI WAS CORRECT.
@@SealedKiller In my humble opinion, it isn't about choosing not to but rather picking the right tool for the right job, at the right time. The true greats know when to break the rules.
@@N3gativeR3FLUX True but I was saying why wouldn't you want to use your thumb, it just adds more to your playing at certain times which is what you appear to be saying. You don't have to use it all the time of course.
The claim that guitar teachers keep knowledge from students is ridiculous. Joke or not, this type of claim really plays into the distrust of experts that is rampant on the internet.
Oh may Gawd!!!
The only experts I’m weary of are lying “experts” in govwrnment positions or in the medical industry who don’t really know anything. When the “experts” are objectively wrong about everything, you’d have to be an idiot to trust these fools.
Agreed
Surely he was joking? But it is hard to know for sure. Sounds like a bad infomercial if he was being serious
Obviously there is no cabal of guitar teachers keeping the truth from potential shredders, but in the bigger picture there should always be a level of distrust in 'experts' chosen by a government to represent said government. There are experts who say differently. It's just that they weren't on the side of the government.
I'm learning to play bass and have been doing this and it has COMPLETELY changed my tone and approach and suddenly I can actually play the instrument with confidence because I know it doesn't sound like crap with every note. This trick is real, guys. You still have to learn all the others stuff, but that subtle shift in tone makes a huuuuuge difference.
When I first had a go at bass the bloke who was showing me said don't let the notes ring out and make it sound more like a kick drum.
After that I felt like I was playing bass like a pro.
You're right. No one tells you this stuff. I figured it out partially because I have short fingers and struggle to stretch my fingers across the fret board. I noticed that people who can play keep their fingers relatively flat. Also allows you to hold the guitar lower while standing. Thank you for confirming what I thought, and giving so much detail. Reinforcing me to get this down. Its a different muscle dynamic and takes some getting used to. I actually got good at bending strings with the very tips lol.
I feel like a true beginner should learn how to play on tips initially and then the flattened fingers after. I've see moments where playing on the tips of my fingers worked better such as if I'm playing a hammered on double stop where the hammered string is on the d and the barred double is on the g. With flattened fingers it mutes the g. Atleast in my playing it seems
I think this is likely what I’ll encounter when I try this, however I imagine it’s just a spacing thing that I’ll fix over time.
Really good video David👍 Everything you said is 100 percent accurate. I have been playing guitar since 2016. Now it's 2023. I also started guitar like everyone else by learning chords and then slowly switching to lead guitar. Now I am the official lead guitarist of my batch in my university. So happy about my journey so far. Still to this date I cannot get over the fact that most guitar teachers/ UA-camrs teach these very strict rules to their students thnking that will improve them but actually all it does is hinder the improvement of the students. (A very good example is the one you explained where the students are taught to fret the notes by the tip of their fingers. The chromatic scale most commonly known as the spider exercise 🙊 is an instance where the above finger technique is pretty common with typical guitar teachers. I personally found out that by flattening my fingers that I am much able to silence the other strings while being able to bend/ vibrato the strings more easily. Doing legato licks feels more easier with the tip of the fingers.). Personally I am happy that I never went to any guitar classes because without them I was able to improve much faster as I didn't have any unnecessary strict rules to follow, which allowed me to experiment with different styles and techniques. In 2020 I got my first electric guitar. I learnt how to adjust the pickups last year(2022) and learnt how to adjust the saddles and truss rod yesterday(2023). All of them I learnt by myself, by watching UA-cam videos and trying on my own. Pretty sure no guitar teacher would have had such courses to offer me if I had gone to a class😂😂
This is the first ever video that I saw through your channel but still I believe that the guitar world needs more teachers like you.
Keep it up buddy👍👍👍💯💯💯
@kushinistawara4058:
If you never had a class, how do you know they wouldn't teach you those things?
I teach this quite a bit. A lot of beginner players tend to play only with the tips of their fingers and very curved. Which is what you need to do when playing open chords. Which is where almost everyone starts out. However, when playing single note riffs or lead lines, playing with the pad of your finger with flatter fingers helps control and mute the adjacent strings. There’s different “grips” or technique that work better for certain things. It’s good to be able to play both ways when needed. Also everyone’s hand size and finger length is different and impacts this as well.
I think you’re the first person I’ve seen talk about this though in video.
Won't your finger touch other strings though?? Beginner here!
@@garydow1540 yes, you will be muting the strings your aren’t playing with the fingers being flat. Flat fingers is more for single note things like riffs and solos.
For chords where you need 2 or more strings to ring out, that’s when you go curved fingers.
Thanks. I still have trouble accidentally muting string. I've small hands. I hope to flatten fingertips eventually as needed.
i'm a pickcer and do lots of straight, picking and a plucking notes but this was Great, it gave me a new way of getting that slide smooth tone to work in and out of songs so it's never boring with a ton of sharp clear notes, having the relaxed smooth slide notes ( flat fingers!) makes it easy , fun and opens a whole new world. Thanks a ton for your free to the point way of teaching!
Awesome. Something new to show my own student. I don't want to teach classical technique when we both just want to play blues and rock
As a total beginner I have noticed that when teaching they emphasise the end of the fingers but when you see pros play they don't do it like that. I figured it was just through experience. I do think there must be a reason it is taught this way, probably to stop you hitting other strings by accident.
Everywhere and every tutor instructed me to curl my fingers and use the tip of my finger
But it was until later I started to "see" details in playing and zooming in on pros that I saw how their fingers were flattened. Bonus it helps with noise control with high gain...
Great video with tons of tips
Wasted 35 years on my tips. Saw that my hero Andy Timmons plays flattened just a few months ago. 🤦🏻♂️
@@michaeltaylors2456 welcome to the agony and myths from guitarists all over the world
I was born in '85, and I can remember watching SRV concert footage when I was probably 11 or 12 and I could see how flat his fingers were when he played, and how his thumb was always wrapped over the top of the neck to hit the low E. Then I watched a legato player like Joe Satriani who uses a more classical grip, almost never wraps his thumb over the top, and does his legato with his finger tips. That's the thing about the guitar. There is no "one right way" to do it. All that matters is how it sounds.
@@Hahnsoulo actually I know do both flat and curled. Depends on the context...
My wife keeps asking me why I play the same thing alot, it's called practice and it's repeated until I learn it...thank you for your lesson sir.
I'm going to do this all weekend 🤪 😌
Excellent, thank you for pinpointing this aspect, that I was badly ignoring in my beginner-intermediate training 😀
I've had the opposite experience of starting playing flat fingers and finding I get a much more expressive sound when I switched to using fingertips. Maybe it's because I played Cello in school orchestra or maybe it's because I have small fingers. I find that when I play with the flats of my fingers I just don't have any leverage to do vibrato or bend notes. I seem to have much more control when using my finger tips.
Great tip! I have very small hands and find myself all contorted trying to reach the strings needed. I'll definitely be trying this out. Subscribed!
From my experience, and no I'm not a session player, just many years in many different genera, it's not either or, it's both. There are sometimes, especially chording you need to be on your fingertips to generate clean notes but many times, not always, playing lower on the fingers can make bending, vibrato and especially muting much easier and expressive. Great video as truly there are a lot of individuals who haven't figured this out yet!
Here's another style/way you can add some more expression to the notes and some sound you may want to try. You talked about the placement of the fingers and that is so true but if you try placing the thumb is the hitchhiker position on some of the notes that don't need a neck-hold grip, you will find amore note sustaining sound when the pressure on the neck matches the rod inside the neck, play around with it but don't get mad if it changes some of your playing style.🍺
This really helps someone who wants to take good insight and make it part of their expression minus adding opinions and drama. I don't give other than I got something kindly offered. I received and already using it.
Very nice. I've played classical guitar for years, but I recently--2 yrs ago--started playing electric. I love this tid-bit of information. This kind of incorporation really helps relative beginners like me. 👍
Aside: OK, the guitar teacher comment was a 'hook' I think to get people in. He is also a teacher! In this video he has taught.
Now to the video. Thank you thank you thank you!!
I watched an amazing player for years at a club I worked at. He played with such feel and I wanted to sound more like him and other great players. I noticed that a great players fretting hand looked 'different' to how mine looked. I couldn't articulate it. I'd have called it 'more relaxed' or that 'it flowed' whereas mine is 'jumpy'. You've articulated it PERFECTLY! Part of that difference in sound seems to come from a beginner or early intermediate (me) doing things 'to' the guitar, but great players are playing 'with' the guitar. I hope that doesn't sound like BS; it makes sense in my head.
Thank you so much for this truly fantastic lesson.
I get what you are saying about a guitar being 'organic' and 'expressive' ,and you mentioned that you have more tonal control over notes than say, a piano. But, since I play both, let me explain to you what a piano has that a guitar does not have, and that are harmonic horizons you can achieve which you can't on a guitar. I can do poly chords, dense clusters that are unreachable on a guitar. There are certain inversions of the dom 7 - 9 - 5 chord which are exciting on piano, but lackluster on guitar, not to mention the dom 13 #11b9 chord, difficult to get the right sound of that chord on guitar. So, I play piano for it's harmonic possibilities my ears hear, but with which the guitar was unable to reach, which is why I started in on the piano at the age of 45 ( started guitar when I was 14 , I'm 71 now ). I got tired of envying piano players regarding harmonic possibilities and I started even at that tender but late age. and I play guitar for it's more expressive possibilities -- but I play nylon string/jazz stuff. In rock, it's not that big a thing and the guitar is THE instrument for that genre, of course.
A light bulb moment for this beginner! I've watched so many lessons for acoustic which place great emphasis on the importance of the upright, tip-of-the-finger placement to get clean notes. I've found this awkward. I have an electric guitar as well as an acoustic, and agree that electric offers much more opportunity for expression. Thanks for a great video.
Everything you are saying is ah right on the money; thanks for your candid generous advice. First time viewer here - subscribed! 🎸
I use both methods placing my fingers on the frets depending on style, speed, and sound I need
Playing with the flats makes it harder to avoid dampening strings unintentionally when playing chords. At least this is someting I struggle with. Do you have a video on this, by any chance? Thanks.
This style works well for single not playing, and can work well for double stops. But it can get in the way when playing chords, or open string runs. Like so many things in guitar its not a question of which technique, but rather a matter of having multiple tools in your tool box and knowing when to use which style.
When playing individual strings, it sure is better with the larger part of your finger but you’ll never get away with that playing chords and
That's where I'm at what you said, I've been trying to play Diary of a Madman all day, talk about unintended muting of strings 🤪 and that's just the first 9 chords, to many years of using the flats, my son is a musician and guitar teacher told me to play that for a month and he will show me the rest, and that's over the phone if I want in person lessons I have to pay like everyone else. Yeah he's a smart ass...😂
I think the most important thing to note, that he glazed over when taking about this technique, was whether you are playing electric or acoustic guitar - I primarily mean the style MOST people tend to play on each respective guitar.
Check my name and videos. If the guitar is tuned to G-D-d-f-g#-b, a huge range of rooted 5- or 6-string chords can be played easily with the flats.
Simple stuff? This is like a diamond for professional musicians. Thank You.
"Guitar teachers are hiding info that would prevent you from needing lessons."
Also, Officials in your area are FURIOUS after an elderly grandmother revealed this one simple trick that gives you a bigger tool and longer life! You won't believe what happened next!
Exactly!
What happened?!
It is a secret simple trick that pros don’t want you to know.
I think this video is great! I am a trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), which is, essentially, a 'model of modeling'. NLP was created as a means to rapidly replicate for any skill what is commonly known as 'genius'. One of the things I have noticed in studying guitar is that most instructors tend to focus on basic mechanics, while almost zero of them bring you into the mindset, psychology, and belief systems of accomplished players. I think this lesson in guitar goes a good distance in that direction.
Thank you so much John!
@@Wallimann You are welcome, and thank YOU for providing some great insight into playing, and for doing it in such a relatable, easy-to-understand fashion!
This is cool, I've been playing like that for years now, it's great. But one thing that I did just last week was this: I have been aware that I had my little finger anchored below the high E string. I imagined that it helped my accuracy. I started releasing my little finger from the anchor point, and I was surprised that my accuracy is even better now, because I'm not tying up my hand at that one point. I can much more freely and play longer lines at faster tempos.
I've been playing for over 30 years and I still don't know very much about scales or a, c, d placements. My friend taught me a couple of Death Metal riffs on guitar and I learned on my own from there.(Pestilence-Out of Body is the first song that I learned). I have multiple albums on UA-cam and everything... Play what you feel and how you feel...🤘
I have often wondered how some other UA-cam guitarists were playing so cleanly. A few of them always seemed to have their fingers so flat against the strings.
I always struggle trying to get just the tip of my finger to press on only a single string without touching adjacent strings. That often results in a buzz from adjacent strings, or sympathetic ringing of other unwanted strings.
I will have to develop this technique myself.
Thank you.
Thanks I really enjoyed that. I often wondered about players using the flats of their fingers and just thought they were sloppy. Subscribed.
9:40 That notification sound is perfectly in tune AND in time!
Been trying to contort my poor somewhat abused and twisted fingers into that classical style formation for some time now, they just can’t do it, this video was liberating!
And I was just taken back to Mr Pooke, who gave me a few piano lessons as a child. I could never get my hands to look like they were gripping an orange as I played, much to his annoyance. I was a tad annoyed myself when decades later I noticed that many of the top concert pianists were playing flat fingered, as mine wanted to do. But anyway I fell in love with guitars, of all kinds. If I ever get rich by some miracle, I will by a big studio with a grand piano, and space for the necessities of rock and roll of course. Meantime I pluck away in my room and write songs in my head for my cat.
Why do you have a cat in your head ?
I play for my cat too, but he's not nearly as patient. I did have to laugh about the cat in your head comment. That was just so my sense of humor. LOL
Chords with open strings need to be played with finger tips, for me any way. But I get where ur coming from and appreciate the lesson!
All 100% True and helpful unless you decide to go down the legato route, then you need to go back to the tips (just when your using legato).
I have been on a Tom Quayle bender for a couple of years and he's into using the tips for legato. It's been a weird journey trying to re-learn using the fingertips again after using more of the finger face for such a long time.
Thanks for the vid :)
Good point!!
Great video, David! For so long, I've tried to do the curled fingers thing, thinking it was the "correct" way to fret, even though flatter fingers is waaaay more natural feeling and allows me to move more quickly and accurately. Thank you!!
Thank you brother!
@StrangeDevice I think you mean to say faster and cleaner.
I am now learning to play guitar on my own i've been rejected and told by some of the guitar player that i can't do it and its too late coz i am old to learn so i should just stick on my singing ..that why i thank you all guys who are uplaoding this kind of videos🙂😊😉
You're never too old to learn, keep playing and enjoy!
Fuck those guys! You can play at their funerals! 😁
As the other person said. You are never too old to learn. I bought my first guitar when I was 59 yrs old. I'm retired now and am so glad I started playing. I will admit, I came extremely close to quitting. But then I found some very good learning videos and it just took off from there. Not every video works for everyone. I found it took me a bit to find the one instructor that worked for me. But the good news is there is plenty of material online, and you will find what works for you!!
@@toneloke7489 thank you😊 yes i keep practicing and i am so proud of my progress,
@@Colhogan06 that is really true, if i cant get what the other is teaching i will jump to other videos and yes some works some are not
Theres a band of four guys called The Big Push, who busk in Brighton, Sussex, U.K. you can find them on you tube. Three play guitars, and one the drums. They are amazing, they put their heart into their music.A must watch. 👍
Your video seems very honest. Thanks for the concept. Glad you like Sweetwater Sound. I live a couple miles from the store and absolutely love going there. Love you all Bill.
I've watched probably 20-30 of your videos over the years, this one is a cut above all the others I've seen. Well done, great information.
This Walliman guy is good, phenomenal teacher. Sooooo much value in this lesson... Thanks David 🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎶🎶🎶
Absolutely correct. Also, "the correct way" doesn't exist. Want proof? Check out "Four on Six" by Wes Montgomery (the black and white video on youtube). He was one of the best (jazz) guitarists that ever lived and the way he played is completely wrong if you believe the "rules". Check it out.
When Wallimann flattens his fingers, he also clearly hits the string closer and harder with his pick (which the camera doesn't show).
The best video I’ve seen on the Vintage II 57! Can’t wait to get mine.
I have played guitar for over 50 years. I would consider myself as advanced in some styles, intermediate level in other styles, and a beginner in other styles.
I spent over 20 years in Nashville Tn. Listening to world class players. I even have a couple a friends who are unbelievably accomplished professionals. They can play just about any style at the highest level of competence. All that having been said, this video is, in my opinion, very misleading.
Every accomplished guitar player is an individual. There is no “magic” information or secret.
While there is some truth in this video, there is no substitute for practice and some knowledge of music theory combined with the desire and love of playing music.
The intricacies involved in playing guitar at a competent level are too numerous to be included in any one teacher’s knowledge.
The great guitar players have learned from many many other players in order to a high level of proficiency.
Sorry dude, but i know better. There is no such thing as a magic knowledge to open the door to being an accomplished player.
I have known too many great guitarists who all “woodsheded”
To get to their own particular level of playing guitar. They all say the the same thing. And It ain’t what you are saying. Sorry, but thats the way it is.
I completely agree Mark!
@ Mark Brown... Obviously you don't need or benefit from Dave's videos so what you should do is go elsewhere. Glad you know so many virtuoso guitarists.
I’ve studied and played with top guitarist in the world and this video and concept is wrong. In some cases depending on the tone you are looking for is up to the artist. Just look at top guitarist and they are not playing with the finger flat…
This information is, as you say yourself ... kind of stating the obvious, but until fully explained and the way you put it across with it's necessity in either just playing the notes or "PLAYING THE NOTES" ... is so on the money.
It's also (after being told by you) something that when listening to other guitarists, you are very much more aware of, fantastic David ... and a big “Thank You”.
David's teaching resources have really helped me get out of "the box" and achieve and explore new levels of guitar personality. Highly recommended!
so many guitar teacher overlook this topic. For them is all about learning the modes and harmonizing. Not a lot about how to express yourself and dynamics .... thanks 4 this!
Check out Chris Sherland.
@@themacocko6311 thanks, I will!
@@JAFOpty Brian Kelly is an awesome teacher too. 👍
hey David Hello all the way from Belize 🇧🇿 . Thank you so much for putting out content like this. Really appreciate it.
Uncle Ben’s lesson on “Why Your Muting Sucks” covered most of this. It isn’t like anyone is trying to hide anything, the difference is that classical guitar didn’t have to deal with the same issues that modern guitarists have to deal with, specifically modern high gain amps.
Great vid, just subbed. I would consider piano one of the most expressive, you use your feet also and don't underestimate the expressiveness of touch on a great piano!
Trumpet, sax, guitar, clarinet, harmonica and violin. One of those things that is half subjective. We all know drums and flutes and double basses aren’t in the same league as trumpets and violins.
Thank you for the tips I’ll keep learning and listening to what I play and how the small differences change the sound and feeling.
As a beginner, this video gave me a new perspective. Thank you!
Fretting with your tips makes running through multiple strings a bit easier, but I generally use more of the flesh.
Just depends on what I'm playing. But good tips ..... get it?! Tips?!
Best tutorial I've seen this year!!! And in my young musical career
I took 2 lessons at twelve years old when I began playing over 40 years ago. Back then, there was no Tablature, they taught you how to read music, and it was boring as hell. I never even had a friend to help me learn, just time, and trying to play along with records. 40+ years later, I am masterful on the guitar, and I learned quickly. You have to really, really want to learn to play if you're going to stick with it, and you must think outside the box - always. I still consider myself a student, and always will. The guitar is the greatest instrument, along with the drums, that you can really manipulate and develop your own true signature style.
Really found the fuller connection to the fretboard and saying something was a great way to enhance exression. Fun excercise. Takes you out of thinking about scales by getting a feel for how to make the guitar speak in your voice. Cool and thanks!!!
I'm torn. I really don't know if I'd be as good a player as I am today if I hadn't started with more classical form before transitioning to a more relaxed "rock" form. When I played with a classical form, my fingers were usually hovering directly over each string, so I started on a really good foot in terms of accuracy and efficiency of motion. You have to move your hand way more with a blues grip. The way the two forms blend together has made me a much more well-rounded guitarist.
All that said, I think what's even more important than finger position, specifically for a rock style, is how your hand (usually somewhere along the outer edge of the index finger) connects with the edge of the fretboard. Hard to describe without showing, but experts tend to always have the same spot of their hand connected to that edge most of the time. For me, the classical floating wrist style did not work for playing faster licks at all, and the more I keep my hand planted these days, the better I get. Also you can get a very different feel by changing the exact spot/area that connects... worth a try.
Wow. I never heard most of those things. I'm glad I naturally played with flatter fingers though. Insanely great teaching video, and I've seen many!!
I’ve been looking for a video on this for a awhile. I’m 24 and a huge blues guy, so all of my favorite players use the overhand grip with really flat fingers. I noticed my hands didn’t look like their while playing and it’s been driving me crazy lol
Bro, just grip it like a bat, it's not hard. It's wrong, and you wont become a good player, but it's easy to do.
This is a very interesting video. I’m 37 year old and have been playing for almost five years, in the past four months I’d say I’ve improved my playing and expressiveness substantially. Over the past few years I’ve been anal about trimming my fingernails on my fretting hand almost every time I play which is everyday. Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed that I haven’t been having to trim my fingernails as often, and I was thought about why but I wasn’t sure. Part of it is from playing regularly my yolks get thicker, harder and more pronounced so the nails don’t protrude as easily, but the biggest reason is I started playing less with the tips of my fingers. I think this is because I’ve lowered the action on all of my acoustics snd I got my first electric guitar a couple months back.
The electric definitely helped make me more expressive even when on an acoustic. I’ve also been learning diatonic button accordion which I’d say is one of the more expensive instruments, it literally feels alive sometimes the way it breaths and vibrates and moans
One of the best guitarist I've ever seen amazes me. Watching him play looks likes he plays flat fingered on the pads of his fingers.
yep my new favorite guitar teacher on youtube
You 100% can play in a classical hand grip and do everything u can with a blues grip, it just requires more strength and practice.
There is a lot of truth to this. I disagree that it's 100% true, but it's mostly true. One of the definite myths, though, is that you can't get as gnarly of bends. That's actually unadulterated horseshit. You can get way bigger bends with a Classical grip, because your wrist is dropped way down, and therefore your fingers can easily reach all the way to the top of the board.
I, like most guitarists, am equally comfortable with a Blues or Classical grip. But they each have their strengths and weaknesses. You can be an elite rock or metal guitarist with either, but if you can effortlessly go back and forth it adds more overall range. There are things that you either can't do, or can't do quite as well, with either grip.
Most non Classical guitarists use both grips without even thinking about it. They use a Classical grip for Barre Chords and Shredding, but switch to a Blues grip when they want to dig in, and/or use their thumb. You can play Jimi Hendrix with a Classical grip, but it usually sounds more authentic with a Blues grip.
I found classical hand grip is far less expressive, especially for bending with mean vibrato on top of it.
@@morningmoon97 Some people would argue, but you are correct. Almost everyone uses both. Classical for Barre Chords and Shredding, and Blues for down and dirty.
@@morningmoon97 it just takes more practice. Not to mention it depends on your hand size and strength, also wrist positioning, and skill level.
@@uh-ohstinky3581 I never saw highly skillfull players with epic bends and vibratos do it with classical grip. I used to do it when I first learn guitar coming from acoustic. But as I learn more electric, it's only natural to switch to blues grip. It just looks wrong (for me anyway) to do bends & vibrato with classical grip.
I studied with Chick Corea's guitar player Bill Connors. He gave me great technique and opened my hand up to do all sorts of things that FLAT fingers cannot. I even went on to do Classical and now finger style. So, your technique is limiting not expansive. Love to see you try some more advanced fusion.
I would love to see anyone that wants to hear advanced fusion.
I almost gave up because my pinky doesn't stay on the chord or I can't press hard enough very frustrating. So I didn't pick up the guitar for several days. After seeing this video I will pick the guitar again . If you can give me any advice I would be so appreciative and happy.
Thank you
You are definitely a great teacher and doing what you do is awesome for so many beginners like me.
Your strength will build only if you play every day. Also, most beginners try to push too hard. Focus on getting your fingers in the right place, just behind the fret, and you'll find that you don't need as much pressure. Stick with it, I've been playing for 40 years and I'm not Eddie van Halen, but I always have fun! It is a lifetime skill that you will love forever.
@@jasmine2501 God Bless you thank you 😊
Look up spider walking and other finger dexterity/strength exercises for guitar. Spider walking especially is very good to help build dexterity. Perfecto de Castro also has a great pinky exercise, definitely worth checking out.
@@jasmine2501 thank you
thank you
*Great advice for rock. Hopeless for jazz, alas, especially if you're playing fingerstyle and playing any kind of counterpoint. But great to learn both styles of fingering ...
If you mash the string with more flesh... how are you not going to interfere with the neighboring strings?
Good question! I’ll make a follow up with you on that topic. Your flesh also acts as a muting device as well.
@@Wallimann OK, thanks. I'll be interested to know how it's OK to mute other strings involved in a chord...
When you play single notes It doesn't matter if the fingers interfere with other strings as long as you have a precise right hand picking only the string you want .
@@MrFouzMusic Sure... if you're only playing one string at a time.
@@SoundOfYourDestiny Finger angle when chording will largely be dictated by the chord shape, but you are right that your fingers need to be more upright much of the time. The #1 beginner mistake with chords imo is pressing too hard.
I teach my students that the rest of your upper body needs to relax so as to be able to be guided by your fingertips. If your fingertips want your elbow in, it moves. If they want you to tip the guitar neck up an inch, it happens. Very important!
I’m a newbie and needed this video! Thank you
Like everything else, take the finger placement with a grain of salt. I think his point is that you need to be comfortable while playing to get really expressive. This is definitely a tool in the box that can be used often but don't completely ditch your proper form since if you want to play more complex chords or riffs that require that dexterity that you don't have yet. There are positives and negatives of playing with the pads of your fingers. Be aware and preferably it's a technique you use sometimes but not too often especially early on. Reason is because it's easy and you want to gain comfort in the less comfortable positions.
100% on the mindset thing though. If you're improvising or writing you want an emotion first and everything else can come later. Also if you're playing a song, even off of sheet music, think about the mood the song is in so you can match it.
You are so right! 3)
Right. I do not think I know, the most important aspect of playing is naturally getting to the point where you can play quite comfortably, with out thought. The real deal is the ability to compose. If you look at Neil Young, lets face facts, he is not the best guitar player or singer. He is a composer who writes music that appeals to the masses.
Hi David, c'est toujours un plaisir de suivre vos explications . vous donnez a tous un supplement d'âme a notre objectif d'appreciation de ce magnifique instrument qu'est la guitare. Merci encore. A+jc
None of this was BASIC. This is one of the best tutorials I’ve ever watched, EVER!
Your changing your pick attack too... I am a beginner... I find if I hold the pick deep between my thumb and finger and attack the string at an agle with a little bit of twist as I pick I can get a really snappy note with some pinch harmonics.. it sounds really cool
Great lesson. Will use my chord fingers much more expressively now.
That said, the reason guitar teachers train new students to use the end of the tips of the fingers is to ensure that the notes are played correctly by exact placement of strings accurately below the frets - ie to avoid buzzing.
Also, the classical guitar has nylon strings whereas a the top 3 strings steel stringed folk acoustic guitar bloody hurt - which has put many aspiring guitar players off.
However, I agree with the technique of using the flesh of the fingers gradually as pressing on the strings directly from above with arched fingers and thumb pressing hard at an angle gives you quite painful fingertips especially on the top E etc thin wire strings - and an aching wrist pretty damn sore - another off putting thing for new students.
A few years ago, I saw a UA-cam video where a woman showed the technique of using the flesh of fingertips - but more from the perspective of the fingers slanting up the fretboard thus also enabling a more relaxed flatter wrist angle.
Nice video, but starting a video with "Most Guitar Teachers Don't Want You To Know" is not only irritating, but simply not true. MOST teachers (myself included) want our students to do well and excel. The better our students play, the more successful we are as teachers. Expression and feel are indeed very important, but that's all a student needs. To be a good player, one must know MANY aspects of guitar playing. A great feel/touch does nothing for someone who doesn't know where to put their fingers, and this stuff must be taught one thing at a time to keep a student from being overloaded and overwhelmed. One trick I learned from a friend who also teaches workshops, is, after a student has learned some blues notes, tell them to get MAD when they play their solo (I teach week long Swing and Blues workshops) They then get the idea of how to put their feeling into a solo, and it works amazingly well.
I highly doubt any students would hear that stupid opening statement and take it seriously. If I did I would not have said this since all my income comes from teaching guitar.
As we learn to play, at least I, tend to concentrate on the mechanics of playing. Hitting the correct notes, not muffing a chord, and rhythm. My father use to say that there were some that could play perfect yet not sound as good as someone else who makes a few minor mistakes. I suspect this is just one of the reasons.
why django was so great... and many tech perfect gypsy jazz guitarist dont match up.. in my opinion.. Why one sounds flowing and natural and the other machine like....the thing is some people like the machine sound also... i do.. and who doesnt admire tech prowess...but well, if i had to pick.... i would pick Django
Thank you for this David. You are a gem in the guitar world!
Love the engaging guitar fables David!
Thank you!!
I think this is a sorely needed teaching not often touched on by teachers. Kudos!
Simple touch that will enhance the expression. Thank you very much!
🎼 I've been around for quite a while, played many a session (some with major Stars 🌟). What I've found is having good timing, you can't be out with the drummer, providing he's in time, things have to be reasonably tight (helps to have a good headphone mix where you can hear things clearly). I have a friend who played with Heart, he told me that he sets up so that he can watch the drummer (of course, today a lot work is to programmed drums, so practice at home, even youtube gives you drum tracks, as well as basic Backing Tracks). Also, you should have a Guitar that stays pretty well in tune (you don't have to have heavy strings, at least I never used heavy gauge, usually 9 - 42, although I started using 10s). I've moved back to 9s, although I'm not working that much at the moment (mostly writing/producing). Stop by, say hello, I'll set you straight. 🎸 🎶
Lol! I remember my first Mel Bay classical guitar beginners books, where they had detailed photographs showing you the “correct” fingering technique and how you needed to aim to have the fingers straight on the strings with no flatness AND you must contact directly on the fingertips. AND the left hand thumb must stay right in the center of the neck and never peek over the top!
I even had a classical guitar teacher who kept a ruler handy to WHACK any wayward thumb that dared peek over the top edge of the neck!!
Interesting. My first guitar instruction was classical, just like you showed. Will have to try….thx
As someone who began learning to play Guitar in1966, I can not recommend this advice highly enough. What David is teaching here is really Why we want to learn; we want to play Music! And he begins with explaining which are the most expressive instruments, because that's what music is, Self Expression.
Thanks for the upload I love the analogies and nuances. I'll be watching this again.
I was skeptical at first, but as the video progressed, it made me think differently in my approach to the instrument, which was a godsend bc I've been in a rut for way too long.
Also, turning the gain down a bit allows you to hear the guitar, not just the amp. Obvious, I know, but it allows for more expression and a better "interface" of sorts...So, as I primarily play rock and some metal styles once you get that "feel" into your head, you can bump the gain back up and you've got that something that has been so elusive, especially playing fills and solos... as the old adage goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained ...a rhythm player's 2 cents...Good info, thank you!
Hi David. Thanks for this helpful video! I can really feel how it provides a greater expressive range. I wonder, though, how using this fleshy part of the fingers might influence pulls-offs, which I am trying to work on at the moment.
Nice breakdown of a complex issue critical for good guitar playing.
This works for many styles especially on electric. Personally, I prefer fingertips on most acoustic work in order to keep different strings sounding to allow for simultaneous melodies.
I think the bigger issue for beginners is that their fingers get mushy from lack of playing.
I found out when I took short a break from playing, and after returning, sounded sloppy.
Easy fix with exercise.
I'm not a guitar player, but I appreciate the method you are teaching.😀
Hey David I just came across your video about guitar finger placement, I walked through your methods...thanks
Great advice David. I remember commenting on a video of an old blues musician, who was fretting on the flats of his fingers. It was either John Lee Hooker or R.L Burnside. How was he doing that, when I was told to use the tips of my fingers? I figured it out myself, and you're the first teacher I've heard say to do that.
Thank you for making a detailed video like this. I can see the work that you put into this.
Thank you!
This is some next level BULL TWANG
Why would a guitar teacher cap himself from fully teaching guitar to their students mate?