0:02 probably the best lesson I ever had on left hand position. You have saved my enthusiasm. I’m 82 years old and loving it, playing guitar I mean not being 82.
I am 65 yrs old. A self taught lefty playing right handed guitars. Playing since 1973 ..... I have started taking lessons on guitar sites in the last 5 years or so. Tring to learn how to play Blues. Your lesson in this video is THE BEST 22 minute lesson I have EVER SEEN. This is GUITAR GOLD ...... THANK YOU
Subscribed. I can't believe in all my years of playing ('78 to present. I'm 71 years old), no one showed me how improperly I was holding my left hand, especially given the fact I so often complained of being too slow/struggling with legato/hammer-ons/pull-offs). I was placing my thumb in the OPPOSITE direction you recommend, stretched toward the headstock. My fingers were fighting the weight/muscles in my hand .As soon as I finished your video, I grabbed a guitar and the speed with which I'm able to do the afore-mentioned techniques is night and day. I'm embarrassed that after all these years I couldn't have figured this out on my own, at least by observation, but thank you so much. Practice will begin this evening with a completely new approach.
Sorry that you trained yourself improperly for so many years. This guy is not producing anything useful. I tried it and thought it was a joke. Fingers MUST be arched for a clean and accurate sound, whether electric or acoustic. Watch Jeff Beck. Flat finger position equals sloppy sound. Maybe faster, but sounds like turds.
@@TUBEORATER I only referenced thumb placement. Having it stretched toward the headstock wasn't helpful for me, but pulling it in, was. I was taught to use the tips of my fingers, though, and doing otherwise didn't work for me, either.
@@TUBEORATER interesting, so you're advocating not to do what Max is recommending? My guitar teacher was trained at Berkley and I remember him always referring to players that held that "slanted angle" with the thumb higher than than middle of the neck as "party players" and as students of his we were admonished for doing it. Now this was also not classical guitar lessons, we were learning blues scales with this rule in mind. After watching this video I questioned whether not he was wrong after all these years and the thumb up (barring the top strings for e shaped bar chords a la Hendrix and Vaughan is indeed the better way to play. I'm left a little confused as I find it also does feel and sound a bit sloppier playing this way,.
@steelingmonroe Old school guitar teachers say to never use your left thumb to mute the low e. I've seen countless really famous players muting with the thumb. There is no cardinal rule as long as you can play without sounding like a 3 year old. The neck should be in your thumb pocket and your thumb moves behind the neck for proper leverage depending on the chord position. Your thumb has much less squeeze power as you bring it towards the little finger. Test it on yourself.
I'm 54, and I've learned on my own. I have 40 something years of doing it... and I just realize that I make all of the mistakes you mentioned here!!! I'm amazed, that finally someone could explain things that seems logic now, but never occurred to me to fix. Thanks a lot! you're a great teacher. Best regards from Bolivia
I’m 61 yr old….been playing for many yrs. I CAN NOT tell you how valuable this lesson is! My sound and comfort level has dramatically been improved. Thanks Max!!
I've been struggling with my left hand positioning so much so that I have spent my whole life wishing I could learn how to play. This information is life changing. Thank you.
Moving my thumb so that it is placed in the middle of the chord being fingered made an instant improvement in my capacity to properly sound all of the strings. I have always had a problem sounding the first string on A shape barre chords. Following your tip, the problem is gone. Thanks so much! Also, many teachers advise rotating the index finger slightly for barre chords. None of them described how to do that in a natural way, as you did. I am a lifelong teacher (not guitar). Your teaching is extremely effective. Well done!
I’d had such the same problem you describe ( ‘A’ barre!) that if i needed that high note i’d avoid the barre and use the index on the high E string. ( personally think the barre chords are bad… throwing that index across really makes riffing and fill ins more problematic)
That's inspiring! As a 79-year-old (in excellent health), I'm delighted to know that I might be able to continue advancing another 30 years or more. I'll be paying even more attention to my left hand technique now with Max's advice.
Best guitar lesson I have ever had. I am only in my 5th year. My barre chords sound so much better now and don't cause me pain. Playing riffs with my pinky is now smooth and uses less effort. This 20 minute video and about 10 minutes using this advice is a game changer for me.
Wow! Three minutes into the video and you’ve already healed my note deadening! Never heard anyone ever mention the creases of my fingers would be the reason for dead notes. My thumb was also WAY off! Fixed now! I’ve played since I was 14. I’m almost 61 now. Thank you!! Subscribed!!
Absolutely a game changer for me. At 79-years-of-age (been playing since 18) that is the best lesson ever. I do not read music, never studied the language, although I do enjoy the guitar (s)
I am self teaching myself with the help of UA-cam. In the process have watched 1000's of videos, and struggled with Barr cords a lot. I can now get it right most of the time. This is the first time I have seen anyone mention position of the thumb, and just tried it. Wow, it works great, every time. Thank you. Just subscribed too.
@tonyn1926 If you can play lead and rithym on Boston "smokin" & Journey "don't stop believing" You have nothing to be concerned about. Steely Dan reeling in the years is a bit tougher, but go for it.
Thanks for taking the time to thoroughly explain the techniques that can help with these issues. This is truly one of the best guitar technique videos I have seen and making your suggested changes is already having positive impacts on my playing.
There's a problem with that bar rotation approach that classical players know all too well: When your thumb is shifted up the neck to get more rotational leverage on the first finger, the remaining fingers have less freedom to move. That's not a problem for most rock and rhythm guitarists whose goal is to merely play the bar chord with static fingers, but it is a problem for classical players and jazz musicians who need to move those other fingers while simultaneously holding the bar. Try playing a scale with the remaining fingers while holding the bar.
I've been playing for 60+ years and none of my teachers showed me how thumb position and rolling the barre finger take a lot of pressure off the barre chords. Now I can't practice enough to make a difference. I'll definitely be checking this out.
The explanations about the thumb balancing role and the position of the whirst are something that I expect to help me a lot! I'll try it as soonaspossible! Thanks a lot for this lesson!
I just wanted to thank you for your incredible advice and lessons. Your teaching style and the way you break things down make everything so clear and approachable, even if I weren't following along with my guitar. At 70 years old, I’ve played off and on but you’ve truly breathed new life into my practice. Your lessons are not just inspiring but so practical, and I find myself playing with a joy and enthusiasm I haven’t felt in years.
Wow. I both hate and love this video. Every. Single. Mistake. is baked into my playing. Now comes the journey to correct. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this.
I'm 74, played my first gig in 1974, and I'm still gigging every Friday night. I can't believe how much I learned from this video . Now, can I have that gorgeous Guild you're playing ?? I don't know what model it is but I gotta have one. Anyway, thanks. Surprisingly helpful!
I have the same exact model. Guild F 65 CE. These were made in USA before the company was sold and moved production overseas. Mine was purchased in 2001 for My 50th birthday. A thin body acoustic with an oval sound hole, and a thin fast neck, that plays great.
A friend of mine (whos playing I have envied for decades) sent me this link half an hour ago. Ive learned more since then about why some things have been so hard than I have in the last ten years. Thank you!
Thank you so much, i have been playing for decades and have had a number of bad habits which have constrained my playing.. these tips have definitely led me on the path to resolving them. So clearly explained! Truly appreciated :-)
This lesson should be learned before any chord, scale, or technique. Looking forward to applying these hacks to save aches and pains, as well as improve playing ability
Thank you so much for this great video! I have a LOT of wrist pain. I am going to try all these suggestions (absolutely won't give up) and take good look at my technique. I am making mistakes you talk about. Maybe I can avoid physio now. Thank you! I'll keep you posted.
The bar chord advice was excellent. Have been playing a long time and avoid those chords due to hand fatigue. Thank you! Why is the knuckle on my index finger always sore/fatigued?
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! It's total game changer! Every time I've tried to go further with mastering my guitar it kicked me back with wrist pain and uncomfortableness. Now I definitely know why. I'm taking my instrument out of case tonight to try new! ☼
Thank you for that lesson, I wish I had watched your video 12 years ago. No teacher has explained that like you, especially the bar cord and thumb position. Thank you.
Max thank you so much for you fixes for your lefthand video. I am a 71-year-old who started at 16 and loves to play. I have been stuck for many years. Your suggestions on how to fix my left hand was like a lightning bolt. It simply explained why I haven't been able to move forward. Thank you so much.
I have been playing for 65 years. Took lots of lessons years ago. I play professionally. But nobody ever said anything about this Thumb thing. This makes my bar chords so much easier. Thank you!
Best 20 mins I have spent in a long time..50 years of bad mistakes explained..thanks....little fat fingers..72 years of hard work...arthritis..but still keep plugging away...the joy of playing a well constructed F and C chord as simple as that may be..is MUSIC to my ears...😂
You make so much logical sense in this video on understanding your hands limitations and why. I wished I had started out knowing this 30 years ago. Most people are born with a gift to play, and I wasn't. I was born with a gift of a strong will that I could learn what I set my mind too. But I realized that my will is not enough. Thanks!
The tightness thing is something that's always kind of been there, I thought, but wasn't sure. I'm going to dig a guitar or two out of my storage and work on this. A ground up approach may remove some barriers. Thanx.
Does it make sense? A Gracious Teaching Instructer, Demonstrating Truth, well I say You are gracious, Thank You so much for helping my cramping to stop!
I’m a self taught guitarist, although I’ve been professional mandolin lessons for 10 years. What amazing advice I stumbled upon when I caught your video! I’m 68 years old and my hands will cramp. Never knew this. Just thought it was old age. THANK YOU!
I really appreciate your video. Unfortunately I have arthritis in both hands. Been playing for 20 years now. Putting my thumb in the centre, just hurts too much. But the big take away from this, is the " lite touch". I was pressing the strings down harder than I should. No one has ever mentioned thus before. Now, my left hand is more relaxed and getting good results. Thanks heaps !!!
Started in 1965, still playing. Why didn’t my first teacher show me this? I guess we’ve come along way since then. This mistakes are so obvious and yet I’ve been oblivious to them. Huge thank you! Subscribed!
Excellent lesson. Massively important basics on the physiology of the left hand, ensuring injury free playing, clarity of tone and speed when needed. Thank you
Makes a great deal of sense. I'm 77 yrs old and have some pains in my hands after 60+ years of playing. I'm gonna try to concentrate on some of your advice. Thanks!
Max! Great advice, as I am turning 68 on November 26th, my ligaments, bones joints...you get it, are very susceptible to all these things. I have been playing now for 6 years and mostly self taught. I had a great young instructor in 2018 when I began, then COVID struck. Yes! I have developed some terrible habits and just kept playing and hoping that they would go away. Nope, that's why they are called habits. Max, you have made me stop and consciously think about and act on this process before it becomes debilitating. Subscribed and Liked! I appreciate your efforts sir! Peace ☮
Thank you so much! I’ve been playing guitar for 20 years and always had difficulty with bar chords. Shifting my thumb towards my ring finger, no dead strings! Lightbulb moment. ❤
Fantastic advice! at the end you touch on part of it, sort of, but there are other, very widespread and common mistakes that usually start and take root in our bodies for many beginners, tensing up in any part of the body that we're not even using to play! Potentially impacting the rest of our lives, causing imprecision and for some even injuries/early playing retirement tensing in often the shoulders, neck, ankle, stomach, even the face, as we try to play a new piece we've been giving the tabs for, for some of us with 0 guidance about how to do it, we sometimes try to play it full tempo right away, unwittingly tensing up all kinds of places - causing us great soreness and pain after just a few minutes when one of the best things we could have been told would be to pay attention to our entire body to try and keep it relaxed, avoid tension, and play at snail pace at first while learning, slow tempo to let muscle memory work its magic, and gradually increase the tempo. full tempo when starting out is a road to disaster and frustration down the line, the tension causing all kinds of inaccuracies in our would-be precision still remember the painful 5 minutes i managed every time in my early days starting out on that spanish guitar at 15-16 years old - having been given nothin but some tabs as advice
You are a genius sir.. the funny thing is that i was just starting to discover these correct techniques for myself after 57 years.. im 70 and started playing at the age of 13... thank you so much Max i cant express how appreciative i am that you took the time to put together such an incredible video.... warmest regards David
As a player since '72, i have learned some good new stuff from this video! I gotta try the bar chord thing on my acoustic 12-string playing especially! You also made me realize that not all of my habits are bad, tho i've thought they were! Many blessings to you, Max Rich!
I just discovered and aknowledge the difference between a classical and blues lefthand position (after so many years of playing) now I see all these video’s confirming my discovery. Unbelievable
I've been playing guitar for 60 years. I've been making four of these mistakes. Thank you. While you still need to stay on fingertips for finger-style work (much like classical), the rest makes sense.
I’m 68 years old and have been playing for fifty years. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about twenty years ago. I’m in remission right now but my hands have gotten a lot of permanent joint damage. I play right handed and ten years ago I had surgery to reconstruct the CMC joint of my left thumb. (Max I bet you know what that is, but for everyone else I’ll explain that it’s the third, or largest joint where the thumb connects to the wrist.) The doctor x-rayed my hand and said my thumb was trying to fall off my hand, being only held on by the muscles and tendons. The cartilage and bone in the joint were removed and replaced with part of a tendon from my forearm. My chops went to hell right after that and I don’t play out anymore. I still play around the house and my thumb always wants to point at the headstock of the guitar, especially when doing barre chords. I know this is the exact opposite of what you recommended in the video. I’ve tried a lot of things, including leaving the low E string off my guitar and stringing the guitar upside-down, but it’s still frustrating and I’m not playing every single day like I used to. I’m also a former guitar tech and my guitars are set up properly. Since ten years ago I’ve gone from 11s to 9s on my electric guitars, and now I’m even tuning down to E-flat. Nothing seems to help very much. I know I’ve seen some of your videos before and they’re really helpful. I’m encouraged by the tips you presented here and eager to fix whatever I can with my left hand technique. There’s a lot of common sense and ergonomics in this lesson and I’m hopeful that I can play better than I’ve been doing lately. I expect that I will still have problems because of my arthritis but this was very encouraging and I want to thank you for sharing your experience teaching and playing the guitar. I bet your students are lucky to have such an experienced and down-to-earth instructor. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I too have RA, but fortunately it was diagnosed early and my joints are still intact. I play most days, but a lot less, and not at all during a flare. When I play it is in shorter bursts, and in order to keep playing I use straps to keep my guitars high, and play bass when jamming. Until I saw this video I was playing with the left hand in the classical position to extend the life of my hands, but I will definitely be trying out Max Rich's tips here, as this is like a whole new tool box of techniques, all with a twist. So sorry about your left thumb being out of action... if it helps I also use silk steel strings where I can. My main acoustic has been strung with Thomastik Infeld Plectrum 11 to 50, soft under finger and responsive. Like you my electrics have 9-42. It looks like you have adapted where you can, and it must be tough not having a main thumb joint to work with, but I am heartened by the fact you are still playing.
@@konkonidaris8469 Thanks for your helpful reply. I’ve found that Ernie Ball Cobalts and DR Dragon Skins seem to have a bit lower tension than other types of 9-42s. I’ve been using silk and steel on my acoustic for quite some time. I’m using the D’Addario 11.5 - 48 set, and I throw away the B string and use the high e for a B, then use an extra.009 for a high e. So I’m using pretty much the same gauge as my electrics, except for the wound third. I was on a biologic for ten years but stopped during the pandemic because of the effects on my immune system. I tend to find a groove and keep playing longer than recommended, so I’m going to try setting a timer for fifteen minutes then take a break. (I bet it will help to listen to music, any music, during the break.). I have a Schecter C-6 that I don’t care for very much and I’m going to turn it into a five-string. I plan to replace the nut and spread the strings wider at the nut and eliminate the low E. I’ll keep the same spacing at the bridge so the strings line up over the pickup poles. This might help me playing chords near the nut. Thanks again for your encouragement and help. Stay healthy and have a great New Year!
Wo !! I startrd playing guitar and 4 string electric bass since 1974. There was no internet, a good teacher or books on guitar were rare, almost absent. Barr' chords and one finger for one fret on up the neck on bass both made me to play the way you you say ac crow claw with wrist at 90 deg inwards. With age the flexibility of muscle and joints diminishes and I ended up with severe "Typist wrist, carpet tunnel and bla bla bla syndromes" Now by your highly analytical and educative post I know what and when it went wrong. Now at the age of 64 years I am not sure whether the amount of destruction I induced upon can be nullified but surely I can stop budding guitarist and bassist from running into frustration and pain. A big thanks to you my dear friend.
Recently retired guy here. Just found your channel. Talk about perfect timing because I will need many hours to watch every video you have and practice what you are showing us. Can’t remember the last time I was this excited about picking up the guitar and learning and improving. Thanks
Hello Max, an old "bad" French guitarist of 69 years greets you. I devoured your course and realized that I have most of the bad behaviors that you mention, and therefore the impression of not being able to progress for years. I thank you very much for the clarity of your explanations and the way to correct these problems. Your course is just masterful and great! Thank you, thank you again... Kind regards👋
I've played the guitar for 63 years and have never found out what you have just shown me. Maybe now I can get rid of my left-hand cramp. Thank you Thank you Thank you. 😄
Thank You. I have never heard this anywhere else. This video has helped me immensely. I was making every mistake you mentioned. I'm going to re- watch the video several times.😊
I’m stoked! Such super cool technique! Looks like I’ve got a lot of bad habits to get rid of! These things never seem to get discussed! Thank you so much
You are the only one that has mentioned my biggest roadblocks to playing barre chords . I have big hands with short stubby fingers my index finger is crooked and twists inward making it imposible to make a clean barre chord. Two of the creases in my index finger fit perfectly over the B string and the D string. Ive tried to fill the gaps with band aids tape put the cut off glove finger. Nothing works. I can form the chords perfectly well but I get just muted strings. I am going to try all of your methods . Taking the time to help out myself and fellow guotar plyers is very nice of you. I live with what God has given me, and am eternally grateful for having hands at all .But I would be dissingenuos if I didnt admit to a little envious of those long elegant fingers so many players have. I am a bass player by trade since 1967 and my hands fit perfectly on my '72 pbass. But I love playing six string for my own enjoyment. Hopefully I can enjoy it more using your teachings . Allthe best Cheers
I taught myself to play when I was 13 years old and I always wondered why my hands/wrist/fingers hurt. I thought it was normal to feel that way. I have been making every one of those mistakes. I can`t wait to use your methods and see the results. Thank You for posting the best tutorial on you tube. I will subscribe
so I have been playing since the 80s with a long 30-year break only to learn that I the guitar the wrong way. My left hand was way off. I will be working on correcting my bad habits. I still have an issue playing B String 1 fret and high E 5th fret with pinky. Thank you.
This vid is a true bucket o' gold nuggets - maybe some yall knew these tips - to hear these tips spoken aloud really IS gold. *bows in gratitude* ALL wonderful cool stuff! Thank you!
I am a keyboard player and do struggle getting good clean barre chords. The wrist twist technique of moving your thumb towards the guitar body immediately cleaned up my sound. when I first started playing piano my first instructor did not really focus on technique at all. My second instructor did a little technique work but focused more on reading and playing the right notes. My third instructor totally focused on technique and identified all of the bad habits I had picked up in my training. I wish they had all focused on technique because good technique made me faster, more accurate and enabled me to really make huge improvements. The barre chore technique is so simple yet within seconds gave me clean sounding chords. And I have been playing a guitar song with a Bm in it and have played the chord progression hundreds of times and was still not satified with that chord and using the leverage was all it took. I just subscribed!
Thank you Max you have highlighted the mistakes I have been making as I'm self taught. I first picked up a guitar in the early 60's and became disillusioned. When I retired I bought a guitar and started over again, I am now 77 yrs old.
Thank You for Your advice on barre chords! 👍 This is at last the good and usable video advice, that finaly explains how to master barre chords🤟. Also thanks for pointing that for rock/blues guitar there is no necessary bend the whrist and keep the thumb in center of neck (as for classic guitar). The teachers usually force to hold the hand in classic way, however ( as You mentioned in video) most popr/rock artists Lik Kendrix, Voughan, CLatpom, Bonamassa ... they all keep thumb over the neck, and even use it for semi-barre chords.
I am ‘new’ to guitars and watching You Tubes has helped me figure out how to play and watching different Instructors, see some of the BAD habits some of the instructors are teaching!! VERY GOOD “Don’t do this” Video👍
Very interesting stuff! I’ve been playing guitar for about 60 years and have learned most of the things that you’ve covered here the hard way. I hope that loads of young players get to watch this video, it’ll really help them to progress much faster and get more enjoyment from their playing.
Thanks you for this! Excellent presentation.I've been playing 50+ years- did it professionally in younger years. In recent years have been having trouble with some chords(especially barre chords) and chalked it up to aging hands but suspected it was also bad habits from earlier years when youth was on my side and more forgiving. I stumbled on your video and very glad I did. It's tough to break old habits but good for my old brain, so thanks again!
I've been playing for over 50 years and this is the first time anyone has ever explained these things. Great video. Thanks.
0:02 probably the best lesson I ever had on left hand position. You have saved my enthusiasm. I’m 82 years old and loving it, playing guitar I mean not being 82.
I agree. Thought I would get nothing out of this video. Don't even truly know why I clicked on it.
Especially over 20 minutes.
I was wrong !!
I am 65 yrs old. A self taught lefty playing right handed guitars. Playing since 1973 ..... I have started taking lessons on guitar sites in the last 5 years or so. Tring to learn how to play Blues. Your lesson in this video is THE BEST 22 minute lesson I have EVER SEEN. This is GUITAR GOLD ...... THANK YOU
Hard to take you seriously with your Pamela Anderson Barbed wire tattoo ..:
@@BrianJohnson-cj8xf what done it for you ?
Was it the part he actually played guitar ?
I missed it
@@BrianJohnson-cj8xf WTH he never even played the guitar ???
Almost the same exact same story here😂
Subscribed. I can't believe in all my years of playing ('78 to present. I'm 71 years old), no one showed me how improperly I was holding my left hand, especially given the fact I so often complained of being too slow/struggling with legato/hammer-ons/pull-offs). I was placing my thumb in the OPPOSITE direction you recommend, stretched toward the headstock. My fingers were fighting the weight/muscles in my hand .As soon as I finished your video, I grabbed a guitar and the speed with which I'm able to do the afore-mentioned techniques is night and day. I'm embarrassed that after all these years I couldn't have figured this out on my own, at least by observation, but thank you so much. Practice will begin this evening with a completely new approach.
Sorry that you trained yourself improperly for so many years.
This guy is not producing anything useful.
I tried it and thought it was a joke.
Fingers MUST be arched for a clean and accurate sound, whether electric or acoustic.
Watch Jeff Beck.
Flat finger position equals sloppy sound. Maybe faster, but sounds like turds.
@@TUBEORATER I only referenced thumb placement. Having it stretched toward the headstock wasn't helpful for me, but pulling it in, was. I was taught to use the tips of my fingers, though, and doing otherwise didn't work for me, either.
@@TUBEORATER interesting, so you're advocating not to do what Max is recommending? My guitar teacher was trained at Berkley and I remember him always referring to players that held that "slanted angle" with the thumb higher than than middle of the neck as "party players" and as students of his we were admonished for doing it. Now this was also not classical guitar lessons, we were learning blues scales with this rule in mind. After watching this video I questioned whether not he was wrong after all these years and the thumb up (barring the top strings for e shaped bar chords a la Hendrix and Vaughan is indeed the better way to play. I'm left a little confused as I find it also does feel and sound a bit sloppier playing this way,.
@steelingmonroe
Old school guitar teachers say to never use your left thumb to mute the low e.
I've seen countless really famous players muting with the thumb.
There is no cardinal rule as long as you can play without sounding like a 3 year old.
The neck should be in your thumb pocket and your thumb moves behind the neck for proper leverage depending on the chord position.
Your thumb has much less squeeze power as you bring it towards the little finger. Test it on yourself.
@steelingmonroe
ua-cam.com/video/vmyh_BTMHUA/v-deo.htmlsi=hjmgH8FYIAtUtGjO
Observe THE master.
I have taught for 25 years and teach all these concepts. But you have explained them so clearly and eloquently. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
I'm 54, and I've learned on my own. I have 40 something years of doing it... and I just realize that I make all of the mistakes you mentioned here!!! I'm amazed, that finally someone could explain things that seems logic now, but never occurred to me to fix. Thanks a lot! you're a great teacher. Best regards from Bolivia
Tu inglese es fenomenal , hola de Europe ... siga con la guitarra ...
@@Miguel...160 Hola Miguel!!! Mil gracias, 40-something years of practicing it too hehehe
I’m 61 yr old….been playing for many yrs. I CAN NOT tell you how valuable this lesson is! My sound and comfort level has dramatically been improved. Thanks Max!!
I've been struggling with my left hand positioning so much so that I have spent my whole life wishing I could learn how to play. This information is life changing. Thank you.
I am a 66 year old beginner and want to thank you for 22 minutes of highly practical advice that I will put to immediate use.
Moving my thumb so that it is placed in the middle of the chord being fingered made an instant improvement in my capacity to properly sound all of the strings. I have always had a problem sounding the first string on A shape barre chords. Following your tip, the problem is gone. Thanks so much!
Also, many teachers advise rotating the index finger slightly for barre chords. None of them described how to do that in a natural way, as you did.
I am a lifelong teacher (not guitar). Your teaching is extremely effective. Well done!
I’d had such the same problem you describe ( ‘A’ barre!) that if i needed that high note i’d avoid the barre and use the index on the high E string. ( personally think the barre chords are bad… throwing that index across really makes riffing and fill ins more problematic)
I've been making all these mistakes since I was an embryo. Now, at 110 years young, I have finally seen the light. Thank you, MRM!
That's inspiring! As a 79-year-old (in excellent health), I'm delighted to know that I might be able to continue advancing another 30 years or more. I'll be paying even more attention to my left hand technique now with Max's advice.
I've been playing (and largely avoiding bahr chords) since 1990. I can't believe I never learned this simple technique. I'm really grateful!
Best guitar lesson I have ever had. I am only in my 5th year. My barre chords sound so much better now and don't cause me pain. Playing riffs with my pinky is now smooth and uses less effort. This 20 minute video and about 10 minutes using this advice is a game changer for me.
That's awesome to hear, I'm glad it's making such a difference!
Wow! Three minutes into the video and you’ve already healed my note deadening! Never heard anyone ever mention the creases of my fingers would be the reason for dead notes. My thumb was also WAY off! Fixed now! I’ve played since I was 14. I’m almost 61 now. Thank you!! Subscribed!!
Playing guitar is just like magic, because no one is willing to tell you the secrets.😂😅
I have been making every single one of those mistakes for over thirty years. Thanks for setting me straight
I am 70 and just now finding this out?? Thank you, I learned a little. Thanks for the post. I'll subscribe with a smile.!!
Probably one of the best ergodynamic treatises on hand position! Thanks!
Absolutely a game changer for me. At 79-years-of-age (been playing since 18) that is the best lesson ever. I do not read music, never studied the language, although I do enjoy the guitar (s)
I am self teaching myself with the help of UA-cam. In the process have watched 1000's of videos, and struggled with Barr cords a lot. I can now get it right most of the time. This is the first time I have seen anyone mention position of the thumb, and just tried it. Wow, it works great, every time. Thank you. Just subscribed too.
@tonyn1926
If you can play lead and rithym on
Boston "smokin" &
Journey "don't stop believing"
You have nothing to be concerned about.
Steely Dan reeling in the years is a bit tougher, but go for it.
Thanks for taking the time to thoroughly explain the techniques that can help with these issues. This is truly one of the best guitar technique videos I have seen and making your suggested changes is already having positive impacts on my playing.
Max - the best online lesson I have ever seen - I've been playing since I was 10, I'm now 61 - simply brilliant, thank you. Subscribed.
There's a problem with that bar rotation approach that classical players know all too well: When your thumb is shifted up the neck to get more rotational leverage on the first finger, the remaining fingers have less freedom to move. That's not a problem for most rock and rhythm guitarists whose goal is to merely play the bar chord with static fingers, but it is a problem for classical players and jazz musicians who need to move those other fingers while simultaneously holding the bar. Try playing a scale with the remaining fingers while holding the bar.
Exactly
Im pretty sure he stressed this is for blues, blues rock and not for classical style guitar.
I've been playing for 60+ years and none of my teachers showed me how thumb position and rolling the barre finger take a lot of pressure off the barre chords. Now I can't practice enough to make a difference. I'll definitely be checking this out.
The explanations about the thumb balancing role and the position of the whirst are something that I expect to help me a lot! I'll try it as soonaspossible! Thanks a lot for this lesson!
I just wanted to thank you for your incredible advice and lessons. Your teaching style and the way you break things down make everything so clear and approachable, even if I weren't following along with my guitar. At 70 years old, I’ve played off and on but you’ve truly breathed new life into my practice. Your lessons are not just inspiring but so practical, and I find myself playing with a joy and enthusiasm I haven’t felt in years.
I am so glad to hear that! Thank you for the comment and the Super Thanks
Wow. I both hate and love this video. Every. Single. Mistake. is baked into my playing. Now comes the journey to correct. I cannot thank you enough for sharing this.
It’s amazing how the things we do without realizing can have such a big impact!
I'm 75 and had drifted into all of these mistakes over the years. Thank you so very much.
I'm 74, played my first gig in 1974, and I'm still gigging every Friday night. I can't believe how much I learned from this video .
Now, can I have that gorgeous Guild you're playing ?? I don't know what model it is but I gotta have one. Anyway, thanks. Surprisingly helpful!
I have the same exact model. Guild F 65 CE. These were made in USA before the company was sold and moved production overseas. Mine was purchased in 2001 for My 50th birthday. A thin body acoustic with an oval sound hole, and a thin fast neck, that plays great.
It's the 'holding an apple' principe
Wish someone had shown me all this 20 years ago. But better late then never. Great stuff. Thanks.
Don't worry, I promise you will forget. I have, every time I learned this trick. Write it in graffiti on your guitar.😂
1:10 to 5:35 solved 99% of my arthritis problems with barre chords. Outstanding advice. (How did no one ever tell me this before?)
So glad to have come across your video on my very 1st day of learning guitar. At 63 I don't have time to waste on bad habits. Thanks doll!
A friend of mine (whos playing I have envied for decades) sent me this link half an hour ago. Ive learned more since then about why some things have been so hard than I have in the last ten years. Thank you!
I'm a beginner, so good to learn the right way from the start. I will work at all your suggestions. Thank you.
Thank you so much, i have been playing for decades and have had a number of bad habits which have constrained my playing.. these tips have definitely led me on the path to resolving them. So clearly explained! Truly appreciated :-)
Wow! I've been playing for decades and never thought of this. Thanks!
Just found your channel looking for more good guitar teachers. This is gold. Thanks.
Danke!
Bitte sehr!
This lesson should be learned before any chord, scale, or technique.
Looking forward to applying these hacks to save aches and pains, as well as improve playing ability
Thank you so much for this great video! I have a LOT of wrist pain. I am going to try all these suggestions (absolutely won't give up) and take good look at my technique. I am making mistakes you talk about. Maybe I can avoid physio now. Thank you! I'll keep you posted.
The bar chord advice was excellent. Have been playing a long time and avoid those chords due to hand fatigue. Thank you! Why is the knuckle on my index finger always sore/fatigued?
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! It's total game changer! Every time I've tried to go further with mastering my guitar it kicked me back with wrist pain and uncomfortableness. Now I definitely know why. I'm taking my instrument out of case tonight to try new! ☼
Thank you for that lesson, I wish I had watched your video 12 years ago. No teacher has explained that like you, especially the bar cord and thumb position. Thank you.
Max thank you so much for you fixes for your lefthand video. I am a 71-year-old who started at 16 and loves to play. I have been stuck for many years. Your suggestions on how to fix my left hand was like a lightning bolt. It simply explained why I haven't been able to move forward. Thank you so much.
I have been playing for 65 years. Took lots of lessons years ago. I play professionally. But nobody ever said anything about this Thumb thing. This makes my bar chords so much easier. Thank you!
Best 20 mins I have spent in a long time..50 years of bad mistakes explained..thanks....little fat fingers..72 years of hard work...arthritis..but still keep plugging away...the joy of playing a well constructed F and C chord as simple as that may be..is MUSIC to my ears...😂
You make so much logical sense in this video on understanding your hands limitations and why. I wished I had started out knowing this 30 years ago. Most people are born with a gift to play, and I wasn't. I was born with a gift of a strong will that I could learn what I set my mind too. But I realized that my will is not enough. Thanks!
Wonderful advice that I will implement right away. I appreciate you.
This lesson was great. Thank you.
Thank you. I’ve had the crease problem for so long. I was starting to think about putting filler in them. Genius. You got a sub off this.
That's funny but glad it helped!
The tightness thing is something that's always kind of been there, I thought, but wasn't sure. I'm going to dig a guitar or two out of my storage and work on this. A ground up approach may remove some barriers.
Thanx.
Does it make sense? A Gracious Teaching Instructer, Demonstrating Truth, well I say You are gracious, Thank You so much for helping my cramping to stop!
I’m a self taught guitarist, although I’ve been professional mandolin lessons for 10 years. What amazing advice I stumbled upon when I caught your video! I’m 68 years old and my hands will cramp. Never knew this. Just thought it was old age. THANK YOU!
I really appreciate your video.
Unfortunately I have arthritis in both hands.
Been playing for 20 years now.
Putting my thumb in the centre, just hurts too much.
But the big take away from this, is the " lite touch".
I was pressing the strings down harder than I should.
No one has ever mentioned thus before.
Now, my left hand is more relaxed and getting good results.
Thanks heaps !!!
0:02 probably the best lesson I ever had on left hand position. You have saved my enthusiasm.
EXCELENT lesson. Quite possibly the most important guidance we can ever have which I have never come across in such detail to make sense. Thank you.
Started in 1965, still playing. Why didn’t my first teacher show me this? I guess we’ve come along way since then. This mistakes are so obvious and yet I’ve been oblivious to them. Huge thank you! Subscribed!
Wow, you are the physical therapist of guitarists. My husband would equate this to a pitchers clinic on how not to get injured! Great job!
Excellent lesson. Massively important basics on the physiology of the left hand, ensuring injury free playing, clarity of tone and speed when needed. Thank you
🎉🎉🎉pressure🎉🎉🎉🎉. What a relief! This is one of the top guitar lessons on all of you tube
Wow, thanks!
Makes a great deal of sense. I'm 77 yrs old and have some pains in my hands after 60+ years of playing. I'm gonna try to concentrate on some of your advice. Thanks!
Since I'm a complete beginner, these tips are invaluable. Thank you!
Max! Great advice, as I am turning 68 on November 26th, my ligaments, bones joints...you get it, are very susceptible to all these things. I have been playing now for 6 years and mostly self taught. I had a great young instructor in 2018 when I began, then COVID struck. Yes! I have developed some terrible habits and just kept playing and hoping that they would go away. Nope, that's why they are called habits. Max, you have made me stop and consciously think about and act on this process before it becomes debilitating. Subscribed and Liked! I appreciate your efforts sir! Peace ☮
Thank you so much! I’ve been playing guitar for 20 years and always had difficulty with bar chords. Shifting my thumb towards my ring finger, no dead strings! Lightbulb moment. ❤
Fantastic advice!
at the end you touch on part of it, sort of, but there are other, very widespread and common mistakes that usually start and take root in our bodies for many beginners, tensing up in any part of the body that we're not even using to play! Potentially impacting the rest of our lives, causing imprecision and for some even injuries/early playing retirement
tensing in often the shoulders, neck, ankle, stomach, even the face, as we try to play a new piece we've been giving the tabs for, for some of us with 0 guidance about how to do it, we sometimes try to play it full tempo right away, unwittingly tensing up all kinds of places - causing us great soreness and pain after just a few minutes
when one of the best things we could have been told would be to pay attention to our entire body to try and keep it relaxed, avoid tension, and play at snail pace at first while learning, slow tempo to let muscle memory work its magic, and gradually increase the tempo.
full tempo when starting out is a road to disaster and frustration down the line, the tension causing all kinds of inaccuracies in our would-be precision
still remember the painful 5 minutes i managed every time in my early days starting out on that spanish guitar at 15-16 years old - having been given nothin but some tabs as advice
Man you're a fantastic teachr! You not only show how, but what's more important you explain why!
Gee thanks this was extremely helpful for me ben doing it wrong for 35 years helped my bar chords so much easier thanks again
You are a genius sir.. the funny thing is that i was just starting to discover these correct techniques for myself after 57 years.. im 70 and started playing at the age of 13... thank you so much Max i cant express how appreciative i am that you took the time to put together such an incredible video.... warmest regards David
Thanks
Thank you so much!
As a player since '72, i have learned some good new stuff from this video! I gotta try the bar chord thing on my acoustic 12-string playing especially! You also made me realize that not all of my habits are bad, tho i've thought they were! Many blessings to you, Max Rich!
I just discovered and aknowledge the difference between a classical and blues lefthand position (after so many years of playing) now I see all these video’s confirming my discovery. Unbelievable
Wow!!! 50 years playing,that is some valuable information. Thanks so much for that blessing,and it definitely works.
I've been playing guitar for 60 years. I've been making four of these mistakes. Thank you. While you still need to stay on fingertips for finger-style work (much like classical), the rest makes sense.
I’m 68 years old and have been playing for fifty years. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about twenty years ago. I’m in remission right now but my hands have gotten a lot of permanent joint damage. I play right handed and ten years ago I had surgery to reconstruct the CMC joint of my left thumb. (Max I bet you know what that is, but for everyone else I’ll explain that it’s the third, or largest joint where the thumb connects to the wrist.) The doctor x-rayed my hand and said my thumb was trying to fall off my hand, being only held on by the muscles and tendons. The cartilage and bone in the joint were removed and replaced with part of a tendon from my forearm. My chops went to hell right after that and I don’t play out anymore. I still play around the house and my thumb always wants to point at the headstock of the guitar, especially when doing barre chords. I know this is the exact opposite of what you recommended in the video. I’ve tried a lot of things, including leaving the low E string off my guitar and stringing the guitar upside-down, but it’s still frustrating and I’m not playing every single day like I used to. I’m also a former guitar tech and my guitars are set up properly. Since ten years ago I’ve gone from 11s to 9s on my electric guitars, and now I’m even tuning down to E-flat. Nothing seems to help very much. I know I’ve seen some of your videos before and they’re really helpful. I’m encouraged by the tips you presented here and eager to fix whatever I can with my left hand technique. There’s a lot of common sense and ergonomics in this lesson and I’m hopeful that I can play better than I’ve been doing lately. I expect that I will still have problems because of my arthritis but this was very encouraging and I want to thank you for sharing your experience teaching and playing the guitar. I bet your students are lucky to have such an experienced and down-to-earth instructor. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I too have RA, but fortunately it was diagnosed early and my joints are still intact. I play most days, but a lot less, and not at all during a flare. When I play it is in shorter bursts, and in order to keep playing I use straps to keep my guitars high, and play bass when jamming.
Until I saw this video I was playing with the left hand in the classical position to extend the life of my hands, but I will definitely be trying out Max Rich's tips here, as this is like a whole new tool box of techniques, all with a twist.
So sorry about your left thumb being out of action... if it helps I also use silk steel strings where I can. My main acoustic has been strung with Thomastik Infeld Plectrum 11 to 50, soft under finger and responsive. Like you my electrics have 9-42.
It looks like you have adapted where you can, and it must be tough not having a main thumb joint to work with, but I am heartened by the fact you are still playing.
@@konkonidaris8469 Thanks for your helpful reply. I’ve found that Ernie Ball Cobalts and DR Dragon Skins seem to have a bit lower tension than other types of 9-42s. I’ve been using silk and steel on my acoustic for quite some time. I’m using the D’Addario 11.5 - 48 set, and I throw away the B string and use the high e for a B, then use an extra.009 for a high e. So I’m using pretty much the same gauge as my electrics, except for the wound third. I was on a biologic for ten years but stopped during the pandemic because of the effects on my immune system. I tend to find a groove and keep playing longer than recommended, so I’m going to try setting a timer for fifteen minutes then take a break. (I bet it will help to listen to music, any music, during the break.). I have a Schecter C-6 that I don’t care for very much and I’m going to turn it into a five-string. I plan to replace the nut and spread the strings wider at the nut and eliminate the low E. I’ll keep the same spacing at the bridge so the strings line up over the pickup poles. This might help me playing chords near the nut. Thanks again for your encouragement and help. Stay healthy and have a great New Year!
Wo !! I startrd playing guitar and 4 string electric bass since 1974. There was no internet, a good teacher or books on guitar were rare, almost absent. Barr' chords and one finger for one fret on up the neck on bass both made me to play the way you you say ac crow claw with wrist at 90 deg inwards. With age the flexibility of muscle and joints diminishes and I ended up with severe "Typist wrist, carpet tunnel and bla bla bla syndromes" Now by your highly analytical and educative post I know what and when it went wrong. Now at the age of 64 years I am not sure whether the amount of destruction I induced upon can be nullified but surely I can stop budding guitarist and bassist from running into frustration and pain. A big thanks to you my dear friend.
Recently retired guy here. Just found your channel. Talk about perfect timing because I will need many hours to watch every video you have and practice what you are showing us. Can’t remember the last time I was this excited about picking up the guitar and learning and improving. Thanks
Hello Max, an old "bad" French guitarist of 69 years greets you. I devoured your course and realized that I have most of the bad behaviors that you mention, and therefore the impression of not being able to progress for years. I thank you very much for the clarity of your explanations and the way to correct these problems. Your course is just masterful and great! Thank you, thank you again... Kind regards👋
This is the best hand technique video I have seen. Every player should see this and I have been playing for manny years and learned something new.
❤ Already feel a difference in my playing. My arms are quite short, so was really battling!!
I've played the guitar for 63 years and have never found out what you have just shown me. Maybe now I can get rid of my left-hand cramp. Thank you Thank you Thank you. 😄
Thank you so much. That was just incredible. You saved me from doing a lot of bad habits. I appreciate it.
Thank You. I have never heard this anywhere else. This video has helped me immensely. I was making every mistake you mentioned. I'm going to re- watch the video several times.😊
Glad it was helpful!
I’m stoked! Such super cool technique! Looks like I’ve got a lot of bad habits to get rid of! These things never seem to get discussed! Thank you so much
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this very helpful video! I will watch this again when I practice later today.
You are the only one that has mentioned my biggest roadblocks to playing barre chords . I have big hands with short stubby fingers my index finger is crooked and twists inward making it imposible to make a clean barre chord. Two of the creases in my index finger fit perfectly over the B string and the D string. Ive tried to fill the gaps with band aids tape put the cut off glove finger. Nothing works. I can form the chords perfectly well but I get just muted strings. I am going to try all of your methods . Taking the time to help out myself and fellow guotar plyers is very nice of you. I live with what God has given me, and am eternally grateful for having hands at all .But I would be dissingenuos if I didnt admit to a little envious of those long elegant fingers so many players have. I am a bass player by trade since 1967 and my hands fit perfectly on my '72 pbass. But I love playing six string for my own enjoyment. Hopefully I can enjoy it more using your teachings . Allthe best Cheers
I taught myself to play when I was 13 years old and I always wondered why my hands/wrist/fingers hurt. I thought it was normal to feel that way. I have been making every one of those mistakes. I can`t wait to use your methods and see the results. Thank You for posting the best tutorial on you tube. I will subscribe
so I have been playing since the 80s with a long 30-year break only to learn that I the guitar the wrong way. My left hand was way off. I will be working on correcting my bad habits. I still have an issue playing B String 1 fret and high E 5th fret with pinky. Thank you.
This vid is a true bucket o' gold nuggets - maybe some yall knew these tips - to hear these tips spoken aloud really IS gold. *bows in gratitude* ALL wonderful cool stuff! Thank you!
Thank you for these tips. Very helpful. I didn’t realize I had so much tension in my fretting hand. Also wrist angle tip helped me immensely!
I am a keyboard player and do struggle getting good clean barre chords. The wrist twist technique of moving your thumb towards the guitar body immediately cleaned up my sound. when I first started playing piano my first instructor did not really focus on technique at all. My second instructor did a little technique work but focused more on reading and playing the right notes. My third instructor totally focused on technique and identified all of the bad habits I had picked up in my training. I wish they had all focused on technique because good technique made me faster, more accurate and enabled me to really make huge improvements. The barre chore technique is so simple yet within seconds gave me clean sounding chords. And I have been playing a guitar song with a Bm in it and have played the chord progression hundreds of times and was still not satified with that chord and using the leverage was all it took. I just subscribed!
Thank you Max you have highlighted the mistakes I have been making as I'm self taught. I first picked up a guitar in the early 60's and became disillusioned.
When I retired I bought a guitar and started over again, I am now 77 yrs old.
Thank You for Your advice on barre chords! 👍 This is at last the good and usable video advice, that finaly explains how to master barre chords🤟. Also thanks for pointing that for rock/blues guitar there is no necessary bend the whrist and keep the thumb in center of neck (as for classic guitar). The teachers usually force to hold the hand in classic way, however ( as You mentioned in video) most popr/rock artists Lik Kendrix, Voughan, CLatpom, Bonamassa ... they all keep thumb over the neck, and even use it for semi-barre chords.
The twisting on bar chords is huge. You basically told me I'm doing everything right. Stoked.
I am ‘new’ to guitars and watching You Tubes has helped me figure out how to play and watching different Instructors, see some of the BAD habits some of the instructors are teaching!! VERY GOOD “Don’t do this” Video👍
Very interesting stuff! I’ve been playing guitar for about 60 years and have learned most of the things that you’ve covered here the hard way. I hope that loads of young players get to watch this video, it’ll really help them to progress much faster and get more enjoyment from their playing.
No, just no.
The pocket of your thumb should address the neck properly you or you have the wrong guitar or action.
Thanks you for this! Excellent presentation.I've been playing 50+ years- did it professionally in younger years. In recent years have been having trouble with some chords(especially barre chords) and chalked it up to aging hands but suspected it was also bad habits from earlier years when youth was on my side and more forgiving. I stumbled on your video and very glad I did. It's tough to break old habits but good for my old brain, so thanks again!
You're very welcome!
Man finally a video on technique and not theory. I love this information ❤
This is the most important guitar video I’ve seen in 5 years of playing. Thank you!!!
This is SO HELPFUL! I hated a C chord because it was so awkward. With the simple changes you suggested here it’s suddenly easy!!! Thank you!
Exellent video! years and years of playing a a lot of this help me a lot!
Thanks for this. Wrist curve from tilting the guitar to see fret board is my curse. Mobility from a flat wrist feels much better now.
me too at times