Це відео не доступне.
Перепрошуємо.

1 ESSENTIAL tip to instantly improve your guitar playing

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2017
  • Hope you enjoy the video! Don't forget to like, share and subscribe.
    ➢➢➢ Download my HD guitar lessons here: www.rick-graham.co.uk
    ➢➢➢ Facebook: / 242827524717
    ➢➢➢ Instagram: / rickgraham
    ➢➢➢ Twitter: / rickgrahammusic
    ➢➢➢ Business Enquiries only: rickgguitar@gmail.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 534

  • @EnriqueNuesch
    @EnriqueNuesch 7 років тому +639

    I am already in tension just for looking the pattern

    • @RickGraham
      @RickGraham  7 років тому +128

      IT's okay! That means that you more aware already. Recognising the problem is the first step to rectifying the problem.

    • @justinburdettemusic
      @justinburdettemusic 7 років тому +5

      Rick Graham, I struggle immensely with excess tension. How do you balance a light left hand with hard picking? I feel like I can relax my left hand to a degree but it buzzes when I pick harder.

    • @Danny_Aniss
      @Danny_Aniss 7 років тому +7

      Justin Burdette
      Oddly enough I found one of the best ways to practice this is actually using drum sticks , instead of practicing it on your guitar. ( use drumsticks fingers not with you wrist)
      It gives your body a better chance to build the muscle memory with you having sticks and you can clearly hear the slightest difference in tension, and just practice simple rudiments alternating tension between right and left hand.
      Hope it helps you!

    • @nedim_guitar
      @nedim_guitar 4 роки тому

      @Garry Marshall I just asked for the same thing, 3 years after you! 😄

    • @nedim_guitar
      @nedim_guitar 4 роки тому

      @Garry Marshall Yeah, I can totally relate to that LOL

  • @bryceland8245
    @bryceland8245 7 років тому +383

    Most people would just start over if they coughed right at the beginning of the video. This guy don't play by no rules

    • @alexmurphy5289
      @alexmurphy5289 5 років тому +56

      Guy? This is a talking guitar

    • @acecarolino101
      @acecarolino101 5 років тому +1

      @@alexmurphy5289 hahaha you crackpot

    • @GuitarsAndSynths
      @GuitarsAndSynths 5 років тому +2

      it adds character to the video

    • @RustySpoons6490
      @RustySpoons6490 4 роки тому +2

      LOLOLOL!!!!!!🤣🤣🤣

    • @annaadams6576
      @annaadams6576 Рік тому

      Always learn new techniques from you Rick... Thanks again. lol. You Rock ! ~

  • @OlaEnglund
    @OlaEnglund 7 років тому +521

    I never tried that! Very interesting, keep up these videos man love them!

    • @colinparks619
      @colinparks619 7 років тому +1

      Me too man mega inspiring

    • @lockedowng
      @lockedowng 7 років тому +2

      Ola Englund I think you have been doing alright without it Ola!

    • @rickmartin7674
      @rickmartin7674 7 років тому

      That is some props right there. Grats Rick. Love your vids as well Ola, keep up your awesome work :)

    • @viivic.9136
      @viivic.9136 5 років тому

      Ola the sweet

    • @mike104740
      @mike104740 5 років тому

      Oi

  • @jdimeleegoku2971
    @jdimeleegoku2971 7 років тому +34

    One of the best and most important lessons I have ever seen

  • @TrueLink1
    @TrueLink1 7 років тому +22

    Thanks you so much for posting a video about this subject. I am in University right now as a Viola Performance major, and jokes aside, tension is still something that doesn't get addressed enough. Students definitely need to learn that moving from a relaxed tensionless position will be infinitely faster than moving from a tense one. I have students clench their fist and try to open just a finger or two just to try and illustrate. Tension is a major problem. I think there were 3 colleagues of mine who began to suffer from tendinitis just last semester alone. There is a stigma out there that we need to be extremely hard on ourselves and push ourselves through our practice, and while that may be true about dedication and perseverance, it can not be true of tension if there is going to be significant progress made

  • @n3kkaguitar
    @n3kkaguitar 7 років тому +178

    We are always doing extremely well out there, when you upload videos)

  • @McNastySlam
    @McNastySlam 6 років тому +14

    I watched this about a year ago and have done this every time I pick up my guitar. It’s helped my endurance and efficiency tremendously. Thanks a ton Rick!

    • @josephrusso7069
      @josephrusso7069 Рік тому +2

      Thank you for putting in your testimony. It makes me want to apply these principles even more.

  • @AntohinAndrej
    @AntohinAndrej 7 років тому +58

    it's T H I C C here

  • @theweightlifted
    @theweightlifted 4 роки тому +27

    A Wise Jazz Master once told me...
    “All of music is tension and resolution.”
    And just when I thought my mind was already blown, he said...
    “Really... All of life is tension and resolution.”
    🤯

  • @gafflord2684
    @gafflord2684 7 років тому +4

    been playing for 10 years self taught, watched countless videos after I hit a dead end in my progress just to try and break back into a good rhythm of steady improvement but none of them really acknowledged this, honestly every word was like a wake up call, cheers Rick

  • @cjdonald1983
    @cjdonald1983 7 років тому +14

    Good words Rick! Jaimie Andreas is a mainly classical guitar player who really has majored on eliminating excess tension in playing. She has a website AND is on youtube, but her books are the motherload. She strips everything back to basics and teaches the most important techniques for playing with as little tension as possible. She is worth checking out! PS. in case you were wondering, no, I dont have any connection with her, this is an unbiased assessment!:)

    • @s0cks1985
      @s0cks1985 7 років тому +1

      I bought her book too. It still took me a good year almost to really appreciate and understand the techniques (I had a lot of bad habits) but the results have been amazing. Using the weight of the arm to apply the pressure has made playing almost effortless on my steel string acoustic guitar. It's almost magical and I'm so excited moving forward now. Even bar chords are effortless.

  • @LuckyPkerz
    @LuckyPkerz 7 років тому +200

    Hi there guys it's
    W R I C K H A I R

  • @junehonda9062
    @junehonda9062 6 років тому +32

    I would like to add Japanese subtitles in this video.

  • @cnutella9947
    @cnutella9947 6 років тому +1

    I'm always so impressed with the connection between your right and left hand. I never realized this was such a big part of it. Thanks for this!

  • @Qartoffeln1
    @Qartoffeln1 3 роки тому +9

    It’s amazing how effortless it seems when you play, man. Question there: when picking it’s clear that we can choose the tension we apply with the left hand until the sound comes clear; however, doesn’t hammering-on require much more tension into the strings precisely because there is no picking? I suppose that the same exercise from the beginning applies until we find that right tension?
    Thanks for the great lessons, Rick. You’re truly an inspiration for many.

  • @benoitfleury8487
    @benoitfleury8487 7 років тому

    Man, your words are pure gold.
    Thank you for keeping this channel so awesome

  • @guitarnoir8842
    @guitarnoir8842 5 років тому +2

    Rick, thank you for this video. As a classical guitarist, it's the most critical part of technique that I teach my students about. Every musician should focus on relaxing.

  • @stuartmckay9105
    @stuartmckay9105 7 років тому +3

    Glad to hear you're doing well Rick!

  • @clabemetal
    @clabemetal 7 років тому

    Thank you for the tip Rick! It really helps!

  • @YngtchieMusic
    @YngtchieMusic 7 років тому +1

    Now this one really stopped me dead in my tracks, and got my looking at my playing a whole different way. Been applying too much tension without realizing it for years now, as it happens. Hats off to (Rick) Graham.

  • @roberthrvatin7088
    @roberthrvatin7088 7 років тому

    I have never seen a tutorial video that has been more helpful than this one. After trying this out I feel like notes play themselves. You mr. are the best teacher.

  • @cbeserra
    @cbeserra 7 років тому +60

    Did anyone else rewind the fast picking part at 5:54 when Rick hit warp 10? OMG

    • @ashwanisharma8561
      @ashwanisharma8561 7 років тому

      Chris B NOPE.. I was ready for that.. :D

    • @rickmartin7674
      @rickmartin7674 7 років тому +2

      Yep. That's a little bit of guitar heaven right there.

    • @senorallen9938
      @senorallen9938 7 років тому +2

      Chris B It's all practice and muscle memory, practice the pattern all day and I bet at the end of the day you'll get it!

    • @xfuego666
      @xfuego666 7 років тому

      Chris B what scale was he using?

    • @mikepshena
      @mikepshena 6 років тому +1

      That's still super slow for what rick can do lol

  • @annetteprince7536
    @annetteprince7536 Рік тому +1

    As a professional I agree that players often overlook their legato. What made me able to do this is my background with sweep picking. I noticed the arpeggio sweep up you did at the last of the line. And sweep picking also leads to proper pick slating techniques. When I developed my sweeping I got super fast. Now I’m working on the legato . When I seen you line at fast speed it reminded me of the old Richie Kotzen stuff he used to do. Great vid!!!! Wish they where more players that really sharpen their skills. I work on mine hours every day

  • @askartakraw
    @askartakraw 4 роки тому

    My fav guitar channel.. thank you Rick.. I learn a lot from your lessons

  • @russjchandra
    @russjchandra 7 років тому +1

    Thank you. This is what i need and overlook for a long time.

  • @victordeandrade5286
    @victordeandrade5286 6 років тому

    Rick, these types of videos are so helpful man, don't know if you know just how much. This here changed my playing, took me to another level. Thank you.

  • @ronniecoffey9945
    @ronniecoffey9945 5 років тому

    it's like another level of control !! great lesson, thx again for all your training & insight

  • @MrLuismizraji
    @MrLuismizraji 6 років тому

    Wonderful, the result is immediate and incredible. Thanks Rick!

  • @milesharris335
    @milesharris335 7 років тому

    Thank you so much for all of your videos especially this one. I have been working on controlling tension and this was exactly what I needed to see and hear today. My fingers thank you.

  • @TobyKBTY
    @TobyKBTY 6 років тому +2

    I recently started being much more conscious with my left hand tension when it comes to sweeping, and I swear it was the missing piece after all those fruitless years of trying to sweep. Accuracy and speed have improved massively in just a year and I started incorporating the same loose tension methods to my other practice routines and my hands are thanking me everyday for it!

  • @lionPGF
    @lionPGF 4 роки тому

    Very useful lesson !Thank you Rick!

  • @Shem8100
    @Shem8100 7 років тому

    awesome and great revelation! You are another level... i always enjoy and learn so much from every single of your videos... keep inspiring keep rocking...

  • @ExtraStrengthMusic
    @ExtraStrengthMusic 5 років тому

    this had such an enormous impact on my thinking, especially explaining the delay between hand and brain!
    thank you!

  • @minkorrh
    @minkorrh 6 років тому

    I absolutley love the fact that so many of these little tips and tricks I've managed to discover on my own. Nice to get the affirmation that what is working for me is the right track to awesome.

  • @Zootallure
    @Zootallure 7 років тому

    Outstanding piece of advice. Makes a huge difference.

  • @Sean.Tyler.
    @Sean.Tyler. 4 роки тому +1

    Concepts like this are what helps me learn guitar something I never realized that I think a lot of people should also know is the string height if it’s way to high it’s super hard to "shred."

  • @stephenbell8337
    @stephenbell8337 4 роки тому

    Thanks Rick. Very helpful for all levels.

  • @redacteurpp
    @redacteurpp 7 років тому

    This lesson goes for all of life, not just for guitar. Thanks for the eye-opener man, this is important stuff!

  • @mrmisterman999
    @mrmisterman999 5 років тому +2

    I've played guitar for 30 years and just came across this after buying a cheap Chinese guitar. The zero feet keeps the action low so I dont have to kill the strings. Using a super light touch helps so much

  • @alexanderdeeds4100
    @alexanderdeeds4100 4 роки тому

    Amazing. I love your teaching!

  • @sunnyshahi3469
    @sunnyshahi3469 7 років тому

    Amazing stuff Rick,really new to me..will surely gonna apply..thanks for sharing these stuffs.

  • @HectorSebastian
    @HectorSebastian 7 років тому

    Thanks a lot Rick!

  • @dukundigital5176
    @dukundigital5176 7 років тому

    Awesome tip! Thank you Rick.

  • @TheLittleHouseStudios
    @TheLittleHouseStudios 7 років тому

    Great tip, I've been playing for years and have a long way to go on my solo playing but a friend of mine suggested this to me about tension and it has helped tremendously. Thanks for the great video.

  • @grantmungo5738
    @grantmungo5738 7 років тому

    Great Lesson Rick!

  • @chusssMusic
    @chusssMusic 6 років тому

    I have thought about this but never actually practiced it daily or even regularly, it just that sometimes it feels like magic when you apply that optimum level or energy required to play effortlessly but was never able to tell that was the trick. Great explanation and demonstration. Thanks Rick.

  • @brettlingle
    @brettlingle 7 років тому

    This video is brilliant! I was just thinking about this today.

  • @AmonOfTheSahelijos
    @AmonOfTheSahelijos 5 років тому

    this is such an important concept to keep in mind when practicing. sometimes people will harp on practicing slow and staying relaxed without actually explaining why

  • @Samuelee97
    @Samuelee97 7 років тому

    one of the best video lessons ever. rick i would love to study with you you are seriously an incredible teacher. thank you

  • @jackrobinson3106
    @jackrobinson3106 7 років тому +2

    RIck after two days of practicing this advice my play has already cleaned up, I've been way too aggressive with my picking and the excess movement has been slowing down my progress. Feels like a hurdle has been overcome. Many thanks!

  • @pjhunton
    @pjhunton 7 років тому +1

    Nice tip, I actually identified this issue with my playing but this vid has helped me address it

  • @unfetteredaxes1032
    @unfetteredaxes1032 7 років тому

    Rick I need this more than anything!!!!!

  • @MyGuitartime
    @MyGuitartime 5 років тому

    Holy cow!! You have hit on something that I am struggling with!!! This is a great video! Thanks!

  • @yungm3m331
    @yungm3m331 7 років тому +1

    This is exactly what I have been after all these years Rick, this is the key to that Dank Rick finger Tone! 😎😎😎

  • @FedeOttalagano
    @FedeOttalagano 7 років тому

    Amazing concept! I'll try that one. Thank you

  • @jz4901
    @jz4901 3 роки тому

    A critical lesson! Thanks RG!

  • @GlennWallaceMusic
    @GlennWallaceMusic 7 років тому

    I'm only 4 minutes in but I think so far this is brilliant, and such a simple idea. Definitely something I'll need to pass along to my students. My hand already feels better after practicing some of my more difficult warmups. I only recently subscribed to this channel, wish I'd done it years ago. So much good content.

  • @yanisbrahimi6358
    @yanisbrahimi6358 3 роки тому

    So clean !

  • @JayTheCobb
    @JayTheCobb 7 років тому +1

    Love ya Rick

  • @fingers14
    @fingers14 6 років тому

    Great advice!!!!

  • @vigaren
    @vigaren 5 років тому

    maybe the best technique video on youtube! incredible smart and true that no one talks about it!

  • @robertmills9767
    @robertmills9767 7 років тому

    This is great advice. I've been applying this to my practice routine and it has really transformed my playing. Especially when performing live as I often tense up...

  • @patpogoallroundguitarist5814
    @patpogoallroundguitarist5814 5 років тому

    I’ve thought about that concept, but never heard about that until you mentioned it. It makes sense.

  • @zealfer
    @zealfer 4 роки тому

    Thanks Mr. Rick Graham. I'll keep this in mind.

  • @PartialS
    @PartialS 4 роки тому

    Brilliant video Rick, thank you! I'm constantly battling my hand cramping up some days when I practise after just a few minutes, yet others I can practise for hours without any pain. Never thought it could be because I was using too much tension.

  • @TheRye07
    @TheRye07 5 років тому

    One of the best videos i ever seen

  • @monnemann
    @monnemann 7 років тому

    I've only played a couple of years but this came to my mind a few months back. And as you mentioned it's very easy to forget if you aren't self aware 100% when you play. Seems like a great tip to start of your sessions applying this! I will definatelly do it from now on. Great video 👍.

  • @The11eleven
    @The11eleven 7 років тому +14

    I beg to differ on this theory! It is the variance of tension that gives the notes we play soul! That's why it's been said that "tone is in the fingers!"! Sure, practice with all levels of tension, but don't deny getting tense and aggressive with the neck/strings

    • @serseriherif9530
      @serseriherif9530 5 років тому

      In electric guitar you don't really have the concept of dynamics like on acoustic or classical guitars as you adjust the volume/add distortion etc. After that just 'getting' the note is mostly enough

    • @iamdankdaddy370
      @iamdankdaddy370 5 років тому +7

      Miran Öztürk nah mans there’s a lot of dynamics involved

    • @KaninTuzi
      @KaninTuzi 5 років тому +7

      @@serseriherif9530 On the contrary, most of the time the little details are amplified with electric.

    • @aylbdrmadison1051
      @aylbdrmadison1051 5 років тому +5

      @John W : I think you're confusing tense with aggressive. They are not the same thing. Or maybe just not taking into account Rick isn't saying not to use dynamics in your playing. You can get a much more aggressive picking attack with a lighter touch than any player can get by flailing their entire arm around, or gripping the pick too tight. In fact, if you pay close attention to the actual sound of each note Rick plays, not how fast it is, you'll notice he has a particularly aggressive sound. Reason being, cleanly picked notes always sound better, and a cleaner sound is always a more aggressive sound than one that is not so clean. The technique he is showing is necessary for being able to play fast and clean.

  • @michaelyork4554
    @michaelyork4554 6 років тому +1

    I learned this the hard way when I was always trying to play barre chords, which prematurely ended my practice sessions. Finally I opted to only practice runs and scales and I noticed
    that I was always moving toward a feather touch to get my speed up, so precision picking makes you learn this and then I could go back and play chords with the same mindset.
    I agree with economy picking, but every guitarist should practice individually picked notes as fast as they can to make the brain learn that level of precision, even if you plan to use
    hammer ons and pull offs to achieve the same sound. Muscle Memory is phenomenal. Thanks Rick

  • @KevinStudent
    @KevinStudent 7 років тому

    This is something I'mma have to work at! Good video!

  • @ESPSJ
    @ESPSJ 7 років тому

    insane advice here, one of the most important things. I instinctively pressed harder thinking it would give me a louder note, but it doesn't. That comes from the picking hand which i wish i understood when i was learning guitar. Great stuff Rick.

  • @mandel4065
    @mandel4065 7 років тому

    I think this just changed my game, thank you Rick! I think I used way too much pressure because I'm used to having to apply so much force to hammer on / pull off. Everyone's starting out with bad technique so you have to use much more force than necessary and it sticks with you.

  • @freshwater49
    @freshwater49 6 років тому

    thanks, Rick. That was helpful

  • @cerrito7806
    @cerrito7806 6 років тому

    The best 9:46 lesson I've ever watched - and I certainly can play - but this is NEVER talked about. Thanks Rick!

  • @The_Musical_Cartograph
    @The_Musical_Cartograph 7 років тому +1

    I've always love the way your fingers move effortlessly on the strings, it's like you are just caressing them, it's just beautiful
    i've got this trick from Tom hess actually !
    but there is also the right hand tension to care about !!
    i found out that getting the right thickness for my pick allows me to keep it in control
    it's thick enough so i can use different level of tensions and dynamism
    but it's light enough so i can feel the moments when i hold it to strong, because it's slightly deforming

  • @dcottee
    @dcottee 6 років тому

    Brilliant! That has instantly improved the speed of my left hand over the fretboard. Thanks Rick!!

  • @jch5150
    @jch5150 7 років тому

    Great lesson Rick. This concept of getting myself to play live as relaxed and light on the touch as I do in my home office has really been on my mind as I get ready for my next gig. I have a tenancy to tense up when I solo which really messes me up. I do wish the practice scale you use here was tabbed out.

  • @xoznemen
    @xoznemen 4 роки тому

    Que buen consejo Rick, thank you so much!!!

  • @MrArchie800
    @MrArchie800 7 років тому

    I consider myself as quite an advanced player and this is something I've totally forgotten so thanks very much!! I'll be practicing tomorrow!

  • @TobyKBTY
    @TobyKBTY 7 років тому

    But seriously, this makes so much sense. This is why my fingers seem to hurt way faster on certain days compared to others. It isn't enough to just warm up, we all need to be waaay more conscious of the our finger tension. Thanks for the tip!

  • @rdshred4
    @rdshred4 7 років тому

    After 25 years I changed strap position and ended up with tendinitis in my arm, this video is fantastic, I was gripping the neck far to hard with the lower strap position, always worth looking at the small things like this!

  •  7 років тому

    haven't really thought about that discipline before, i will now, thanks Rick!

  • @valavaaramusic
    @valavaaramusic 4 роки тому

    I’ve noticed this over the years. And as my forearms suffer more from tension and I need to massage them more, I’m excited to pay attention and practice this more too! Should save my arm muscles too!

  • @arklayt1038
    @arklayt1038 3 роки тому

    You're right. This topic honestly is not talked about in our guitar community as much as it should be. I remember Steve Vai mentioning it briefly in an interview, but just discovered it recently on my own, and wow...what a difference! Great explanation and video :)

  • @lucaprovinciali2493
    @lucaprovinciali2493 7 років тому

    Rick,i'm doin' eeeeeeexxxtreeeemlyyyy well:i'm a novice,and today i have been deep in practice and try to relax...........incredible in a moment everything has changed,all so smooth and i noticed even right hand tend to be more relaxed,so the exs will be part of my daily routine,you're an eeeexxxxtreeeemlyyyy good teacher and you're plaiyng is terryfyin'...so many thanks!!!!

  • @rickhardt2237
    @rickhardt2237 7 років тому

    Best lesson of the year

  • @Tubetart
    @Tubetart 7 років тому

    Well said Rick, yeah I def dig in too much, and def need to follow this lesson! Cheers :)

  • @leftypride126
    @leftypride126 7 років тому +20

    Anyone have tabs for the pattern he's playing?

  • @wesleytrott6397
    @wesleytrott6397 5 років тому

    That was an excellent lesson! That was surprisingly a lesson I've never seen before and very helpful. I've had surgery on my left wrist 2 times to remove ganglion cysts that were a direct result of guitar playing. I know I used too much tension back then. And that caused the inflammation and eventual injury in my wrist that lead to me getting ganglion cysts. This lesson is very valuable. Thank you Rick!

  • @reneemeansecho
    @reneemeansecho 5 років тому

    great reminders

  • @valentinsutersuter2500
    @valentinsutersuter2500 Місяць тому

    love u Rickk

  • @simono7735
    @simono7735 7 років тому

    Extremely good video!

  • @BluesInSeattle
    @BluesInSeattle 5 років тому +1

    Gotta love that single coil buzz haha.
    Cool exercise, thanks.

  • @xandrewbrown
    @xandrewbrown 7 років тому +1

    Cool lesson. I have bad tennis elbow (and I've never played a game of tennis in my life) from my overboard finger pressure.

  • @ibzmav
    @ibzmav 5 років тому +4

    That 60-cycle hum is giving me tension lolz

  • @Rouwiinator
    @Rouwiinator 6 років тому

    This is very true what immediately helped my playing is when I think about that the string never is really supposed to touch the fretboard. Every time i kept that in mind somethings just clicked and things seemed to work a little easier.

  • @slanzygeno1474
    @slanzygeno1474 5 років тому

    You are the boss Rick

  • @harrisfrankou2368
    @harrisfrankou2368 5 років тому +1

    so true working on down strokes i tense up at my bpm threshold!!

  • @AllanGildea
    @AllanGildea 7 років тому

    Cheers Rick, you're as good a teacher as you are a player.

  • @nickpilla7998
    @nickpilla7998 3 роки тому

    I’ve been an intermediate player for a while now and I’m trying to get myself to be advanced. Thanks for this