darren1
right ive been working on getting a bit of speed into my playing, but when i start top go too fast both my hands tense up. are there techniques or excercises to help with this problem
BMU
The best way is to work with a metronome and find your natural pace, where you can execute the piece without tensing up. Then raise the tempo by 10 bpm and work to achieve the same result. Then another 10 bpm etc...
That's if you have the patience of a saint of course. OR you can rush like hell, develop bad style and take the next number of years unlearning bad habits - I know that's always been my preferred choice. ? (But seriously, rather do it the first way.)
Jack-Flash-Jr
Here's a good tip - in between songs lay your hand flat on a hard surface and slowly let you knuckles rise up (let the hand relax)... works a charm.
PeteM
I find that the tension starts in the shoulders - consciously focus on them as well.
DonovanB
Yeah the shoulders and the teeth too.
Follow the metronome idea. You need to learn patience at some point so why not while you practice...
I comes from trying too hard. Try stretching (your whole body) before you practice as well. That helps your whole being relax, think of it as a ninja thing.
MIKA-the-better-one
and then you can do some 1 finger push ups
Bob-Dubery
I can only second the advice you already have about practice. It's been my experience that speed comes naturally with practice - which builds familiarity and muscle memory.
If you are experiencing tension in your hands then this is probably spreading up to (or down from) your forearms maybe even shoulders. You might want to think about getting some advice on stretches to do after or during practice in order to minimise repetitive stress injuries.
Gareth
yeah, whilst working with the metronome also take note of your breathing, this also relates to phrasing - don't hold your breath ... unless you're gonna dive in, but then you're gonna have to come up for air sometime ?
MIKA-the-better-one
if I had to remember all these hings while playing guitar I think I might not b able to play, I say just warm up and practice, there is no secret forumla to making anything super comfortable fast
