Topic: Technique/Theory Thread
Do any of you guys play music?
I thought it might be fun, to share playing tips, etc. Let me know, if this sounds interesting.
I'll start it off:
For bending and vibrato, I always wrap my thumb over the top of the neck. And I pivot on the side of my hand, where the index finger meets my palm. It's a wrist and elbow motion. Not a finger motion. And I try to reinforce my bends/vibrato with as many fingers as possible. For vibrato, you may try bending the string down towards the ground first, then up. This is usually good to get you used to NOT using your fingers. It's kinda like shaking a locked doorknob.
For bending, it's the same motion. For accuracy, I often play a note, then try to match it with a lower, bent note. Try the Am Pentatonic scale, at the 5th. position. Play the G string, 8th. fret. Now bend the G string, 7th. fret to match it. (Use your ring finger, reinforced with your middle finger. Keep your thumb wrapped over the top of the neck, and your index finger on the B string, 5th. fret. This will help with your technique).
Next, play the G string 9th. fret. Bend the G string, 7th. fret to match it. Continue with higher frets on the G string. Each time, bending the G string 7th. fret to match it. I can usually get 2 1/2 to 3 whole steps (5 to 6 frets), higher. Then I run out of fretboard, as the G string will get pushed off of the top of the neck.
The whole thing is accuracy, and control. Let me know, if this helps.
P.S.
If I'm doing a 1st. finger vibrato, I throw my elbow way out, to get that knuckle/fulcrum working.
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