Lesson: Beginner Right Hand Technique for Classical Guitar

Summary

This video lesson focuses on basic right-hand position and technique for classical guitar. The instructor demonstrates natural hand positioning, emphasizing a comfortable wrist arch and moving fingers towards the palm. He highlights common mistakes, such as collapsing the wrist ('the crab') or improper thumb placement. The lesson explains the difference between free stroke and rest stroke and the importance of keeping the hand relaxed while playing. The video also discusses whether the tip joint of the fingers should collapse, noting that opinions vary depending on playing style. Multiple perspectives are provided to enhance understanding.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maintain a comfortable arch in your wrist to avoid strain.
• 👍 Move your fingers towards the palm, like making a fist, instead of moving them outward.
• 🎸 Avoid collapsing your wrist, commonly known as 'the crab' position, for better technique.
• 👌 Ensure that your thumb stays outside of the fingers, not caught between them.
• 🎶 When playing, your hand position should remain consistent whether you're using free strokes or rest strokes.
• 📏 Use the upper knuckle to control finger movement for precision and better technique.
• 🚫 Avoid letting your fingers kick outward; they should always move inward toward the palm.
• 🛑 Don't collapse your knuckles or overly tense your hand; a relaxed position is essential for fluid playing.
• 👀 Understand that whether the tip joint of your fingers should collapse is a debated topic and can vary by technique.
• 🔄 Your wrist and hand position should stay relaxed and consistent, regardless of playing tempo or loudness.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson in the video?

The main focus of the lesson is to teach proper right-hand position and technique for classical guitar, including the natural hand arch and movement of the fingers toward the palm.

Why is the teacher's head cut off in the video?

The teacher's head is cut off to provide a closer view of the hand, allowing the viewer to better see the right-hand position and technique.

What is the importance of maintaining a comfortable arch in the wrist?

A comfortable arch in the wrist helps avoid forcing the wrist too far up or down, ensuring that the hand moves naturally and efficiently while playing.

What is the proper motion for the fingers while playing the guitar?

The fingers should move inward towards the palm as if making a fist, with the thumb positioned on the outside of the fingers. This motion should come from the upper knuckle.

What is the 'crab' hand position, and why is it incorrect?

The 'crab' hand position refers to a collapsed wrist with fingers extending outward awkwardly. It is incorrect because it makes it difficult to move the fingers naturally toward the palm and leads to inefficient playing.

How does incorrect wrist positioning affect playing?

If the wrist is positioned too low, it becomes difficult to move the fingers inward toward the palm, forcing the player to pull the fingers outward, which can create tension and inefficient hand movements.

What is the difference between free strokes and rest strokes in guitar playing?

A free stroke occurs when you pluck a string and bypass the other strings, while a rest stroke pushes the string inward and rests on the string below it. Both strokes use the same hand position.

Should the tip joint of the finger collapse while playing?

Opinions on whether the tip joint should collapse vary. Some teachers say it is acceptable to let it collapse, while others disagree. The teacher in the video believes it is okay for the tip joint to collapse during slower tempos or relaxed playing but suggests keeping it firm when playing fast or loud.

How can a student check if their fingers are moving correctly toward the palm?

A student can place an object like a metronome at the starting point where the fingers touch the string. If the fingers move inward without knocking the object away, the motion is correct. If they kick the object outward, the fingers are moving incorrectly.

What are some common mistakes that students make with thumb positioning?

Some students place the thumb between the fingers or move it too far in one direction. The correct thumb position is outside the fingers, avoiding interference with finger movement.