| Michael
Jordan's high school basketball coach suggested that Michael
give up trying to play the game. Mr. Jordan discovered years later
that
he needed to work on his movements. He said in his book:
"If
you practice something the wrong way 8 hours a day, you will become very
good at doing something the wrong way."
I hear from a lot of players who practice all
day and never get any better. I also hear from a lot of players who have wrist, arm, finger, and back problems. When I hear that, I always ask to see what they
are doing. Most of the time, these people are holding the guitar incorrectly,
with their arms and bodies in strange contortions (as well as practicing the the wrong material the wrong way). I tell them to "freeze",
holding the position. I then remove the guitar and hold up a mirror so they
can see how uncomfortable they look. I then ask them to hold the position for five
minutes
to see what it feels like. After this, they see what the problem is and want
to change it.
I then tell the students (or professionals who
should be playing better) to get into a comfortable position which can be held
for many hours without pain, and put the guitars (with straps) on them, enabling
them to play without changing the position. I have been working on the science
of balancing a guitar through moving the strap buttons to tailor the guitar
to the person playing it. Your wrists, back and neck should be straight.
1. Always use a strap, a good
one. Your job is to play the guitar. The job of the strap is to hold the guitar. You have an expensive guitar (and body), why skimp on the
strap? Adjust it so that your wrists, back and neck are straight. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Don't use a foot rest, it causes back problems.
2. The guitar and strap should be at such a position
to keep the guitar and angles with which the arms and hands touch the
guitar the same standing or sitting. Most poor players have two guitar
positions; one standing and one sitting. Therefore, all the music you
play must be mastered standing and sitting, you must practice everything
twice.
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3.
Many players make strange mouth and facial contortions when playing.
This has little to do with music and causes stress in the body.
The face must be relaxed. A smile relaxes the neck muscles between
the skull and shoulders. To play well for the duration of
a four hour gig, energy needs to be conserved.
4. You need to have someone video tape you performing
and practicing. Study it with your teacher. The really good teachers
do that.
5. Get a great teacher. If you have been studying with
someone (and practicing), and you are not improving, and your posture
has not been addressed, you need to look for a better teacher
6. The
piano virtuoso Glenn Gould took his practicing chair with you when he
gave concerts.
7. If you sit when you play, your
knees should be lower than your hips by a few inches which will help
straighten your back.
8. Go to an office supply store
and buy a practice chair.
Take your guitar with you.
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SUGGESTED READING :
"I CAN'T ACCEPT NOT TRYING "
by Michael Jordan
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