[PinoDiUva]

Hello
I started playing acoustic guitar about a year ago. I am self taught and I learned some music theory (reading, scales, diatonic keys, song form, metre...), and have for the most part focused on acoustic songs that I strum along with a little finger picking.

Lately I notice that if I play a song that requires heavy strumming such as wonderwall by oasis then next day my elbow hurts tendinitis I guess.

I suspect that I am either too tense or am strumming too hard and/or using my elbow and arm to strum rather than my wrist.

Can some explain the physical aspects of strumming so I don't kill my elbow and maybe stay in time better?

thanks

Joe

[Clancy]

Here's a great lesson on good strumming techniques Joe - Strumming - that might help you out a bit.

and welcome!

Clancy

[coldethyl]

Hi Joe, welcome to the forum!

Basically with strumming, it's important for you not to tense up too much and try to relax your picking hand, and also your fretting hand.

Even when you grasp the pick, try not to grip it too tightly or that can eventually tire you out. Hold the pick gently but firmly between your fingers and as I said, try to relax and start strumming, but maintain that relaxed posture.

Also, groove is also important because I've found that if you tap your foot to the beat as you're strumming, that can also aid in keeping you relaxed and help keep you in time.

Hope that helps you out!

[allthumbs]

Originally Posted by Clancy

Here's a great lesson on good strumming techniques Joe - Strumming - that might help you out a bit.

and welcome!

Clancy

Har. You beat me by 30 seconds Clancy. What she said Pino. Tension is the worst ememy of a guitar player.

[6string]

Welcome Joe

[PinoDiUva]

Thanks this is an excellent article!

The article says it is important to focus on the rhythm of the song at all times. This is a bit complicated for me since the vocals seem to have their own simpler rythms. Is the rythm refered to hear the percussion rythm?

[Jenny]

Any tips for strumming without a pick? I can't seem to get the right finger position, the nail on my pointer finger seems to catch on strings on the up stroke. My nails are fairly short (they don't quite come to the end of my finger tips). Do I need longer nails?

If there are any finger strummers here, I would love to hear what works for you...nail length, finger position etc. Or if anyone knows of some good online articles/lessons for this, I would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

[OldG]

Originally Posted by Jenny

Any tips for strumming without a pick?

I myself find picks clumsy and prefer to use direct touch....I strum and play lead without a pick - like this:

Simulate holding a pick, then as you place your hand to strum, angle your imaginary pick at about 45 degrees to the strings. this should let you strum without your nail catching, and also give you the choice of tones from using nail,finger or a combination of both.

Hope that helps,

Mick

[Bearz]

Hello Jenny, I think you already have a good handle on the answer. One of the major problems with strumming, or any aspect of guitar playing is that we tend to tense up way too much, which in turn creates a type of counter-articulation and causes our piece to 'break down' somewhere in the middle or when the music gets trickier. My thought is that if you allow the weight of your relaxed wrist to give you the power you need instead of trying to get it from full-on strumming you will get better results. Also make sure you are comfortable when holding the guitar and don't hold the pick (if you use one) too tightly. All tension tends to radiate up the arm and into the shoulders which, in turn, 'pulls' your hands slightly off the guitar. This is why sometimes a piece gets harder to play after five minutes than it was when we started playing it. It is also why the 'feel' of a piece can deteriorate about half way through. Be aware of yourself and try and notice where the tension is building as it builds and then try and relax that part of you. Some people recommend practicing in front of a mirror (not because it is a prerequisite for learning to strike rock star poses hehe) so that you can see when your shoulder starts to rise up. If your shoulder is rising up towards your ear as you play, then you are overly tense and this can lead to all the problems you mentioned.
I hope this helps a little. One more thing. Sometimes singers tend to think that they should play barre chords all night but the most important thing is to put your singing first. Allow your voice to carry the music and let the guitar follow.

[Matty22]

G'day Joe, welcome aboard

[PinoDiUva]

thanks this sounds promising. I'll try it.