[jayx773]

Greetings!

I have a rather simple question. I just started playing recently and have begun to practice the chromatic scale.

I am finding it difficult reach all of the frets without moving my hand down slightly when I get to the 4th fret (especially on the low e string).

Now I am a little confused, I read somewhere that it is best not to stretch the fingers out and to keep them close together so as to keep them relaxed. But in another resource, I read that the fingers should be stretched out.

I just want to learn the correct technique now so I have a good foundation and can avoid any bad habits.

So, should my hand be moving down the neck when fretting in the first position?

Thanks!

Jason

[Fretsource]

Welcome Jayx
It's fine to move your hand a little. Ideally, though, you should be able to reach all four frets at the same time.
It will come in time - To speed it up, you can practise it further up the neck where the frets are closer together - and then gradually work your way down to the lower, wider frets.

[jayx773]

Ok, thanks for the reply!

That's kind of what I figured intuitively. I used to play violin and it worked the same way.

Now I know what to work for. Much obliged.

Thank you!

Jason

[agent0064life]

Originally Posted by jayx773

Ok, thanks for the reply!

That's kind of what I figured intuitively. I used to play violin and it worked the same way.

Now I know what to work for. Much obliged.

Thank you!

Jason

What do you think the transition would be like from going to guitar to violin? I'm not quitting guitar, just would like to play the violin as well. Do you think any of the concepts in guitar would benefit or harm my violin playing?

[jayx773]

I haven't picked up the violin in years, but I can't imagine it hurting at all. In fact, one of my favorie musicians, Michael Kang of the String Cheese Incident, can shred a guitar that could put Trey in his place, but also whips out a mean fiddle here and there!