Guitar scales?!?

Question

Got two qeustions really
One, anybody know any really good scales to help build up finger muscles and increase accuracy?!
And two, whenever i play a scale, i always have trouble with my little finger......should it be falling directly onto the string without touching any other strings?!

Answer 1

Everyone has trouble with the little finger at first. That's why the Spanish tradition of fingerstyle playing doesn't even use it on the right hand. Modern fingertsyle techniques are starting to include the little finger (pinky) but it is slow to gain popularity. I believe that the fourth finger on each hand should be used for physiological health and balance. Just like an athlete doesn't just develop the muscles they need for their event, a guitarist shouldn't just develop the fingers thought to be advantageous for a style of playing. Those small muscles are connected to the larger muscles in the hand, all the way up to the arm, and if you neglect one finger, you affect the whole hand!

I would recommend the closed scales for development of the pinky, especially on the left hand. If you are having trouble isolating the string try this:

Lay the fingers of your left hand directly across the strings, perpendicular to the fretboard. Your second and third finger should hang well over the fingerboard and you may notice that the pinky barely reaches across. That's okay, but it is the reason you are having this initial difficulty. So, your fingers are laying across the strings waiting for me to stop rambling. Slowly pull them up so they resemble a Roman arch. You should see a tunnel under your fingers, and the tips of your fingers should naturally be seeking a string to push down. This is the natural position for your hand to be in when you are trying to play notes or chords. It doesn't feel natural, but neither did standing when you first learned to crawl. This position has to be learned, and it has to become your discipline, actually adjusting the neck - moving it back and forth and up and down - until your hand naturally finds this position without your having to think about it.

The other thing that most people do is to avoid the thing they are having trouble with. Most beginners will use the first three fingers and figure they can get along without the fourth until it gets strong enough, but it never gets strong enough because they don't use it! So, you have to use it. Use it every single day, use it every time you play. Use it deliberately until you can use it without thinking about it. So much of guitar playing is getting past the point where you have to think about something. When it becomes automatic and natural though, it brings you to the point where you can just focus on the music, and that's when it really begins to be lovely. Hang in there, and if there's anything more I can do, just give me a shout.

Answer 2

I've played and taught on the side for some years, so here's my two cents- try Justin Sandercoes' site-www.justinguitar.com- he's got some really good videos and notes that should help you on getting proficient on your scales.

As far as your little finger, take it slow- it shouldn't touch other strings- slow down, practice your scales to a metronome- it'll really help with your sense of rhythm- Good Luck!

Answer 3

The real answer is (sorry), practice alot. It will heart your fingers, but eventually, you'll grow this hard skin on the tips of your fingers, and things will sound much better. And yes, don't touch other strings :-)

Answer 4

if you want fingure acuracy and streingth play alot here is a VERY HELPFULL BOOK, go to guitar center and pick up the National Guitar Worckshop work out book(the dvd really isnt essential but its nice). i play bass and i have the bass version and in two months my form and speed accuracy and stamina has increased. the only way to get better is practice and remember the most important part
HAVE FUN

Answer 5

The little finger is crucial to speed on the guitar. Coupling it with the forefinger on the fret board speed may be enhanced significantly.

The little finger should touch only the string you desire; sometimes it won't matter and that is up to you to determine.

Keep practicing.

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