Knowing how to position the fretting hand when playing the guitar will help the guitar student make smooth changes in chords. Similarly, using the correct technique for strumming will help avoid technical errors during the guitar lesson.
Fretting Hand Positions on the Acoustic Guitar
The music teacher may begin the guitar session by explaining some terminology for the students.
- Fretting hand: the hand that is placed on the neck of the guitar and which compresses the strings to produce chords or notes
- Strumming hand or picking hand: the hand that strikes the guitar strings in order to make sounds
- Plectrum or pick: a small plastic device that is used to strike the strings
- Fret markers: parallel markers on the fretboard
- Fingerpicking: plucking the strings individually, a technique often used by lead guitarists
Advice for Left Handed Guitarists
When demonstrating the best hand positions for guitar playing, provisions should be made for left handed guitarists. In these cases, a left handed guitar would be preferable, but if necessary, the strings may be reversed. Beware that the lower strings will sit a little proudly upon the grooves just above the guitar nut. Extra care should be made for tuning the guitar, particularly the lower notes.
Lesson Plan on Guitar Technique for the Fretting Hand
The following techniques can be demonstrated to help the beginner in guitar playing change chords with ease.
- Use the tips of the fingers for obtaining notes. Not only will this minimise soreness of the fingers, this will also help obtain cleaner notes. Each fret may be targeted more directly and help avoid inadvertent pressure on a neighbouring string, which could result in a dead sound.
- Keep all fingers hovering just above the guitar strings, minimising the distance between the strings and each finger, and so aiding a smooth motion between chords.
- When obtaining chords, pressing the frets themselves is not necessary. Pressing the space between the frets will still obtain a clean note and minimise pressure on the fingertips.
- For a smoother transition from one chord to another when fretting, look out for an anchor finger, or one that does not change position very much during the transition. This may be used to guide the other fingers around
- Rather than move one finger at a time when moving from one chord to another, the students should be encouraged to move all fingers at the same time
Strumming Hand Positions on the Acoustic Guitar
The hand that strikes the guitar strings is known as the strumming hand or the picking hand depending upon what it is doing. Students may be encouraged to have a go at strumming the guitar with the different part of the finger in order to discover the different sounds that can be achieved. Strumming too hard should be avoided, as this will put unnecessary pressure upon the strings.
How to Hold a Plectrum
A plectrum or pick can be used to target the strings more accurately. But knowing how the hold the plectrum is important. The teacher may impart the following tips to help students with their fingerpicking techniques:
- Hold the plectrum between forefinger and thumb. Allow the tip to protrude a few millimetres from the ends of the fingertips. This will help retain pick control.
- Ensure the pick extends just enough so that it is able to strike the strings. Notes are liable to be missed otherwise.
- Hold the plectrum with minimum pressure required. Holding it too tightly could result in unnecessary muscle tension, which could result in loss of flexibility in the hand.
- Achieving a staccato sound can be achieved by rapid alternating downward and upward strokes. This technique can be used for fingerpicking and for obtaining a staccato sound.
To ensure that each student is practicing these tips correctly, the guitar teacher may monitor each student and offer support when necessary.
Guitar Technique for Beginners
The guitar student will benefit from learning how to fret the guitar correctly accompanied by proper strumming techniques. This will help avoid technical errors during a performance. Transition between chords can be made smoother by following advice from a guitar teacher and by observing demonstrations on fretting techniques. The teacher must provide differentiation for left handed students and for guitar students that require extra support.
Rachel Shirley - I have written and illustrated several art instruction books entitled Oil Paintings from your Garden and Oil Paintings from the Landscape ...
