Relax And Improve Your Guitar Playing

So you've decided that you need to improve your guitar playing. You've learnt some chords, perhaps a couple of scales, but you've come to a dead end.

What follows is the biggest problem I have found that beginners to the guitar face. If you follow the instructions I can guarantee that your progress will really accelerate, and your playing will become more fluid and enjoyable.

I have been playing and teaching guitar for over 30 years and I can say that the biggest reason that most people don't reach their full potential on guitar is tension. Not just in the hands and fingers, but all over the body.

So RELAX.

Sounds easy doesn't it.

The trouble is if you are not used to making a conscious effort to relax in other areas of your life, then relaxing whilst playing guitar isn't going to occur naturally.

So the first step in this process is that you learn to relax without the guitar.

Find yourself a quite spot where you won't be disturbed. You'll need about 15 to 20 minutes of peace and tranquillity to begin with, but once you become aware of the difference between tension and relaxation, you will be able to do it in any situation.

Lie down, close your eyes and just breathe deeply. Concentrate on your breath. Try not to think about anything else.

I know this is very easy for me to write but very, very difficult for us to achieve. Allsorts of insignificant rubbish will pop into your mind, but just try and let it go. All that matters at the moment is your breathing. Be aware of your chest rising and falling as you breathe. Don't get frustrated, if your mind seems to wander a lot, this is usual.

Now form a fist with your right hand, and squeeze as tightly as you can. Don't hurt yourself, any pain just stop.

Hold the tension for 10 seconds and then relax. Notice the difference. Really experience the difference between the tension and relaxation of the release.

Feels nice doesn't it?

Now do the same with your other hand. Try doing it with your feet. Really pull your toes back towards your heel. Whenever I try this, I get a cramp on the first couple of attempts!

Don't worry about anything if you can help it. Nothing matters for the time being only tension, and relaxation.

Forget about any distracting thoughts. They don't matter.

Just keep going through this sequence of tension and relaxation with different parts of the body.

Don't forget your face. This may sound silly, but we all store lots of tension in our faces. The brow, cheeks, and mouth can all become tense.

Now that you feel you have an awareness of the difference between relaxation and tension, it is time to move on to similar exercises whilst playing the guitar.

I am sure you will be surprised by how much this one area of understanding can quickly improve your guitar playing.