Here is another Friday 10-second tip for you to enjoy…
It’s all about:
How to become a less self-conscious guitarist
When I was learning guitar, I hated it when other people in my house (or my neighbours) would hear me practise.
I’d practise with a volume that was as quiet as a mouse.
On a hot day, I’d shut the windows so no one in the street would hear me.
Well, if you’re self-conscious like that, then you might like to try this weird tip.
It may just help you get over being self-conscious about others hearing you play.
What I recommend you do is strum your guitar at its maximum volume.
Take a chord or two, play a strumming pattern and…
Strum as loud as you possibly can!
I mean really loudly.
Why?
Well, when you strum this loudly, other people are far more likely to hear you play.
You may feel your heart race as you do this, and you may feel a little on edge.
…But once you have done this, playing at a normal volume can seem far more of a breeze and you might no longer care if people hear you practise.
I tried this myself many years ago and let me tell you, once I did, playing at a normal volume then felt fine.
It helped me to stop caring what others thought about my practice and this, in turn, allowed me to practise at a normal volume with more confidence.
That meant I’d pick and strum with proper technique and volume.
…Not a quiet, weak, feeble tone.
It’s not easy to do, and it may take a little courage, but it’s useful to do this occasionally.
Of course, if you’re playing electric, make sure your amp is not too loud, and no matter what guitar you are doing this with, only do it for a short period as you will want to protect your ears.
Anyway, I hope you give it a try and, for more help with the nitty-gritty of playing the guitar with proper technique and focus, you may want to check this out.
Fingerstyle 101 – a step-by-step guide to beautiful fingerpicking guitar playing
Have a great Friday
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. There’s an added benefit to this exercise. That is, when you play loud and then soft, you will start to hear the massive dynamic range the guitar has.
Many people never get close to using the full range – and loud/soft playing is a very powerful thing to do. It can make any piece sound much more interesting in an instant.
P.P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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