Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1…
“Hi Dan,
I’ve decided to give the classical position another try. The casual position has been giving me some physical problems, namely my back hurting and my left wrist hurting from not being straight. Plus, I continue to struggle with making a scratchy sound on the G string when fingerpicking.”
Peter
Glad to hear it.
There are three good reasons in Peter’s email to try the classical position.
- Less back pain
- Reduced pressure on the wrist
- Better fingerpicking tone
I’m not saying everyone should try it, but here it is obvious Peter will benefit from it.
The key thing for anyone transitioning from a casual posture to the classical position is to be patient.
If it’s a struggle, you can transition steadily to the classical position, slowly adjusting the guitar.
It takes practice and patience and a fair bit of tweaking to get it just right, but it’s often worth it.
It’s a mad image, but the adjustments must be like trying to moonwalk in a pair of slippers one day and then a pair of stilettoes the next!
Another thing you can do though is to just go for it…
For five minutes a day, try the full-on classical position and practise it while playing something simple.
I.e., play a simple fingerpicking pattern over and over on one or two chords. This will give you something simple to try and is an indicator as to how you are adjusting to the new position over time.
Keep at it!
Anyway, onto Email #2
“I am considering subscribing to Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy, but have a question.
Do you teach how to read music and the notes on the guitar and is it necessary? I started with an instructor some years ago learning from a classical guitar book (The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Vol. 1).
I never practiced enough and quit after a couple of years. I have always wanted to learn fingerpicking and strumming methods.
I like the idea of learning to read music, but it seems pretty overwhelming. Btw-I am 66 and live in the US”
Jane
No.
There is no need to read notes in the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy.
If you can’t read TAB, it’s worth learning, but as 99% of the lessons are taught in video, it certainly ain’t necessary.
Therefore, if you have ever bought books, or looked at a TAB music site and found them tricky to make heads or tails of, this programme will help.
It works on multiple levels, giving beginners what they need, but also there are deeper lessons on the fretboard later on when you are ready for them.
Not only that, but there are also structured plans, my best course (the “In Focus” course which will take you from beginner to intermediate), and more…
You can take a look here…
The Dan Thorpe Acoustic Acadey
Enjoy your Wednesday and if you want your question featured in a future email, feel free to hit reply.
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
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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