Here are two more interesting emails I have received lately. I hope you find them useful.
Email #1
Hola Dan. Hope you and your family are well. I have an odd question.
Most of my guitars are classical and I play nylon and fingerstyle almost exclusively (which you’ve helped me with quite a lot).
Consequently, it seems that when I sound the G string, I notice an aggravating raspy sound because I’m hitting the G string diagonally vs at a 90-degree angle
I would characterise my level as intermediate… maybe a bit more. I hesitate to start all over and focus on correcting that one finger stroke, as it seems a major setback.
Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Robert
The problem stems from the fact that on an acoustic, the G string is usually wound (meaning it has an outer layer on it).
This makes it easier to get the raspy sound that Robert is referring to.
My advice?
Your index finger has to be spot on when plucking this string. Sitting in the “Classical with a strap” position helps you pluck at more of a 90-degree angle rather than it sliding and scratching down the string.
Shaping the nail of your index precisely is important too (if you pluck with the nail that is).
Doing some focused work plucking with this finger over and over and perfecting your technique is critical though.
I could talk about changing string brands, types, etc. but good technique is key.
It might seem tough but with some real focus, you can make great strides to fixing this in a few weeks once and for all.
Okay, onto Email #2…
Hi Dan,
Wow! Your bar chord course looks great. I just wish I had time to do everything. I’ve just started on your fingerpicking one and am still on “Amazing Grace” as I want to play it well! I know, I know, I have a long way to go with it all.
I have so little time it’s going real slow, but I am making great improvements with your course, even with 10 minutes a day (literally!).
Maybe I should just concentrate on the picking one first before I start with other stuff, otherwise I’ll never do anything well.
But it’s on my wish list! I’m just greedy for the lot.
Take care
Christina
I think Christina may have wanted me to tell her to get it.
The truth is though, I am much more interested in her long-term progress.
At this point, it is clear that getting the barre chords course isn’t going to be the best thing for her.
Why?
Well, it requires more than 10 minutes here and there to use.
At least at first until you get the ball rolling.
For now, Christina needs to keep enjoying her playing, and get the bug for guitar playing so that she is even hungrier to play more every day…
So that 10 minutes becomes 20 or 30 or more.
If you struggle with a lack of time, I urge you to do the same.
Play music that makes you truly love the instrument, so that you cannot be without your guitar.
Then you will find your playing improves and you reach the point of needing a course such as this sooner.
If you are already at this point though, feel free to check out the course.
It is not for those super short on time, but if you truly want to master barre chords, it is the place to look.
The Ultimate Guide to Barre Chords
I hope you enjoyed those emails and responses. Have a great day!
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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