Acoustic Guitar Lesson – Left Hand Dexterity

One of the most important secrets to learning guitar is proper hand technique. Using the proper hand techniques helps you to build the foundation for anything you plan to do with your guitar.

This article focuses on the left hand because it is the most important as your fretting hand (if you fret with your right hand instead, this lesson applies to you too… simply replace the left–handed exercises with right–handed exercises). Since the strings on an acoustic guitar rest higher and require more strength to push down compared to other kinds of guitars, this is a perfect acoustic guitar lesson.

To begin, you need to know the proper way to hold your guitar? There are two different basic methods to holding a guitar:

1.Classical Style (thumb, middle of fretboard)
2.Baseball–bat Style (Thumb hanging over the neck, for maximum grip)

The Classical Style is, of course, the proper way to hold a guitar; also, sitting up straight in a chair is the accepted way to sit. But seriously, who wants to sit up straight to play guitar, not to mention playing guitar with your hands in the proper position? Using the Classical Style may not appeal to those of you who are more concerned with self-image than actual talent, but it does provide the player with versatility and speed.

An example that helps you understand the differences between these two styles is to hold your fingers stretched out on the fretboard as far as you can. Make sure to place your thumb in the middle of the back of the fret board. Notice how many frets you are able to reach with your thumb in this position. Now, slide your thumb up until your thumb moves over the neck (Baseball–bat Style). See how your fingers contract and you are limited to 3 or 4 frets now versus 6 or 7 with Classical Style? Reaching more frets is the only reason you need to play with Classical Style all the time!

On the other hand, the Baseball–bat grip does provide its perks. During bends or vibrato parts in a song, it provides maximum control of the fretboard. Also, you can use your thumb to press down notes on the 5th and 6th string. Still, the Classical Style provides more versatility.

Now that you have decided how best to grip your guitar, we return to your left hand dexterity. For this acoustic guitar lesson, you will need the basic guitar tools:

•A guitar
•A pick
•Left hand (or right hand if you use a left–handed guitar)
•Patience

First, place your left hand in the classical position, and then place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 1st string (high E). Pluck the string. Then, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret, and play this string. It is your choice if you want to keep your index finger on the fretboard, but experienced players note that it makes for quicker playing. Next, take your ring finger, place it on the 3rd fret and play that string. Finally, use your pinky finger to push down the 4th fret and pluck the string. Your pinky finger is by far the weakest finger when playing guitar, but after practice, the strength of that little finger will increase exponentially.

Practice this lesson forwards and backwards (begin with your pinky on the 4th fret and work your way towards the 1st fret) on each string until you are melting the strings with your wicked quickness. Well, you may not quite be quick enough to melt the strings, but at least fast enough to feel comfortable with the playing. After perfecting this exercise, move on to learning some scales; they will continue to help your fingers learn where they belong on the guitar, and will add to your finger dexterity.