The Fretting Hand Is your left hand if you are right-handed. The Fretting Hand is the “hand that touches the fretboard or fingerboard”. The Fingers of the fretting hand are numbered as Index finger 1, Middle finger 2, Ring finger 3 and the Little finger 4.
Pitch – The highness or lowness of a sound or note.
A Musical Note – A musical note is a pitch that can be played on a musical instrument.
Beat – A unit of measurement of rhythmic pulse of music. The beat is counted. For example: “1 2 3 4”, “One Two Three Four”.
Tempo – the speed and time of the beat, the speed and time of music.
String Numbers (String Numeration) – The Guitar strings are numbered 1 to 6. String #6 is the thickest and lowest pitch and String #1 is the thinnest string.
The Fret – The metal bar that is raised above the fingerboard.
Fret Numbers – Each fret is numbered, the first fret is called Fret 1, and the second fret is called Fret 2, etc. Fret 1 is the fret next to the nut. When a string is played with no finger on any of its frets, we call this played “Open” or “Open String”.
When playing a single note on the guitar, bend both finger-joints, curving your finger inward so your finger-tips are touching the guitar string. This may seem uncomfortable at first but after a week or two of practice it will begin to feel completely natural. To apply pressure on the string, place your thumb as directly behind the finger as possible. Keep your thumbprint on the back of the guitar neck. Your thumb should be pointing upwards. Keep your wrist loose and comfortable by sitting up straight and holding the guitar properly. Avoid bad habits and improper techniques that cause tension on your wrist like slouching over your guitar to see where to put your fingers.
The Guitar Pick
also known as the plectrum, is a tool used by guitarists for strumming and picking the guitar stings. Hold the pick between the thumb and the index finger with the pointed end facing the strings. Curl the index finger inward so the pick rests on the first knuckle of the index finger underneath the thumb. The other three fingers should be curled inward comfortably. Picks come in many sizes and shapes.
For Beginner guitar students, it is recommended to use a Medium (.70 thickness) pick. There are several different materials used to manufacture guitar picks. Acoustic Guitar players usually prefer lighter or thinner picks, while Electric Guitar players usually prefer heavier (thicker) picks. I recommend starting with a medium standard guitar pick. After you have been playing for about a year, begin experimenting with other kinds of guitar pick shapes and thickness. I do not recommend experimenting with different sizes and types of picks while learning beginning guitar.
Everyone’s hands and fingers are different, therefore many guitarists hold their picks differently. While trying to perfect your pick holding technique, never forget to always play comfortably. Your wrist should never be bent inward or outward. Your wrist should be straight and relaxed so you can move it quickly and freely. Always avoid tension If you feel any discomfort while practicing, make adjustments.
Picking and Strumming
Strumming is playing two or more strings at the same time with your pick. Picking is striking only one string at a time with your pick.
How to Strum Your Guitar
Your wrist should be even, loose, relaxed and comfortable. The guitar pick is pointed directly at the guitar. If you are playing an acoustic guitar, the pick will point towards the sound-hole. For electric guitars, the pick will point in- between the pick-ups. Hold the pick firmly in between your thumb when picking and strumming. Your arm should be rested on your guitar where it is comfortable to move your elbow slightly. Most of your strumming will be up and down using your wrist, with your arm following through the strums. Strumming consists of Downward and Upward strums (also called Down Strokes and Up Strokes).
Sit up straight and maintain good posture. Pick a comfortable chair with no arms or a round stool. Your leg should be high enough to support the body of the guitar and keep it in balance. Keep the guitar balanced and rest it against your chest. Avoid tilting the guitar up towards your face to look at what your fingers are doing. keep it facing forward. An old phone-book works great for raising your leg if needed.
