12 SIGNS YOU WILL FAIL AT CLASSICAL GUITAR - Common Classical Guitar Mistakes

[@SeanBeavers1]

If you enjoy this video, you may also enjoy this playlist: Left-Hand Technique for Classical Guitar: kzbin.info/aero/PLgiqS805Y_KBcIg_e-Xv79Kab5ZG5si5f

[@O3177O]

Great advice for a novice like me tx

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@O3177O I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@TheRealGravyDave]

This made me immediately pick up my guitar and practice. Thanks, Sean!

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad to hear it!

[@TheHesseJames]

No 13: Watching 13 YT Videos a day about playing guitar and thereby practicing less. Focus on one thing a day, learn one piece a week.

[@SeanBeavers1]

😂 Practice and focus are essential!

[@Falaxuper]

That's certainly an... optimistic title :D Cheers, great video, as always!

[@SeanBeavers1]

I know the title is a bit of a downer, but my hope is that I provide value in the video that will help players to improve and succeed.

[@robertmac7833]

I was never able to do that pinky rest thing, I tried it. Just couldn’t do it. Now Chet Atkins, btw, did it all the time and seemed to flourish with it. Now I know Chet wasn’t a “classical player,” but he did record two albums in the classical style, and also seemed to have little problems with Bach and Mozart and Teregga, and the list goes on and on. I think it has a lot to do with finger length. Chet had exceptionally long fingers, which I don’t. If your fingers have sufficient length, you can rest that pinky at will. If I had maybe 3/4 of an inch more on my pinky, I think it would rest nicely without me having to contort my hand position. Anyway, I do the best I can with what I have,

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for your comment. There are certainly players, with Chet Atkins being a prominent example, who have achieved great proficiency in fingerstyle playing with the pinky down. I think your point about finger length is a good one. For most fingerstyle / classical players, however, I think that not having the pinky down is a better choice.

[@robertmac7833]

@@SeanBeavers1 Agreed. I met Chet in person in 1989. I got to shake his hand. His fingers were loooooooooong and tapered. I was blown away. Those close to him, like Paul Yandell said he had developed his left hand strength to the point that his grip was like a gorilla. I think he intentionally set his action a little high for tone purposes.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@robertmac7833 I saw him concert once. I believe it was in 1997. He was an amazing player!

[@robertmac7833]

@@SeanBeavers1 I saw him in Elkhart Indiana in ‘89. Recorded it with my portable cassette player, lol. Still have that tape. I was blown away!! He was doing things on that fingerboard that I could only dream about! Decades later, thanks to the magic of transcriptions books and tab, I can actually nail a few. Emphasis on the word “FEW!” John Knowles is the finest transcriber in the world, IMHO. Did a slew of Chet’s tunes and Jerry Reeds, too,

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@robertmac7833 Nice! And I agree that John Knowles is a good arranger!

[@sixstringkingkb]

I always had trouble with rest strokes, specifically switching from free stroke to rest stroke. My free stroke technique is way more established and efficient, but rest strokes definitely sound better for melodic lines. This is actually something I continue to work on. I do have to say that with some effort, this issue has improved for me.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Ken, thanks for your comment. For a long time, my free stroke was more confident than my rest stroke, so I can relate. I’m glad this has improved for you. For me, one of things that helped me get more confident in switching from free stroke to rest stroke was defining that my large knuckle was one string further back for rest stroke than for free stroke. Then I would practice making the subtle but definite shift back and forth between free stroke and rest stroke.

[@sixstringkingkb]

@@SeanBeavers1 THAT IS A KILLER TIP! Thank you!

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@sixstringkingkb Absolutely!

[@TheHesseJames]

Was the same for me, I learnt the concept of the rest stroke when I started Flamenco and had difficulties. Just exercise daily 10-15 minutes and it won't be a problem after a couple of days. Same with strictly alternating fingers when playing fast melodies across strings. At first I thought I would never manage. Just give it a couple of days a couple of minutes per day. I wish it was the same with tremolo. I am practicing it for weeks and I'm still miles away to make it sound brilliant.

[@josephcambron7060]

One never needs to use rest stroke!!!!!!!

[@mcleanblades9234]

Failing isn't the same as loosing interest. And lets say - over the period of two years - the biggest mistake is not to build a repertoire of music you love and like to perform. Then after that the biggest mistake is not to make musicianship a high priority and instead to focus too much on shredder pieces. When this occurs two things happen. One: You lose interest and discover you like doing other stuff more than practicing. And two: when you look back at what you've accomplished and what you can perform for other people - you realize - that all you have are a few pieces and shredder exercises. Musicianship in this context is playing with a sound you really like - probably a beautiful sound - but sometimes a sound with lots of VOLUME and great rhythm is the goal. But if you don't like how you sound - you'll lose interest., Also musicianship means having a daily routine, short term goals and long term goals.

[@mcleanblades9234]

Some of the reasons for quitting guitar are similar to why one would quit working out. If you don't see results - or feel better so you know you're not wasting your time - and if your exercises aren't making you better ... then you quit.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I agree that it is important to build a repertoire of pieces you love and to produce a tone you love. And it is important to monitor your own motivation and seek to get small wins on a weekly or daily basis so that you stay motivated.

[@Poreckylife]

Absolutely perfectly clear explanation for this violinist who is going to share this video with my guitarist friend!! ❣️❣️

[@SeanBeavers1]

Great! I’m glad you found it a perfectly clear explanation!

[@dannistor7294]

...too basic, nothing really insightful...

[@Kentokkil]

Thanks a lot for the advices - so I better don't beginn learning classical guitar.

[@SeanBeavers1]

My intent is not to discourage anyone from starting. If you are aware of these mistakes, you can more easily fix them.

[@uffesommerlund6523]

I think you are missing some nail on the left hand/fingerboard hand no nails gives a better sound and no possible buzz sound

[@SeanBeavers1]

There are definitely other mistakes as well. I agree that keeping the nails short on the left hand is necessary.

[@ramonlcandido]

Tense 😬 shoulder

[@SeanBeavers1]

That is another common mistake!

[@onwardguitar]

Do you recommend a certain method book for a 45 year old beginner - grade 1? This curriculum will also be featured on my channel @onwardguitar.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I recommend the Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Volume 1. You can find it here: amzn.to/3HItwmH (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

[@onwardguitar]

I will check it out- thanks

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@onwardguitar Ok! Let me know if you have further questions!

[@guidofeliz8384]

I am thinking about buying a new classical guitar. Any suggestions? I am not a concert guitarist. I play for myself. I mostly play hymns. You say?

[@SeanBeavers1]

What price range are you thinking? I normally recommend Alhambra unless you are planning to pursue a luthier built instrument, which is quite expensive.

[@guidofeliz8384]

@@SeanBeavers1 : Price range? Say, no more than $600.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@guidofeliz8384 I suggest the Alhambra 10P or similar model.

[@guidofeliz8384]

@@SeanBeavers1 : I must make up my mind soon. My Lucero guitar sells for less than $200. I bought it in the Fall 2021. It is really a guitar for novice players not for intermediate players like myself.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@guidofeliz8384 Understood!

[@MethenySco]

Wrong about mistake 6 and the right hand in general. A bent wrist should in fact be your default position. Countless great players used this position for its superior tone and because it eliminates tension. Contrary to what you say, Segovia never used a straight wrist for treble strings. (???) Thibaut Garcia is a modern example of the bent wrist. Unfortunately guitar pedagogy insists on the straight wrist when there is plenty of detailed anatomical evidence as to why this creates tension.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for sharing your perspective. I suggest a simple test for which way creates less tension. Hold the wrist aligned (a word I prefer to the term straight) and make a fist. Then hold the wrist bent and make a fist. There will be more tension in the wrist when the wrist is bent. Now regarding guitarists using a bent wrist, I use the bent wrist when playing on the basses and advocate that others do the same. It is certainly true that Segovia used a bent wrist much of the time. If you watch videos of his playing, however, you will see that his wrist is much more aligned some of the time than others. His wrist is most bent when playing on the basses and less bent on the trebles. There are a number of modern players, including Thibaut Garcia, who use a bent wrist much of the time. But there are also many great players (John Williams, Manuel Barrueco, etc.) who use an aligned wrist much of the time. To say the wrist can never be bent would be absurd. That is not what I am saying, and that is not what I do. But to say that the wrist should always be bent and that way is less tense does not harmonize with the physiology of the hand and wrist. As someone who had severe tendonitis in the past, I am concerned about players who do not take the design of the hand and wrist into account in the way they play.

[@MethenySco]

@@SeanBeavers1 No doubt you have studied the question in detail and have your reasons. I will maintain that the bent wrist, because it's not supported and just hangs there, causes less tension. It also allows your knuckles to hang directly over each string. My playing got 10 times better when I switched to a bent wrist, and I became more relaxed in the my playing, I would like to know which Segovia video you're referring to where he plays with an aligned wrist on the trebles, because I've studied countless videos of his playing and I've never seen this. Also a key thing to keep in mind is which side of the nail you're using. Bent wrist allows playing off the right side of the nail. If you want detailed anatomical reasons as to why the bent wrist causes less tension, see Alice Artz's videos on the right hand and the Presti technique. She is my reference for the advantages of bent wrist playing. I believe you won't find a better explanation of the right hand anywhere.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@MethenySco Thanks for your response. I am glad that your way of playing works for you. My goal is to help people find a way of playing that works for them and does not cause injury. My concern is that many people who advocate for a bent wrist bend it so far that it can cause injury. If you are not doing that, great! Regarding Segovia, the following video shows Segovia playing with a wrist that appears close to aligned for much of the video: Leyenda by Albeniz in HD - Andres Segovia. By the way, I prefer the term aligned wrist rather than straight wrist because I believe the right-hand index finger should be aligned with the inside of the forearm. Looked at from some angles, this may not appear straight. My goal is not that the wrist appear straight but that the physiology of the hand function appropriately. I had not previously seen the four Alice Artzt videos you mentioned. I just watched all four of them. I think they are excellent! 90% of the information is exactly what I teach. Pressing the string down with right-hand fingers, string traveling up a ramp of nail, moving right-hand fingers from large knuckle, positioning left-hand fingers to better support the 3rd and 4th fingers. Great info! I play with the left side of the nail, but I have seen other players who use the right side of the nail. There is no physiological reason this cannot work well. Regarding the wrist, I did not notice Ms. Artzt ever say a single time that she would advocate a bent wrist. She is, of course, bending the wrist slightly when positioning her right hand. I personally don’t bend the wrist that much when playing on the trebles, but I don’t believe what Ms. Artzt is doing will cause physiological damage. This is a complicated topic that is better discussed with video demonstration. I will plan to discuss it further in my live stream on Monday at 1pm Eastern Time.

[@MethenySco]

@@SeanBeavers1 It's an interesting topic (and indeed complicated), with many different and arguably equally valid approaches. I'm glad you took the time to watch those videos; I found them very enlightening. Finding the right technique for classical guitar takes a lot of trial in error in my experience, and if you want to get good, I find you have to constantly question what you're doing and not assume because it feels okay that it's the best approach....(you may have seen the video where Bream talks about 'slaving over' his left hand at the mid-career point)....I'm self-taught ( after 30 years of other styles) so the process has perhaps taken longer than if I had had a teacher. Thanks for the discussion.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@MethenySco It is an interesting topic. Thanks for discussing it!

[@WWS322]

I like to practice in the morning for 20 minutes. In the afternoon I may take the guitar out again for an unrestricted amount of time. If I taught guitar I'd stress limiting yourself to just a few minutes a day and not to exceed it even if you want because the next day when you don't want to practice you might think about doing it for a long time. I also practice the mandolin 20 minutes a day. I don't think mandolin is easier than any kind of guitar style and I have experimented in many guitar styles.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for sharing your perspective and experiences. While I don’t recommend limiting guitar practice to only a few minutes a day, I do think that a shorter time with focus is often better than a longer time without focus.

[@bertaga41]

I can honestly say I have each of these issues sorted out. The tragic thing is it took 20+ years to do it.I found a teacher, after 5 others not good enough, who explained everything clearly and I have seen a great deal of improvement. After all this time and hard work 2 to 3 hours a day mostly, apart from the odd piece progress is still painfully slow on new material and I just don't think I sound musical.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I am glad you found a teacher and sorted these issues out. I’m sorry you still feel frustrated with your progress. I would encourage you to hang in there and celebrate small wins. Are you still working with a teacher?

[@bertaga41]

@@SeanBeavers1 Unfortunately not since Covid.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@bertaga41 That is unfortunate. Perhaps you could try lessons on Zoom at some point.

[@lawcch]

God music teachers are the key for guitarists to get the right from the start.

[@donald1vella]

Hey, what are you griping about that it took you 20 years?! It's taken me 40!! I am 66 and I am no pro, no big deal, but, hey I still enjoy practicing and trying to get a piece done fairly decently ..and if I don't manage - well it's not the end of the world! Just enjoy it :)

[@kevinh9262]

Really spot-on advice, and concisely and clearly delivered. Everyone should watch this, especially before you develop bad habits, but there are probably some more seasoned players out there who are also guilty of committing at least one of these mistakes.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you found it to be good advice, well-delivered. Thanks for watching!

[@darrylbrooks3361]

Only #2 and #8 for me, and it's #8 that's killing me. a constant battle

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for sharing your experience! With #8, if you can develop a new habit of playing lighter, it will make guitar playing a lot easier!

[@guidofeliz8384]

How is your family member coming along? Is the person feeling well?

[@SeanBeavers1]

Sadly, the family member passed away. Thanks for asking.

[@paulysguitarjournal]

Yea!!! I’ve fixed all of these in my playing. I should be a master at guitar… in about 100 years! 🤪

[@SeanBeavers1]

Good for you! There is always more to learn, but enjoy the journey! Keep making music!

[@georgegamentzy1816]

About the bent wrist, I see a lot of classical guitar players with that position. Check out Francesco Buzzurro. Is it wrong to teach it that way, I don't know, I use straight position and sometimes bent just as you put it.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I understand that a lot of players use a bent right wrist. I use it myself when playing with i and m on the basses. But for a default position with i and m on the trebles, I believe an aligned right wrist is healthier for the tendons and joints and reduces the risk of tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Francesco Buzzurro plays very nicely. But I think that he and other players who use an extreme bent wrist are fortunate if they have not experienced tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. I have seen a number of players for whom this wrist position has caused repetitive strain injury.

[@rproctor83]

Like all things, it is a journey. A world into of itself, something you can be lost in forever.

[@SeanBeavers1]

It is a journey! A lifetime of learning.

[@karenkirwan1280]

I sure would love to hear you play "Going to California" by Led Zepplin

[@SeanBeavers1]

I keep a list of viewer requests. I will add it to the list! Thanks!

[@karenkirwan1280]

@@SeanBeavers1 I've heard a few renditions of SOS d'un terrien en detresse on Classical Guitar and it is very beautiful. Have you heard of this song?

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@karenkirwan1280 I had never heard that piece before your comment but just listened to a classical guitar version. Very soothing.

[@karenkirwan1280]

@@SeanBeavers1 the SOS song is very soothing instrumentally yet it is about a human in distress who thinks the universe would be so beautiful from above and has the feeling of being drawn into another place. It's a special song.

[@karenkirwan1280]

@@SeanBeavers1 I'm curious, what source did you use for the classic guitar version of SOS?

[@robertclark6992]

I am going to be watching this video every day in the morning for a while. At least till I break a few bad happens. thanks a lot. Great basic advice.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you find it helpful to watch repeatedly!

[@jasoncdebussy]

Just because you make a mistake or two doesn't mean that you fail! What a terrible thing to say 😡

[@SeanBeavers1]

Actually, I agree with you! The intent of this video is to help people improve guitar playing, not to discourage anyone.

[@johnlay3040]

I would like to add what I consider very important. Don't cross the right-hand fingers. That's the first rule to follow when you are arranging the right-hand fingering for a piece.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for your comment. To make sure I understand, are you talking about avoiding uncomfortable crossings from one string to another with right-hand fingers?

[@johnlay3040]

@@SeanBeavers1 Yes, that's correct.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@johnlay3040 That is an important topic!

[@paulmadryga]

Thanks for this - A good synopsis of things that can potentially derail your progress on the instrument. Mistake #10 might be a bone of contention for some: a significant number of teachers (and some very high-calibre performers) follow the Carlevaro doctrine of totally shunning rest stroke. I don't count myself in their number - I think technical control of both rest and free stroke is important - but, hey; to each his own, I reckon.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for your comment! I understand there are different opinions on this. I shunned rest stroke for a number of years myself. But I have come to believe that it adds a dimension that free stroke can’t fully replicate.

[@paulmadryga]

@@SeanBeavers1 - Agreed.

[@MarcosDana]

I do all the first 11 mistakes but I,m aware of them and working on fixing it

[@SeanBeavers1]

That is the most important thing! Be aware of them and work on them. If you focus on correcting one for several days until it is better and then rotate focus to another, that is often most effective.

[@zsand]

Fuuuuu--

[@daniel_roest]

Well done and in under 7 minutes - excellent!

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks!

[@TheSoundofTanay]

These are quite helpful. Thank you! What are your thoughts about people wanting to learn classical music but can’t read sheet music?

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you found the video helpful! While it is possible to learn pieces of classical music by ear or through tablature, I would encourage anyone who wants learn classical music to learn to read sheet music. This can be accomplished using a method book like the Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Vol. 1.

[@TheSoundofTanay]

@@SeanBeavers1 Thank you for your input. Will surely check it out.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@TheSoundofTanay I’m glad to help!

[@altafaaron5706]

Glad to find this video. I just realized that I don't alternate my right fingers while playing a piece even though I practiced it alternating. Thanks for the advices!

[@SeanBeavers1]

I am glad you found this video helpful!

[@josephcambron7060]

You absolutely do Not need to continuously alternate fingers!!!!!!! Each finger sounds different and causes an inconsistency i in sequential notes. Alternate only for fast scales.

[@lestrum]

Very good. Pulls no punches and does not sugar coat. I am a hand drummer who decided to pick this up again after many years due to the pandemic. I wholeheartedly agree with number one( though not my biggest problem, as if anything, I might practice too long for my level) I watched a Dumbek DVD and the instructor stated" if you do not practice, you will always be a beginner". For me guitar is never easy. Smooth and fast chord changes,pressing down too hard, and the rest stroke is most difficult.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the video. Keep making music!

[@lestrum]

@@SeanBeavers1 as long as I stay healthy and alive, I intend to. Keep up your inspirational work.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@lestrum Great, thanks for your feedback!

[@elang_biduk385]

Will u react to Alip Ba_Ta an acoustic guitar fingerstye to tell us what he did ...

[@SeanBeavers1]

I will put this on my list of possible topics.

[@elang_biduk385]

Nice idea.. hope ur channel increase soon

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@elang_biduk385 Thanks!

[@colink4823]

Great video. I've been guilty of most of the faults, especially i m alternation and left hand pressure. For some reason my i m from low to high strings is fine. It's on the way down I trip up, so to speak

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you liked the video! I have certainly been guilty of many of these in my early years of playing classical. The key thing is to become aware of them and seek to correct them. Regarding i,m alternation going from high to low strings, I find there can be a tendency to want to start the next string with the finger you used to finish on the previous string. That is because the finger is already moving in that direction. Some players incorporate this as an intentional technique, while others seek to develop consistency in alternation. My stance is that you should work to be able to do consistent alternation, so that if you decide in a particular passage to allow the finger to repeat on the next lower string, it is an intentional choice rather than an accident.

[@colink4823]

@@SeanBeavers1 thank you for your reply. I got serious about guitar at the begining of the pandemic in the UK. I'd faffed around for years on guitar, but taking up classical guitar has been wonderful for it's therapeutic effect, not to mention the feeling of accomplishment.

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@colink4823 I’m glad you have found classical guitar to be therapeutic. It is for me as well.

[@namealreadytakennamealread493]

Thanks for your video, really helped

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad it helped!

[@steveb9325]

Thankfully (really goes to my teacher..) I'm good 2 through 12. I need to put way more practice time in! Need to work on my repitore my scales .tone, fingernails etc. 30 minutes is not nearly enough for where I want to be; though 30 minutes of serious concentrated, focused on a phrase or even one or two measures is more productive than playing something you already know! Thank you Sean!

[@SeanBeavers1]

Good for you! Hopefully you can increase that practice time as you suggest.

[@steveb9325]

@@SeanBeavers1 well the 2-12 is a constant continual work in progress as we all know it's easy as time goes by to get sloppy in technique so it's a constant daily check yourself...playing and practicing in front of mirror helps. Yes "time" practicing🙏

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@steveb9325 I remember hearing an interview with Manuel Barrueco where he was asked what he was working on in his guitar playing. He said, “Not developing bad habits.” It was a good reminder to me that even great players still need to guard against letting bad habits creep in.

[@steveb9325]

@@SeanBeavers1 yes sir! David Russell starts with basic technique every single morning in warmups. So much respect for Manuel, David and these titans in the Classical guitar world...the daily discipline... Thanks again Sean !!! Appreciate your channel and you. Take care

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@steveb9325 The daily discipline is admirable! I’m glad you appreciate my channel! Thanks for being part of the conversation!

[@karenkirwan1280]

I'd like to get a guitar support.

[@SeanBeavers1]

They can be quite helpful!

[@allisondoak3021]

plenty of good advise here

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you found it to be good advice!

[@YelenaIzKislovodska]

Awesome, i'm clean, looks like ❤ on my ninth month and have already overcome all of them through never making mistake no. 1 , practiced a lot and after many trials found a great teacher to help me fix my problems with the right hand😊

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you are off to a great start after nine months! Having a great teacher really makes a difference!

[@__-eq9yk]

nice basic bro very usefull

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you found it useful!

[@sammcconkey8768]

Good video. I enjoyed that!

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@guitarhans]

Good grief, so glad I avoided these so obvious-to-avoid 12 issues from the very start.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you avoided these issues.

[@lawrence1960]

This is good lesson.

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you liked it!

[@Karol-ds1qs]

Thank you

[@SeanBeavers1]

Absolutely! I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@루나숲]

Thanks for the lessons

[@SeanBeavers1]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching!

[@---Jaime-MEXICO-1962]

Great !!

[@SeanBeavers1]

I am glad you liked it!

[@viarnay]

13 sign. Try to play Scarlatti

[@SeanBeavers1]

🤣Scarlatti's music is beautiful but does not always fit well on guitar.

[@angelinasimte]

Hey man, that's really gonna help me progress... thanks a ton! wanted to know if the guitar you're holdin' is a full sized guitar or is it a 3/4?? thanks 'gain

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you found it helpful! The guitar I am holding is a full-size classical guitar.

[@bmoraga01]

Thank you for the great guitar lesson! There are a couple of things I had been doing wrong for years, but no more!

[@SeanBeavers1]

I’m glad you found this helpful!

[@bmoraga01]

@@SeanBeavers1 It was so helpful that I subscribed to your channel. Thanks again and G*d bless ya!

[@SeanBeavers1]

@@bmoraga01 Welcome to the channel!

[@josephcambron7060]

Wrong!!! You do not have to always alternate fingers and you never need to use rest stroke.

[@SeanBeavers1]

Nothing in music is required. But alternating fingers enables increased speed. And using rest stroke provides another tool for improved tone and volume.