Play FASTER and DESTROY TENSION! Here's How!!!

[@BenEller]

ALL Patreon supporters get practice tracks, tabs, and guitar pro files, plus access to hundreds of exclusive posts! Get into it! www.patreon.com/posts/116084485?

[@FGC_Archer]

after doing a bunch of 4 hour cover gigs this weekend, I was like "man, I really wish I could figure out how to reduce my tension and build my speed up". and thus sayith the lort, Ben has thine answers

[@sambroxguitar]

Lort in Danish means shit 😂

[@JaMeshuggah]

Same but I was turning tricks all weekend

[@ColtonBeasleyMusic]

Sameee

[@NickScott86]

Breathing is HUGE! As a super anxious person, once I figured out I should focus on breathing and relaxing first, my technique and consistency got way better. It's great advice that applies to any instrument.

[@BenEller]

Hell yes! Ever try any Wim Hof stuff?

[@scroogemcj7851]

​@BenEller haha I love wim. That kat is crazy Great content sir. Sub earned 🎉

[@RoofsHobbyGuitar]

Extremely helpful for me! I know starting so late (46), and 49 now, and a lifetime of joint and nerves getting beat up from work, I'll never be a speed demon, but any bit of help is great!!

[@BenEller]

I know you can do it because I can do it!!! Get into it!

[@alexmoskvichev1203]

Never too late, man

[@Music-tx5jl]

I spent the first 10 years trying to play stuff like Lamb of God and Megadeth fast tremelo picking stuff having no guidence or aqareness if muscle tension. As a result, I believe that I have permanently damaged the (ulnar?) Nerve in my pocking arms inner elbow. I have to wear a sweater or long sleeves 24/7 (even in summer) because its like a placebo that allows me to ignore and cope with the cinstant discomfort. Im like 20 years in now and still cant figure it out. Its like the tension is held in muscles i have no concious control over... Im 35 now and feel like the smart thing to do i quit entirely and save the health of my arm... but theres no way im doing that. I will sacrifice my arm in the pursuit shred.

[@ravikant840]

In case you didn't know. He's also secretly teaching you scale shapes up and down the fretboard with almost every lesson.

[@BenEller]

Shhhhh don’t tell!

[@Tybren]

I knew something slimy was taking place.

[@georgenowik7421]

HAX!

[@kamranahmad4592]

1st six notes of each of the modes going from Aeolian to Mixolydian?

[@RiffKing719]

What kind of RG is this? I remember it from the Unearth video

[@76sjrocker]

Thanks Uncle Ben, I needed this! In all my years of playing, I was never quite as fast as I wanted to be.

[@jaredt3985]

Great video. Being in to my 40’s now, tension is the ultimate enemy. I cant brute force anything like the young folk can, for long anyways. My problem is when practicing I have my tension in check, but when I’m recording… well not so much 😂

[@mrcurtis73]

The timing on this video is pretty funny. I went to Guitar Center and signed up for a free trial lesson.. basically just to kill time.. I asked them to help me improve my speed. The lesson went okay for what it was, but then I come on here and see this video on speed. lol cool stuff.

[@Krullmatic]

Gee, Uncle Ben! Your guitar collection is swell! Thanks for another nifty lesson, Uncle Ben!

[@chucksaeger7500]

You have the best stuff! I’m no shredi knight but I’m not a stick in the mud either cause I try your instructions. Thanks dude!

[@thehunter7422]

I gotta find some time to practice this now, been wanting to learn how to play fast properly without getting so hand tired so easily. Thank uuu Uncle Ben 🙏 ❤️ you're always our true Guitar Hero 🤘🤘

[@michaelseidl1562]

I teach near simmilar things but i always love your way and your focus. i will never stop listen to your focus tips

[@BenEller]

I appreciate that!

[@doublepanthers3088]

My fingers are sore simply watching this lesson. You have the best finger exercises, Ben. Thank you.

[@64siskat96]

bro you are sore after playing this you missed the entire point of the video😂😂

[@doublepanthers3088]

@64siskat96 Very true, but I know this is going to kill my fingertips as I haven't practiced in a while.

[@64siskat96]

@ fair enough. There are some stretches in there too

[@smith981]

You had this exercise in a hand-synchronization video a couple years ago, and it helped me immensely! I could never play Ozzy's "Shot in the Dark" without having learned to practice that routine first.

[@TSkateT666]

I stopped playing because I was playing deathcore (gallops, palm muting) with so much tension it really fucked up my wrist. Got back to it and really focused on relaxing, but every time I try to speed up I tense up again. I'll try this, thanks alot for everything you do for us for fucking FREE Ben!

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

That guitar is a lovely blue colour. Reminds me of Fender Lake Placid blue.

[@hilbertshotel]

Thanks, Uncle Ben! This is exactly what I needed.

[@BenEller]

Glad to help!

[@MikaelLV]

I love this exercise. Also that guitar sounds absolutely killer. I've been considering getting the fishman fluence pickups lately and this convinced me.

[@metalheadpunk]

Thank you, Uncle Ben! My tension is gonna be runnin’ scared, I just know it!

[@ramseyomery]

this lesson was golden for the 'downstrokes only" alone. also the Andrew wk was a fun instagram easter egg from following your instagram stories

[@BenEller]

Eyyyyyy USA needs AWK!

[@jakemixd]

That’s a beautiful guitar. And thanks for the lesson sir. 🙏

[@RJS0507]

Uncle ben for life! Thank you sir

[@_____8106]

Great video man

[@andyspendlove1019]

I’m so glad someone has been hearing all my telepathic messages about my pets catching on fire 😭🥲

[@dunehaggar7495]

Great now i randomly have a mr bungle song in my head but i have mixed two of the songs together 🔥 🐕

[@andyspendlove1019]

@@dunehaggar7495 ITS NOT FUNNY MY PETS ARE ON FIRE

[@redbloodedamerican2346]

Yeah, baby! Fishman fluence are the best! I've got a Schecter solo ii with them. Wouldn't trade that guitar for anything.

[@wackojacko3962]

You be The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Ben. Thanks for splainin! Especially like your speed @ 8:08 and pick scrap too finish it off. 🤘

[@deltalegendsguitaramplific5450]

Thanks Uncle Ben !!

[@BenEller]

My pleasure!

[@randallhaney7909]

Thanks Uncle Benny Bob. For always keeping fun and challenging .. Cool tuff & pretty intense for a tension destroyer. LOL Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control; I am relegated to spectatorship as of late. But if I ever climb out of this hole? I will for sure give this lesson a go.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Excellence, Uncle Ben! Subdivisions are so cool. A great way to prick up listeners ears…in the basement bars. You’re the first to mention breathing, Ben. I don’t know if you recall my mention - doesn’t matter - I am picking up the guitar after not touching it since…realistically, 1987. It’s really strange! I have retained my legato but I pick pretty slowly. I had 2 years of lessons then foolishly ended them as I could play most Metal songs by ear. I never really knew what I was doing but people marveled at my speed, which was bs. Anyway, now, I want to be a MUSICIAN, a badge I never dared wear in the 80’s. I knew I was prettty hack for lack of real musical knowledge. This is a great lesson! I will fire up the metronome (which I really do love) and attempt this. One strength I did have was using all 4-8 fingers, so that part will be easy. I don’t know how fast I’ll get. I have saved many of your lessons over the years, for just in case, so I can find them.

[@Billywagner22]

They’re setting the pets on fire, they’re setting the pets on fire 🔥 🔥🔥🔥

[@silvertear87]

You've been blessing these fingers lately, sir. Also, Creepshow shirt is👌👌

[@BenEller]

You know it!

[@andrewbecker3700]

One thing I've noticed works for me. Is depending on which direction I'm moving. From low E string to high E string, or vise versa. Picking in the same direction I'm moving first, makes it way easier. It makes the transition to the next string faster, because your not pulling the pick up over the next string as deliberately. It just flows. Peace!

[@mestengo22]

These are cool Uncle Ben I don't want to remain a cheddar shredder

[@Syphus_SGL]

At first i asked myself - why is Ben doing this again. . . But your explanation of relaxing and taking notice of tense quirks - that seemed very valuable. I don't recall if you did that the first time . . . Good lesson! Thanks

[@BenEller]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sheriewart8100]

My stepmom agrees, you are the best at speed bursts

[@paulyoung4781]

I bet she does 😂😂 only kidding 😂

[@Hegder]

Can’t wait to try this. Thanks Uncle Ben! (Also: do you often warm up with some Andrew WK? Have you even done a WK riffs video?)

[@BenEller]

USA needs AWK! I am OBSESSED with I Get Wet. I’m thinking about doing a video on it.

[@Hegder]

@ do it!

[@GnRmike]

Gracias Uncle Ben! I definitely need to get more better at reducing tension when I play fast. \../

[@cardonasaltandlight1418]

Excellent thumbnail!😁

[@HasserWeissfang]

My stiff shoulder is thanking you for showing us that we can relax while playing. Thanks, Uncle! Quick weird question: In your years as a teacher, have you ever encountered of a player who turns the volume know down by mistake? I don't know how I end up lowering the volume all the time.

[@chrissguitarshow206]

Hey man, love this lesson

[@shameekd9192]

It is easy to play fast when you follow a pattern. The challenge is when you change pattern, like alternate picking followed by sweeps

[@scottmerring1592]

I want that shirt, Bendelia...

[@Pilot7826]

Your fingering skills are epic.

[@TheAlexCruz]

That's what your mom said!! 😁(disclaimer: I'm really sorry...I couldn't resist taking that joke..pls forgive me)

[@johnscott2076]

As long as you never finger A diminished minor

[@TheAlexCruz]

@@johnscott2076 LOL!! Touche! 🤣

[@TSkateT666]

Also the 9:25 "in your pets" really made me laugh out loud

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

I've been doing gallops, down-up-down-rest, and reverse, up-down-up-rest, for my right hand, and it's helped, some. Maybe it's true and important that I need to give exercises like these a few weeks, at least.

[@23dvs]

My cat spontaneously combusted by me just watching this….thanks for the huge vet bill Ben 😅

[@BenEller]

Hahahaha

[@Robbie28]

I always love your videos and sense of humor. Then I thought real hard (yes i happened to be on the throne at the time) and I realized to my horror that I AM A STEPDAD lmao. Can i still laugh or am i supposed to be offended now? haha again, great video

[@BenEller]

Hahahaha thanks dude!

[@Mudder1310]

I too want to become more better at it.

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

If your life *is* Pop Tarts and the gas station, hit the Like. This lesson has sooo much excellent advice, people. Really. If you don’t rewatch this a couple of times, maybe what your mom said about you is true and you should live in shame moving forward.

[@jacobmarez3559]

This happens to me quite often. I always have to check myself to make sure my entire body is relaxed, or it will 100% screw up my playing 😂

[@humann0x]

Great timing! I just searched for methods to release tension when playing fast. Sidenote: you should mention your patreon maybe at least once in your video. Or did I miss it?

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Uncle Ben, will you please consider the Tribute Randy Rhoads’ spotlight solo? It really does contain many fun techniques as well as being very energizing.

[@TimFordOfficial]

i always wonder about everyone's pick angle you do it fwd i angle it the opposite way and i find greater dexterity and crispier plongs....id that makes sense no i will not do it the " right way" lol

[@Javier-qk7ms]

Eyebrow of doom is back

[@anthonylove821]

Thanks for the lesson. This helps big time. Not to get off the subject I have eye for detail also. What is that art work behind you a deer skull? Just curious.

[@johnnybaynes4861]

Great lesson! How long would you recommend doing this exercise for?

[@ZombieCoGaming]

Thanks Ben, and my names not Virginia... Surely...

[@burnsZY85]

What string gauge do you use?

[@BenEller]

9-42!

[@dirktucker77]

I've developed a real tension problem in my picking hand shoulder. I tense the whole shoulder muscle up so much when palm muting chugs for some reason. I work on a computer and it's effecting my mouse hand as well. I'm probly making too much tension in both those actions combined.

[@binkywarren21]

Hard downstrokes keep your pants from catching on fire. If you can't memorize that rule, just remember that most of your downstrokes happen when you're not even wearing pants.

[@AlonStark]

Dude!!!!!!! Where is the other half of your Star of David necklace?????

[@ThugLifeMarcus]

the fastliest guitarers in the world don't even touch the strings, tone is in the mind

[@BenEller]

TONE IS A MYTH

[@nabilsalha1941]

3:25 I see what u did there :)

[@lockdudebro]

What's up uncle ben

[@iyusf875]

good thing lucky's got 9 lives

[@warrenwalker2665]

Praise the CREATOR which is eternal, not the creation which will turn to dust...Tick Tock!!! ACTS 2: 38, II CHRONICLES 7: 14, DEUT 29: 27-29...Tick Tock!

[@DojCity]

Uncle Ben woulda knocked out Jake Paul, with Shredi powers

[@FredLewis-kb5nr]

What is that Ibanez ??

[@TimFordOfficial]

tilt the pick back and you can use your thumb quicker for harmonics fwd is wrong :) every rock star does it WRONg lol

[@robguitar1969]

This works. My pets aren't smoking.

[@philip-edwardphillis4313]

I'm watching although I don't have pets

[@chrisshaw1964]

Nice try, Eller, but I'll still suck

[@dammcadam4689]

How do I avoid wrist locK?

[@thathandleistakentrythisone]

I dont have pets. For. This. Exact. Reason!

[@tjb9930]

Off topic...but does anyone know where to get the skull statue?

[@BenEller]

Haha I got it at TJ MAXX!

[@tjb9930]

@@BenEller ha. It looks great. Thank you.

[@BenEller]

@@tjb9930thanks! It was originally just a shiny gold, but I dry brushed some black onto there and it really improved it.

[@tjb9930]

@@BenEller sidenote, dickheads called me TJ Maxx and TJ Hooker when i was a kid. Ha.

[@chucksaeger7500]

Did you say pets or pecs?

[@BenEller]

YES

[@TimFordOfficial]

ya like im getting super good but m also aging my self you know when you grip your finger hard and count to 100 and then cant release it remember that? thats me after jamming lmao

[@_____8106]

Can someone here suggest me a decent sounding guitar with 24 frets

[@BenEller]

I mean if you wanna get right there with what I’m using, that Ibanez Genesis RG550 is impossible to beat! Sub-$1000, Japanese, badass.

[@_____8106]

@ that guitar is a little expensive for me can you suggest the cheapest 24 fret guitar 😊

[@_____8106]

@@BenEller i want your opinion about the cheapest priced best or an average 24 fret guitar because i can only trust someone like you who can play the sh:t out of the guitar and teaching us in a fun and interesting way i love you man you are one of the best players and teacher at the same time most guys who can play well can’t teach but you have everything in you man,ma uncle ben😅

[@stevenharrison151]

Don´t you hate it when your cat just spontaneously combusts?

[@UserNameWasCensored]

BE has never responded to my telepathic messages 😢

[@jasonjuneau2948]

It's an economy of movement thing, right? A lot of shrediknights look like they hardly move their fingers and picking hand when they play fast.

[@sirtogii5216]

Ah, that little nugget of "only counting the downstrokes". Pretty genius and can almost get the upstrokes automatically for free.

[@allengoeddey2719]

I was a much better shredder until I obtained my stepdad status….then it’s like I play at half speed…

[@Minty.Fresh.Tunes.]

NOT the first

[@nuitari666uzgurzmor6]

On the tabs you wrote 16th notes, but you are playing 8ths 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BenEller]

Eh depends on how you’re counting. I’m feeling this at one sextuplet and 4 16ths.

[@tubo777]

Speed burst are also a great way to learn to control ejaculation, first with your hands, theeeen go to your chick, if still cant hold it, slow down the metronome and repeat until the pets are on fire 🦾