Eric Clapton's Secret: Why 'Bad' Technique Kept Him Playing for Decades

[@dandesmarais2190]

He's saying that classical technique isn't working for him and gave him tendonitis. But he isn't USING classical technique. A classical player will keep the neck at a 45 degree angle. That way when the classical player plays, his left wrist is straight. This guy keeps his neck parallel to the floor, and because of that he has to radically bend his left wrist. THAT'S WAY he developed tendonitis. If you want to play hours a day for years & years, you have to start with good posture.

[@redsky1433]

And classical players usually use a foot stool to get a relaxed 45 deg angle. Also like the video says, classical music rarely if ever uses bent notes.

[@JimmyDevere]

Generally speaking, most of the players he is discussing wear their guitar higher at an angle compared with many modern, low slung players, closer to where a classical player would be playing seated, with a foot stool.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

Yeah, but then if you'd ever played in a rock band you'd know no one outside of KZbin ever sits down (unless they can no longer walk or stand) while playing electric guitar. Classic posture and technique doesn't really work or apply for electric guitar, not least because you need to work tone and volume controls, pickup switches and the trem with your picking hand, all at the same time.

[@HalJikaKick]

@@adrianguggisberg3656I disagree. The classical guitar technique I learned transferred to electric guitar very well.

[@dandesmarais2190]

@@adrianguggisberg3656 What you're saying is entirely incorrect. Classical players play while seated and use a footstool because they refuse to play with a strap. Using a strap, both while seated AND while standing, you can adjust the hang of your guitar so that it always hangs in the same place relative to your torso and with the neck at the same angle. "Modern" players who play without a strap while seated develop bad playing posture, which gets exacerbated when they go to play while standing. This leads to neck strain, arm strain, and as the video indicates wrist strain.

[@pennyparlay6520]

Dude your tone is pristine. Warm with a little reverb. Man I can listen all day.once again great tips.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Wow, thanks!

[@robertjohnson5795]

Really glad I stumbled upon this lesson. Makes things less painful and more fun. It even seems to help with overall tone. Thanks!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Great to hear!

[@eddiejr540]

I agree…”no pain no gain” might apply to some things in life but it does not apply to playing an instrument…well done👍

[@evergladesrhythm]

Absolutely!

[@GaZonk100]

although an 'athletic burn' might be ok...just not that sharp breath-stopping stabbing pain of coming tendinitis

[@donk.5730]

Fabulous explanation, to the point and most helpful with your heartfelt comments- you're an experienced Pro. And I'm just a beginner, most encouraging ...Thank you...

[@andrewtoal2299]

I too have tendonitis that forced me to change my technique. I started to vibrato like Clapton because I noticed he doesn’t crank down and wiggle ironically enough like BB does. He floats his hand pushing the string up. Let the tension of the string move you down so it’s synergistic. Then I stopped playing sitting down. Play with a strap standing up. It moves the guitar to a comfortable angle. When playing your wrist should be neutral to slightly up. This has helped my hand and playing immensely. It also helps with band rehearsals and gigs. There’s no learning curve from sitting to standing. Hope this helps anyone with these same issues. Great video.

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

I started playing sitting down with the guitar on my right leg, but I can't effectively reach the high notes (Les Paul), so I use my left leg and play classical style. It also tends to angle my fingers a little and has the added benefit of not being radically different from standing up. Nowadays I try to practice both standing and sitting.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Andrew. Glad you found the channel and it seems like a lot of players have found their way to keep playing despite pain. Oh for the love of guitar!

[@Marcus_C51]

So sorry to hear about that-I've been fortunate and have never had tendonitis. Must be extremely tough to deal with. I use the standard fulcrum vibrato technique most of the time, sometimes vary how wide the vibrato is too. Since i noticed Clapton was using that floating technique in the Dominos and thought that was a cool technique for that "stinging" sound. Spices it up some.

[@EbonyPope]

You also keep your guitar at a steep angle in classical guitar in order not to have your wrist in extreme angles. I must say though classical technique has really good pull off tone since you are pulling off your fingers perpendicular to the strings. That was your have have really clean pull offs.​@@evergladesrhythm

[@talesvinicius598]

The thumb having to be in the middle of the neck thing was kinda invented before we even had proper studies on how it would affect your hand/tendons, and people stuck saying it's the correct way just because. Maybe even for classical playing having the thumb above the neck like blues players does is the better way to play the guitar.

[@stradastudio]

Excellent video, so good to hear somebody talking outside the box on their techniques. Great break down on what works for you, would be good to see more vids like this.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MaxPower-js1sk]

I’ve been playing everyday since August 1977. Last year the fingers on my left hand became numb and weak, and my wise and elbow were painful. I received the tenosinovitis diagnosis, and I got good advice. It didn’t take long until the feeling and strength returned to my left hand and fingers. I had to change my method, but I did not have to stop playing.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Seems like it’s a common story but we press on for the love of playing guitar eh? Glad you’re still playing Max

[@eddiejr540]

What helped me the most was really really focusing on using the lightest touch possible…I used to grip like hell and squeeze the neck…but like you said, just relax and use a light touch and, voila!!…no more hand pain…well done 👍

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes! 100%.

[@keithrahner6035]

Absolutely love this, fantastic illustration thanks 🎸

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes Keith! Glad you found the video and the channel. You’re very welcome.

[@coloaten6682]

As someone who is learning in their 50s and teaching myself, I really appreciate this video. I found myself naturally playing in this kind of technique just because I used to play keys and I was very aware of not injuring myself. Now I feel like technique is about what feels good than what the 'book' says.

[@evergladesrhythm]

That's great! to hear!

[@arunkarthikma3121]

Yup, most guitar books absolutely suck. Chopin and a bunch of other pianists already discovered much better posture 200 years ago. And they understood human anatomy, too.

[@kevinmalone4109]

Another pot of gold! Brilliant! Many thanks . Very Generous of you Sir

[@evergladesrhythm]

Many thanks!

[@chriswatson6231]

My classical teacher when i was a kid put a strip of masking tape on the back of the neck. He called it the thumb-house. And he'd say keep your thumb in the thumb-house. But for a electric improv and soloing, the fingerboard of the electric being so much narrower than a nylon string, i found that i couldn't stop my thumb moving out of the thumb-house. And then string bending and vibrato i found alot easier with the non classical way. But....when i play nylon, the wider fingerboard pulls me back to the classical position

[@arunkarthikma3121]

It's pretty bad advice to force a strict-thumb position. Left hand posture is very dynamic, and requires constant position changes. A much more important thing is keeping the wrist straight, to avoid strain and carpal tunnel.

[@Sentientfx1]

That's some good advice there. I got my information from classical books which said you should have your thumb on the back of the neck too. I couldn't stick to it for electric guitar music though. It's nice to have that experience validated. Thanks.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you found the video!

[@fkitch]

Great content thank you, very nice that you do slow takes and explain subtleties , subscribed

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks for the sub!

[@darwinsaye]

I had problems with my wrist for a while years ago because I played in the classical style, but with the guitar in the wrong position. Proper classical technique involves tilting the guitar neck up at about a 45 degree angle so that you don’t have to bend your wrist at an extreme angle to reach around under the neck. Notice how trained classical guitarists rest the curve of the guitar on their left thigh, rather than the right. I noticed when you demonstrated classical style, you did it with the neck horizontal. I guarantee that’s where problems will arise from. I will use a blend of both techniques nowadays, but I will move the neck angle accordingly as I need to, depending on which style I’m using at any moment. I haven’t had any wrist pain in years, and the bony calcified growth that I had developed on the back of my wrist went away over time.

[@arunkarthikma3121]

This is the whole picture, that a lot of other comments are missing. Fretting hand posture is fluid and dynamic. Forcing the hand into one position only creates strain and muscle imbalances.

[@arunkarthikma3121]

Moving the neck angle is the most important thing I've learned about posture, when I started playing a 7-string. So many benefits!!

[@jessieclarke9262]

Great video. Helping a lot of people. Also that Apache tune is very cool!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you liked it!

[@dougcombs2567]

Thanks for sharing your guitar knowledge and experience. Really cool eye opening stuff!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you enjoyed it Doug!

[@JimmyDevere]

Good video. I had some hand/wrist problems too and was forced to come to similar conclusion as you. I would add: 4. wear guitar higher, at an angle, like many of these players did back in the 50s and 60s. 5. Most of these players used vintage guitars with thicker, more curved neck which helps with this technique (contrasted to the thin, flat necks modern shredders prefer).6. The string heights, wire gauge, fret size also influences technique, vibrato etc.

[@simonbernal3934]

Interesting. I agree with all you say about relaxing on the guitar- yes I too got hung up about technique coming from a 70s jazz rock background- watching players like Al Dimeola . But then even the mighty John McLaughlin uses a lot of the bunched up fingers method, playing at a slight rocky angle with the ring finger… also what about the legend Gary Moore? He threw technique out of the window and used mainly the first two fingers on the fretboard! Django Reinhardt only had the use of two fingers! It’s the results that count. Tear up the book and be yourself.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Exactly Simon!

[@chesterproudfoot9864]

Thanks for this! Suddenly grabbing the low E with my thumb doesn't seem impossible, which I could never do even with big hands. I think it will help resolve an issue I have with trying to reach a note for a slide without tripping over the fret.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Happy to help! Glad you found the channel Chester.

[@stk7778]

Coming up on 50 I really appreciate this break down. Thanks!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad it helped!

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

i just discovered this too after having a thrash metal left hand position like your classical one but playing blues with it for decades, three fingers seem to have more tension too, it's a different sound

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes. Many players have been on a similar journey.

[@markmarsh27]

BRILLIANT lesson. I just hit 60, I've got bad tendonitis and this is EXACTLY the video I needed to watch. Looking forward to more!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Rock on Mark! So glad I made the video and you found it 👏🏻

[@LA610]

great lesson for us old guys....thanks

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you enjoyed it haha.

[@frankdardano3182]

Whatever you did without medical supervision, sure worked.Your observation of technique, is fascinating.I learned like you did, and about all I can do well at 72, is play. I never used classical type guitar.Your playing is as sweet as candy,you just nail B,B. KIng exactly like his parrallel vibrato. Something that takes a feel, not just notation.Good luck, my talented, giving friend,HOW SWEET IT IS,PLAY ON!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks so much Frank!

[@DrDizzleFrizzle]

One reason I'm glad I had to suffer through Mavis Beacon teaches typing as an elementary student in the 90s is that as soon as i heard about proper technique while learninf guitar, I was experienced enpugh to reject it immediately. Not only is classical technique bad for those reasons, it also pinches the ulnar nerve which you will seriously regret. Every person is built different and there is no such thing as an objectively superior ergonomic system. Prioritize comfort and health.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Indeed.

[@dcjway]

I always use a strap when sitting, I angle the neck to straighten my wrist and I don’t use anymore pressure then I have to. My acoustic guitar is a Martin OM-28 with no strap buttons so I play it classical style with the upper bout between my legs and foot rest. I believe Clapton only uses 3 fingers when he solos, no pinky. I also don’t neglect warm ups and finger exercises before I do anything else.

[@adrianguggisberg3656]

That guitar sounds phantastic!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Adrian. It's a Baker.

[@mikeharrod4647]

I needed this video! Been experiencing pain! This might be the answer!

[@evergladesrhythm]

I'm so glad you found the video Mike! Hope it makes all the difference.

[@APMTenants]

Imagine Hendrix playing with his thumb planted instead of using it to play the low E string. What would he even sound like?

[@evergladesrhythm]

Different for sure!

[@hazor777]

This lesson really has so many layers to really grasping (pun intended) the styles you mentioned, as well as many others. The principles go much deeper than can be explained, and really require hours and hours of playing and practice and self discovery. Of course , it takes a bit to warm up our tendons and muscles - I usually find after a good hr and a half my hands finally warm up and adjust. Another thing to mention- at least from my experience- is your brain and muscles will typically try to “power through “ certain techniques (picking in particular : sweep , string skipping etc.) until your brain figures out a more relaxed and efficient way of executing them - again: hours of playing and practice to get to that “zone”. The problem is virtually NO guitar player - pro or otherwise- can pick up a guitar and immediately tap into it. Of course , certain objectives (either songs being rehearsed or developmental exercises) differ - so executing a song may sound good with less warm up simply because they may not require much warm up, whereas others do require it. That said , the “art” of mastery - where it looks “easy” is really the result of the hours and practice put into it . I’ve read articles where players like Eddie Van Halen would typically warm up and practice for at least 3 hrs or so before a show - not an uncommon thing for a pro musician to do . As always, it goes back to the old saying: practice makes perfect

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes. I used to play hours and hours and hours a day (no wonder I got tendonitis) but I had to adapt as my body complained.

[@bluesfuze]

Been doing this all my life playing learned from Clapton and all my music directors tried to get me to get my thumb in back of neck and now that I have arthritis this technique helps me...thanks for pointing it out

[@evergladesrhythm]

So glad you found the channel!

[@moj0ryzin]

Great video. There aren't many good discussions about fret hand techniques - seems that picking gets all the love. I've thought a lot about these very same points quite a bit and I felt guilty for abandoning the "classical position". In my case it isn't tendonitis I just don't play as well with my hand in the classical position unless I'm playing 3 notes per string and even then i try to slant my hand.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad to alleviate the guilt. Music should feel good!! 🎸

[@robdavis8307]

Excellent content. Do what works the best for you, and relax, relax, relax. Tension is the enemy. I have a genetic disease that is destroying my muscles and cartilage quickly. Pain and exhaustion is the norm, so guitar playing is frustrating. After 24 years of playing, its never been more difficult or satisfying, while simultaneously being torturous. Learning to relax was paramount, as was custom building a guitar neck that fit. I also discovered the "Performaxe" guitar rest that works on electric guitars. It allows the guitar to sit in the position that works the best for me while reducing or eliminating neck dive. I play seated because standing with a strap causes too much pain in the shoulders and back. This device was an absolute life saver. I went from being able to play for 10 or 15 minutes at a time to an hour or more! Yes, I hurt after playing, but at least I get to enjoy the thing that saved my life. Greetings from North Central Florida.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Greetings Rob. I’m sorry you’re going through that and I admire your tenacity. I relate to how important / critical guitar playing is to you. Blessings from Nashville.

[@robdavis8307]

@@evergladesrhythm the sentiment is greatly appreciated. All the best to you and yours on your musical journey.

[@elberthooker9356]

Excellent playing and analysis of left hand and thumb position. I’m an old pro who suffered in 2000 from tendonitis. I had just landed a major gig as well. I somehow toughed it out and I am still doing the same gig in 2024..BTW, I was born and raised in the S FL Everglades region. Nice channel monicker 🐊

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Elbert. Sounds like we both came through the same affliction- I remember it was devastating until I could find a way around it.

[@jamesalley7387]

For me, it should feel as good as a handshake. The “lazy” grip also allows for muting.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes. Glad you found the channel James.

[@jimparker7778]

I adopted Clapton's style 50 years ago. i've not had pain or soreness. Another factor not as discussed concerns guitar setup. If your instrument allows, have a qualified technician show you some tuneup tricks to make playing more comfortable.

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Great video! Thank you!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you!

[@neilzinn8145]

I think Tuck Andress had a good take when he said there are good reasons to use both kind of styles, Thumb behind the neck, akin to more classical, and thumb more over the neck, as in Clapton , Beck etc. I have trained myself more with thumb behind the neck and generally play that most of the time, but I don't lose my mind if my thumb moves up or over the neck. The thing about Clapton or Hendrix, is that they are not using a lot of different types of scales that are not as accessible as a typical pentatonic kind of thing. I think if You are going to get into other kinds of scales, at least for myself, I prefer the reach advantages of thumb behind the neck. I suppose someone like John Mclaughlin would be an exception to this. But even Slash will go thumb behind the neck for the stretchy stuff, You can't play those things as comfortably playing like Clapton, at least not from what I can tell. Try playing hot for teacher with your thumb over the neck!

[@neilzinn8145]

And I really think it's an advantage to use your pinky. That's an extra couple of frets. You don't always have to use it, but it gives more options.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Tuck Andreas is incredible!

[@Owl-qh2rh]

Great vid! Over the years I've seen the interviews you showed and i remember wondering about exactly what you've talked about. So interesting to hear your take on all this! I think for classical they also position the guitar on the left leg which makes the left wrist a bit more straight and easier to stretch and get those wicked chords they use? Ive just recently got my first proper fender and can actually catch the low E fairly consistently straight off (for the first time after 30yrs of playing) so am going through this changing technique atm, also have left wrist problems from work so... Divine timing 🙏🕊️👼 So glad to hear you got your playing sorted! And with this inspiration from Mr Hendrix Mr Clapton and you fine self.. Thank you 🙏🕊️✨

[@evergladesrhythm]

So glad you found the video!

[@jamie1234591]

When Clapton plays first position in A minor pentatonic he will use first and second fingers on the B string and first and third in the high E string. He does this when he plays the Layla intro in D minor pentatonic too.

[@brianhiddleston]

The struggles are real, 33 and myself play like this. Certain things hurt, or too hard to Hold the position. Good licks, sound good

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Brian. Glad you found the channel.

[@Natch67]

Fortunate to see this. My ulnar nerve is now compressed and already have carpal.. Now, I have to see if I can reset and play with three instead of four. If you catch it soon enough, you hopefully can heal it without surgery. I'll have to find out. Thanks for the Video. Cheers

[@evergladesrhythm]

Sorry to hear about that - hope.the video helps in some way.

[@maeeweis]

Very imformative.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thank you.

[@johncitizen3361]

If you study the anatomy of our hands it becomes clear why certain techniques hurt, I’ve always done what’s comfortable and my pinky rarely gets used when soloing and don’t even get me started on wrist vibrato. Ive only ever been able to get a very subtle vibrato with my wrist, I have to use my whole arm to get that amount of movement.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you found the channel John.

[@dennisbronson3058]

Very good presentation, thanks. I find that keeping your hands and fingers relaxed as you try to increase speed is one of the most difficult things. The faster I start to play, my hands and wrists begin to 'tighten up' as you say !! Especially my picking hand ( wrist )..........any hints as to how to keep your picking hand relaxed ??

[@evergladesrhythm]

Just being aware that you're tensing up is half the battle. If you've already figured that out, then you're on your way my friend. It will get easier.

[@Busk_N_Groove]

Great stuff! Marc Bolan also played with 3 fingers & had a great expressive style. Curiously, he took some lessons/tips from Clapton so no doubt Eric had some influence on his playing style.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Oh cool, that is very interesting. Can you imagine getting a guitar lesson from Clapton!

[@Busk_N_Groove]

Surrealville for sure…

[@JoelPerri7777]

Always thought this idea was called “economy of style” where your hands don’t really move around as much. I was a blues guy playing with jazz cats, and man did it bother them that I didn’t play the “right” way with my thumb behind the neck. They liked my licks, but I think it bothered them a little I wasn’t a jazz guy. It taught me a lot playing with those guys, probably more than anything else. I still use my thumb to barre the low e when playing bar chords. I remember seeing Hendrix playing Monterey back in the 90s in high school, and that’s how he did it, so I just thought that was the right thing to do, cuz it’s Hendrix. Obviously not realizing his hands were enormous and it was def not easy for me at first. But now 30 yrs later, I couldn’t imagine playing any other way at this point. I try the correct way ever once in awhile and it just hurts my hands. I had the onslaught of what you were talking about in the beginning of the video and took a couple years off. Slowly built up the strength during Covid, where my hand doesn’t cramp up like it used too. Great playing btw, really great to hear someone play with such great feeling, even though they CAN shred, they play someone blusey and tasteful instead. That’s a cool guitar btw, at first I thought it was a PRS, but then noticed the lower horn comes out more. Sweet axe

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Joel. Appreciate your comments. And yeah- the guitar is a Baker. It was stolen from me once when I was touring and fortunately the police found it and it came back to me 🙌🏼

[@mjeffn2]

Vaughn does this too. These guys all have big hands with long fingers. I have medium sized hands with not especially long fingers. Way back in the 70s I learned that I could play three fingered like Clapton so long as I kept the neck close to horizontal to the floor. I couldn’t do that low slinging the guitar which became the “cool,” way look in the 80s - my fingers weren’t long enough to make it work. I don’t play much anymore because of arthritis in my left thumb, but when I do, I play Clapton style because it is so much more comfortable. Also, you will never achieve Clapton’s sweet vibrato with your thumb pressing on the back of the neck.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you have found a way to keep playing 🙌

[@ursulabornhauser1091]

Eric is amazing guitarist1❤for ever❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marccarter1350]

I bought one of the guitar warm up D'Addario things, really helped after I got pain. Darn, I work with my hands all day as well. Its a process of years of ware and tear!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yep. For a while I was editing tons of audio using the keyboard and that would trigger the tendinitis too.

[@marccarter1350]

@@evergladesrhythm I tune down to e flat in open/cross/standard. mI found it really helped. It was either that or stop!

[@bobbdobb2876]

Really dug that short clip of you when you were younger riffing out.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Brilliant! Thanks Bob

[@bobbdobb2876]

@@evergladesrhythm You are the beft!

[@predragmanov6341]

I started playing in 1983 at the age of 13. Elecrtic only, no classical at all. I took some lesson with some older guys who taught me the sam technique that Clapton, Hendrix and other blues guys are using. The main rule was that good bending, intonation, vibrato and the ability to control it is what sets apart good players from bad ones.

[@rickc2102]

the more years I played, the more natural ergonomics took over

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yep

[@AlBowly]

Nice lesson, one interesting fact for you as I caught out my mate with the answer, who had the hit with Apache first in the U.K.? It was Bert Weedon, Mr play in a day

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes indeed! You’re right.

[@LuvHrtZ]

Three fingered guitarists are limiting their options. You can still bend notes if you use four fingers and the runs are way more fluid. I prefer to look at basic technique as a merging of blues and flamenco.

[@evergladesrhythm]

This video is to help people with tendonitis etc. Sharing my story.

[@EbonyPope]

You also keep your guitar at a steep angle in classical guitar in order not to have your wrist in extreme angles. I must say though classical technique has really good pull off tone since you are pulling off your fingers perpendicular to the strings. That was your have have really clean pull offs.

[@frankdardano3182]

I went through a week of lessons, when I was in first grade.They said the guitar was too big, my hands are too small.It got me frustrated and angry.I taught myself finally,it took me until high school.F them. I taught myself and played pro from 69 to 89, then got out of the biz.So I paid insurance, dentist by playing the electric guitar.Dont let opinions get in your way,everybody has one, and haters don't try to help I think they are jealous.You however, sound great! Loved every note.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks so much Frank

[@bcooper123abc]

Really interesting

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you think so!

[@jeffarcher400]

While watching your video I have been air guitar playing and it was quickly apparent that on one hand(bad pun) there's the handshake,door knob and ketchup bottle squeeze motion and on the other it's the thumb to finger circle jerk motion. As soon as the thumb moves down from the hitchhiker position I can feel tension in the wrist and the thumb muscle is active. If you were to hold a tennis racket,bike handle bars, Baseball bat or climb a rope trying to pinch with the fingers and thumb it would fatigue and fail. With the neck deep in the grip and thumb is up you're in the monkey fist and the thumb muscle is relaxed. The fingers naturally angle and the wrist is unlocked. I have swelling and arthritis in both thumbs and pinching the pick starts hurting quickly but I can finger style or use my index fingernail without pain for much longer. Too much texting and holding a phone is bad. They actually call it texting thumbs. I'm seeming to get relief with cold pressed hexane free castor oil.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Interesting!

[@scotthoskins3280]

This unfortunate comments string constitutes an indictment on guitarist's egos and the human condition. This guy IS accomplished. His videos are a gift. Enjoy &/or move on...as I'm doing right now. Cheers!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Thanks Scott!

[@David-m7l8c]

The palm of his fretting hand is resting on the back of the neck when playing lead lines, even though he's not using his thumb to mute or play notes,

[@mentalitydesignvideo]

If you really want to develop ergonomic technique, always use a strap, angle your guitar drastically up (quasi classical style), but MOVE THE NECK AWAY from you, perhaps 10-15 degrees away (from the plane of your chest). Your left hand will rotate into the most relaxed position (think Michelangelo's David) and your right elbow will relax. This is roughly what's happening in the Robben Ford video.

[@scottanderson6807]

Use both! You’re less likely to have issues if you switch based on what you’re playing.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yeah if it doesn't hurt.

[@jerryfields4837]

Mark Knopfler says he has always held the guitar neck like a plumber holds a hammer. there ya go, !

[@evergladesrhythm]

Nice! Mark is the OG

[@gadget348]

For decades my late father complained about my technique and that he should have made sure I played 'properly' when I had first started. I play a halfway house between classical and Clapton switch as needed, often using my thumb to fret the E string but my little finger is always busy. Finger style I never crank my wrist over as in the classical guitar methotd, even on nylon strings. Before he died my father admitted that I got an awful lot of milage out of the way I played.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Wow thats cool.

[@dabiededoo]

i wanna know what you do there around 11:36 to 11:55 its to fast for me to follow even if i slow down i dont see it.. what are you picking and which notes you do???? i cant figure out the order how it walks up that way you do here

[@nylesforsyth7341]

Would the angle change when your standing?

[@RodFleming-World]

I have never , in over 50 years of playing, been able to figure out how people play with the guitar on the right knee. Clearly it's going to injure the wrist. If you rest on the left knee and keep the neck at 45 degrees it's much better. More comfortable and your wrist won't collapse. I often use a footstool for my left foot, or just a guitar case. When standing, keep the guitar high and the neck at 45 degrees. I move between the classical and blues left hand styles depending on what I'm playing; both have merits. But using the left knee is the single biggest favour you can do yourself (assuming you're a righty.)

[@evergladesrhythm]

I think our anatomy counts for a lot- we are all so different. But either way, all of that gets thrown out the window when you're playing standing up which is usually the case for rock n roll / blues / most performers- there is no right or wrong techniques, its about what works for you that doesn't cause pain.

[@RodFleming-World]

@@evergladesrhythm I think it's worth saying that the huge advantage of the Blues/Rock position is that it makes power bending possible even with heavier strings. It's really not possible to power bend in the Classical position, and you can't play Blues or Rock without bends. Similarly, you can't play Classical from a Blues position. So the two positions lend themselves to different styles of playing.

[@bobbdobb2876]

Ergonomically wild!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes!

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely awesome have a wonderful day also I have good news i am going to college in Canada where I live in ❤😊

[@evergladesrhythm]

That's great to hear. Congratulations!

[@austingaines7617]

It’s why fan fret guitar exist! :)

[@motorcaster57]

Lots of cool and useful advice like pick two notes clean before a hammer on or pull off.... I'm never going to be very fast... My mits are giant and I play drums and I have spent my time there..... so it's all good .... I have put the time in on guitar but it isn't my gift.... I like how much integrity and little ego you bring the game.....

[@evergladesrhythm]

I appreciate that, thank you.

[@blackfrancis33]

How would you approach diatonic licks with this technique?

[@evergladesrhythm]

This technique lends itself towards blues licks, but you can still use it with three notes per string

[@PatrickReed-d3i]

The only bad technique is not practicing. You will change up your technique as you practice in order to perfect the type of playing you are trying to achieve. Practice makes perfect!

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes but it can also destroy your tendons. Hence this video:) Sometimes you have to adapt like I did.

[@RodFleming-World]

And let's not forget Django Reinhardt, who did it all with just TWO fingers, after he lost two in a fire. Some boy.

[@alexsmart5452]

I didnt realize I needed permission to play that way. Im not being sarcastic. Very weird I needed to hear someone say it was Ok to do. Ive been trying to play with "correct" hand position, but a broken pinky that never held straight(curves between the first and second joint) and the beginning stages of arthritis make it very hard to play without fudging the position(making it incorrect). Ive been trying to untrain myself from playing with bad hand position, but now you say its OK to do. Thanks.

[@evergladesrhythm]

I’m so glad you found the video. You’re doing nothing wrong Alex! Go for it and ENJOY playing.

[@royrobles7423]

I have been a 3 finger player all my life....never even thought about it....never really use my pinky

[@evergladesrhythm]

Very cool. I didn't have youtube when you I was growing up, so it was harder to get all the info.its amazing that we have access to all that footage now, and can see how all the legendary players did it.

[@Marcus_C51]

I used to use just the 3 but the pinky is good to use for those wider reach hammer ons as well as faster runs when half steps are needed. Of course slides can be used instead. I used to know this excellent southern rock player who only used his first 2 fingers, sort of a Django Reinhardt thing! He managed to make it work even playing those sweet major scale type leads. Seemed to be a ton of work extra work, still not sure how he pulled it off.

[@HalJikaKick]

You’re not alone. Most guitarists could donate their pinky to someone who will use it. 😅

[@Patrick-857]

I bend notes with my pinky.

[@ericbitzer5247]

I do use my pinky, but not very often. I mostly use the three fingers. My stretch is not what it was after a broken wrist.

[@oriraykai3610]

Classic technique doesn't hold the neck 90 degrees from the body. That would be very hard on the posture if any large stretches are involved, which they often are in classical playing.

[@wbertie2604]

Many classical players play into old age too.

[@evergladesrhythm]

They do! But when you use classical training on electric guitar styles for hours and hours a day- it can cause problems

[@angusorvid8840]

I've never believed in classical guitar technique, especially if you have very large hands like I do. I play more like John McLaughlin who almost has his thumb hanging over the fretboard at times. You have to have a technique you can live with.

[@evergladesrhythm]

My point exactly.

[@marcosmascaro7373]

What happended to the left hand of the guy in the thumbnail 😂😂😂

[@evergladesrhythm]

😂

[@myyootube2]

People like Segovia, who addition to being a great and defining classical player, also had a giant stick up his ass, tried to define for everybody what proper guitar hand technique was. He was still active in the 1960's when things really started to open up, and it probably sent him to an early grave. Anyway that you slice it though, it's all about the hand angles (picking hand as well actually), and how they relate to the strength, accuracy and speed you can deliver. Bodies are significantly different, and it takes equal parts experimenting with what has worked for others, and adapting your approach to what your body feels natural with.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Agreed.

[@qwargy]

It’s like a violinists left hand (or mandolinists).

[@evergladesrhythm]

Good point

[@thomascordery7951]

So classical hand technique is wrong if you hold your guitar like a rocker. I'm going to have a bit of a rethink about ways to hold my bass both standing and sitting.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Yes, what works for one person might not work for the next. And what works when your 20 might not work when you’re older , etc

[@ParkerPPipe]

SRV and Jimi both had enormous hands, which is why they didn’t make traditional bar chords they used their thumb on top string. What this guy is proposing will limit your playing unless you have giant hands. If you ever want to play something outside of the blues don’t listen

[@evergladesrhythm]

They did have giant hands! That's very true. But Tendonitis limited my playing when it hit me. It was awful. This was how I got around it, and I can still play 27 years later. For a lot of people that's not a problem, but for a lot of the people commenting here these are helpful tips. I'm not saying everyone should play this way, just sharing what helped me.

[@Mariano-ni2ls]

Not every technical player develops any condition..SRV,Clapton and Hendrix technique only work for a number of things,even other musicians tend to stick their thumb too much over the neck..but beware,Clapton never played with the "one finger per fret" technique,his first and second fingers seemed to stick together,on the same fret pos..nevertheless,that explain why he was so limited in his playing and never got to evolve in the 80s when shredding took of..look at the players who have developed Allan Holdsworth style..Gambale,Brett Stine,Derryl Gabel,Nieri,Mancuso...Harrison(the fusion player) it's a pleasure 14:58 not only listening to them..but also to look at their smooth,effortless technique Greetings from Havana.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Greetings Mariano!

[@macsattic7155]

You gotta be able to do both techniques.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Sure thing- I can do both but classical training + constant playing gave me tendonitis. This is how I got around it and was able to keep playing.

[@MrPaul8870]

2 main reasons of what's missing in this video 1 the neck of the guitar is horizontal in the video The angle of the head should be pointing upwards You see in video of when he changes from top to bottom playing the guitar wants to move up but the player decides to move his body position to keep the guitar flat ie fighting natural balance 2 the slide back from position 1 to 5 I'm pentatonic usually all slides are done on the middle 2 strings Classical playing is needs strength compared to electric which is light Both are completely different angles to learn this instrument Biggest problem is playing both correctly after learning one technique due I learnt acoustic first myain failure is that I hold the chords down to hard whilst playing on electric which hinders when wanting to solo fast notes. The main thing is the neck but you decided to sit down and just watch Eric Clapton playing standing up with his guitar pointing upwards aaaarrggghhh Can you not see this yourself on watching playback before release ?

[@asarcadyn2414]

Part of my warmup on either electric or classical includes a few minutes of fretting notes so they just buzz in order to acclimatise my brain to using just the right amount of pressure for that guitar. I try and do some chords that way too.

[@icedmocha6670]

Its simple..if you want to play classical music or anything similar to it, use classical technique. If you want to play blues music, use blues technique. There is no one size fits all 'correct' technique.

[@evergladesrhythm]

I agree. Especially if you have an injury or condition to work around. Whatever helps you play guitar 🎸

[@geoffarnold8723]

Do strength and flexibility training and avoid problems.

[@evergladesrhythm]

Tendonitis is caused by repetitive strain so that stuff can add to the problem.

[@JudgeFredd]

One of thest instructional guitar video

[@evergladesrhythm]

Glad you found the channel Judge!

[@tomm9176]

When you are using 2 fingers to stretch also consider grabbing other strings above and below the targeted string. Muting these adjacent strings with your picking hand while fretting them they are available without changing finger positions

[@bobparsonsartist564]

Who is this guy. Incant find his name...

[@evergladesrhythm]

My name is Darren Clarke. A quick Google usually pulls up a famous golfer (not me) lol. I’ll do an about me video once I hit 10,000 subscribers! Glad you found the channel.

[@howardcoleman4748]

That's one way of playing the other is like Steve Vai with your thumb under the neck try both it makes you plake very precisely almost at the bottom and not with much effort

[@Tonyguitarbyrne]

John McLaughlin?

[@gedeonducloitre-delavarenn8106]

3 fingers? Django Reinhardt only had 2 ✌

[@evergladesrhythm]

He was a legend. I studied him for my music degree years ago.

[@pmkrak]

Different styles of music require different techniques to execute it's performance. What's considered "bad" technique in Classical is considered correct technique in Blues to be able to execute the style in the most efficient way. What's considered "bad" technique in Blues is considered correct technique in Classical. Try using the Blues technique to play Classical. It's not going to go over very well. The fact that you injured yourself practicing Classical Music is probably because you weren't warming up well enough or using poor technique in execution. Andre Segovia played Classical Guitar well into his 80's

[@evergladesrhythm]

Ah I didn’t play classical styles for long. It wasn’t injury- tendonitis is from repetition. I just played round the clock for about a decade before it took a toll.