[Guitar Speed Lesson] Less Tension = More Guitar Speed

[@CompleteProducer84]

One of the most important aspects to playing that is not talked about enough - thanks Tom! Also, one last issue that tension causes is injury. As soon as I learned to relax, my wrist and finger pain went away

[@redrocket9861]

Low action also helps

[@davorsixstrings1642]

Wow, probably some of the most useful guitar playing tips ever. Thank you!

[@ryanlee2546]

This is really priceless advice he's giving that I had to learn the hard way over the years. Thanks so much Tom; I've been following you for about 12 years and I've learned a lot. Cheers!

[@hermanodejesus7264]

Thank you Tom Hess, great tips.

[@BrianVallotton]

Thank you Tom. I am watching the video right now. It is really helpful. I am a 40 year plus player and have always suffered from being tense. I am very muscular, especially in my arms and it has always hindered me. Especially in my rhythm playing. I really appreciate what you did here.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

My pleasure, Brian! Glad it helped!

[@DanStratocaster1]

I have a bad habit of pushing my right heal up and sort of stand on my toes to raise my thigh …to hold my guitar. Locked. Great video. I’m a total beginner at nearly 60.

[@mikephilippov8735]

Very important topic for guitar players. Thanks Tom Hess!

[@drw381]

Thank you for sharing

[@zipperhead101]

this is me... I'll be taking you up on your generous offer of the total tension masterclass. You are a jedi, sir!

[@A20Y11]

Thanks for the information!

[@mistermukkeman1729]

I am just discovering your videos and I am impressed to see that my playing already improved more than with many teachers I had before. Thank you ! Regarding the tension: I feel most of it in my left shoulder, where the belt is lying - obviously coming from the guitar weight (a light Ibanez) . How to deal with this, especially when standing ?

[@user-kj1ql9dk3n]

This is important to know for anyone trying to play guitar fast.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I feel a large part of my issue is my pick digging in too hard into the strings... I do not know how to overcome this issue.

[@joevallandingham2605]

Tom, I've always had a problem ascending with speed when I get to the B and E strings, things just fall apart there... but the heavier stings I can fly though no problem. Any tips on how to fix this? I'm an alternate picker.

[@tomhessmusiccorp]

It's impossible to say what the problem might be without seeing you play. That said, the first general tip I'd suggest is to switch to directional picking from alternate picking. See this video: tomhess.net/Make-Your-Guitar-Picking-Speed-Faster

[@michaelpurdy9165]

It’s probably the g going to the b string that’s giving you issues? I’d maybe isolate the strings that are giving you issues, write a riff or some kind of exercise using that and make it sound cool, then you’ll have incentive to improve it

[@jenniferthomson849]

I've studied internal WC for some years now. What U have been talking about is 100% correct. External wing Chun don't do this .there all tence