Part 3: the Left Hand for the Classical Guitar

[@giuseppearmetta1426]

There is no more deeper than these roots on how to positioning toward our beloved instrument like in this tutorial.... That's a great, clean and most educational of the teaching we can find. Thank you!

[@RandallAvers]

I really appreciate your comment Giuseppe. Thanks! I wanted to make a film that shows the complexity of what we do as guitarists. We tend to hyper focus on one element of LH technique to the detriment of other things, so the purpose was to break down everything - make a checklist - so we can find out what may be causing problems in our playing. I am happy that the film was supervised by Einar Fagerheim, a Timani instructor and practicing Physical Therapist for musicians. All the best!

[@martinconnell]

I've explored numerous video tutorials on left-hand guitar techniques, and these 5 tutorials stand out as truly exceptional. I eagerly look forward to discovering more of your instructional content. These tutorials delve into the fundamental aspects of guitar positioning and playing, offering invaluable insights. They are impeccably presented, highly informative, and among the best educational resources available. I am a newbie to classical guitar, and I appreciate that the videos are no-nonsense and get straight to the point. I was wondering if you offer online guitar lessons as well?

[@RandallAvers]

Sorry its taken some time to get back to you. Thank you for your comment! Much appreciated! we can certainly talk about lessons so please send me a message at my website: www.randallavers.com

[@edenic7328]

Genius... Arguably the most important tutorial in the classical guitar world

[@RandallAvers]

That’s a big compliment. Glad you found the video helpful!

[@fasr94]

Great video! Thanks for go deeper in this kind of topics, they are really important and hope to see what's next! Greetings from Mexico!

[@RandallAvers]

Thanks Francisco!

[@ValerieHartzell]

Another brilliant video I will use with my students. Thank you!

[@RandallAvers]

Thanks Valerie!

[@guitarraclasica]

Absolutely wonderful content. Indeed the right shoulder needs to sit low and this is often ignored by many, including advanced players. Thank you! (Now I’ll finish watching, I’m in minute5)

[@guitarraclasica]

“We need to relegate precise movements to smaller joints.” Yes indeed

[@RandallAvers]

@@guitarraclasica Thanks Dieter!!! Happy you liked it :-)

[@barbarawojcikfingerstyle]

Good job! Greetings!

[@RandallAvers]

Thank you Barbara!

[@Lutemann]

You are playing way up on the tips of the fingers which over extends the finger at the large knuckle joint. Get off the tips. Here's what the left and should look like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6ixe2V_qZKDmZo

[@RandallAvers]

Thank you for pointing me to your channel! I like the content the video you sent and hope that other people will look at it. Your comment on overextending at the knuckle joint, and I agree 100% with what you are saying. Most often guitarists will overextend the first finger and that is what Aaron Shearer pointed out as contrary motion which could lead to some hand problems. A golden rule is that you do not want to have one part of the finger flexing while another part extends. If you look carefully at the film, I’m making an effort not to overextend, but create a “box” with the first finger, much like in violin playing. It is very stable and while it appears to be an overextension at the knuckle joint, it is not. I believe as guitarists we need to access all six strings at any given point. I do not alter the position of the thumb/hand to play on the 1st string, so in my mind, playing on the first string requires being more “on the tips” than on the other strings. This is a challenge, but the benefits are worth the effort. If you are a teacher, make it perfectly clear to your students not to overextend at the knuckle! Find a way to create “the box”, and this usually means creating more space on the fretboard side of the guitar neck.

[@EMRoscoe]

Can you recommend for old, ischemic stroke survivor with spasticity/neuropathy issues? My brain remembers, but my brain does not communicate with my hand. There is a pathway. There is the science of regeneration and brain activity to restore some memories. I just want to play for fun. I know that my brain is standing ready. Please guide it to my minimal goal.

[@RandallAvers]

Thanks for reaching out! I want to say first that I am not an expert, so any suggestions I give here are not backed tried and tested results - sorry. Still, I will try to help. If you have a chance, you should look at the journey of guitarist Pat Martino as inspiration. Could you tell me how much you can control your hand and finger movements ? Are there any fingers that have more control than others? Could you play guitar before?