Rick's Guitar School - Technique Class: Economy of Motion for the Left Hand

[@cpamiseso]

So... slow is relax. Relax is controlled. Control is efficient. Efficient is fast. Hence, slow is fast. But still, more is more (Malmstein)

[@abhineetpathak371]

Mind is blown.

[@panama1942]

Exactly. You figured out the algorithm

[@ethanpederson]

Why is less more? More is more!

[@PartialS]

After watching your finger tension video (something I've been getting wrong for decades and got me out of the "how?" when watching players go on stage for hours, plus a fear of age-onset arthritis and anxieties about ever getting through a set without cramping up) I thought I'd have a search for videos made by the master about movement efficiency, and as usual you delivered like a XKCD comic about programming. Thanks so much, you beautiful genius.

[@njudndudi]

I just started that back-to-basics thing and playing everything really slow and watching every move of your fingers really is a pain in the lower back but it has improved my playing already which motivates me to keep working on it! Thank you for your helpful videos!!

[@nicoladeidda4582]

Words of guitarism wisdom by Rick! Thanks mate.

[@aaronbergAPB]

Every day I practice, I get " Rick " rolled. In a good way. Keep up the excellence and much appreciation for your setting the bar WAY high. Fuel for my pursuit of excellence myself here. Ciao, ApB

[@fernandomiranda8125]

no words. Awesome Rick, Thanks for sharing. This is gold.

[@johnpierson8398]

State of the art on the web! Your musicianship is awesome. Your skill as an awesome teacher is simply great. And there is the personable coolness that you are. And BTW, your approach to playing the guitar touches many, many people!

[@duyle8921]

One of the best videos that I've watched in a long time. Thanks, Rick, for the inspiration and the instruction.

[@DH-jb5si]

Thanks Rick! I have committed to one of your lessons per week and incorporating it into my playing. Going deeper instead of wider. I really appreciate your commitment and once I am done school I will be buying into your lesson packs. Cheers Brother! From Vancouver Island!

[@maestroaxeman]

came here and learned quite a bit because I naturally, or well, instinctively tense up...and it does affect my playing...never really thought about it until I did what Rick suggested ( and his teacher as well ). In 20 years of playing, it really got me opened up to freer playing...thanks, guys!

[@Jacksonnnnnnnnnnnnn]

Thanks Rick. Extremely helpful

[@MrJackTrades]

Pulling downwards... man, those two words I've had to hear for so long. Thank so much, Rick

[@shodaboy54]

I pressed the 'like' button even before watching the video. Thanks for your lessons!

[@CoversOfTheBeast]

Hi Rick, really nice video here! :D Do you have or know any documents, videos or book that adress the subject of "proper posture" and breathing, etc.?

[@MrRuggo]

I found that the best way for me to practice scales was with a metronome at 60bpm and starting with whole notes, than gradually increasing speed. I also jumped between the speeds and the result was disastrous. Self control, its all about self control.:)

[@MorganReidguitar]

Dude, I'm on a mission to watch everyone of your videos.

[@zendrex666]

Garret lead me here :) Looking forward to taking your advice on the scales. Excess movement has always been the bane of my guitar playing when i try scales and sweep patterns. Subscribed.

[@brandoncrutchfield5201]

Just started back playing, these videos are absolutely priceless!!!!!!

[@sctogtr]

Good lesson, However, I was taught to play minimum movement exercises much much slower than demonstrated here. These exercises really do make a big difference.

[@Priyadarshan_Nag]

Your advice is pure gold my friend!

[@mykimikimiky]

finger economics is a gold foundation and also omitted !! its like omitting the legs when trying to move.

[@andymcguitar]

These videos are fantastic Rick! Great resources!

[@RickGraham]

Garrett, it was a pleasure! Youre an amazing player! Guys, be sure to Check out Garrett's page.

[@emiliopoison]

Rick Graham are you talking about Garret Peters?

[@emiliopoison]

Garretjpeters?

[@sigurd2498]

Wow, never thought of this! My little finger especially is flying everywhere when i play XD

[@ryan.1357]

+sigurd2498 Amen, brother. My little finger seems to want to get as far away from the guitar as possible.

[@sigurd2498]

Nano B I can't fix it though, it's impossible. Haha XD

[@borisich88]

Hey rick, thanks for the lesson. This sitting with guitar and doing nothing exercise sounds crazy, could you maybe elaborate on it?

[@tezzo55]

Brilliant! Thank you so much! All really helpful stuff!

[@tomcykman]

awesome lesson rick. thank you!

[@bradsims5116]

The angle of your elbow, greatly Effects your pinky.

[@thecharlesmacdonald]

These lessons are great Rick! Looking forward to watch this one! Ps diggin' the polo ;) haha

[@guitarvivoluke]

Great Video Rick! please keep them coming, they are much appreciated :) Luke

[@elbosquedelosbuhos]

Hi Rick, i have been following your work for a long time, i really appreciate that you give this info to the people, i bought lots of you lessons. and i always wanted to know the name of the intro song and if you have the backing track for sell or something. cheers

[@Barefoot67]

many thanks!

[@leonardogzm]

thank you for this! :) really helpful

[@emiliopoison]

Which is the garret channel?

[@ckalas]

best lessons

[@RZRKuntry]

Do you have a video troubleshooting high e string buzz for chord play? Part of the issue is my fingers are shorter. I'm having buzzing issues on the high e string when I'm playing a & d chords. When I strum string by string down I notice my palm being in the way but can't figure out how my grip is wrong.

[@MM-uz7gn]

Whenever you hit a note try to get it as close to the next fret as possible to avoid buzzing. High E is also a wound string so it will probably buzz a little on some cords. Hope I understood your question right x.x

[@glenn2376]

I tend to optimize on a per riff basis. Between chords you always want either minimal or a certain type of space during which you transition.. If I'm playing a faster riff and can't quite do it, I key into where I'm fumbling and tighten things up. Though I tend to just play covers of songs I like so that sort of working myself into being able to play progressively harder riffs worked for a few years when I was in high school. Trying to practice economy of movement in a global sense just frustrates me..

[@deongarcia9510]

The person that did the subtitles is advertising some business

[@anttt___]

Try playing stood up. This is the most 'loose' and 'un-tense' (is that a word?) you can be...

[@coche9009]

Excellent lesson!! Btw you look like already loose 100kg!! Omg congrats!!

[@Djolan]

Thank you!!!