Sad TRUTH about CLASSICAL fretting hand's position

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[@funkindy]

The intro is just faken insane. I am blown away.

[@A77K]

That intro is Marvelous! and you played it with your eyes closed 😭

[@PAUL.72]

there are no words,,one of the best and cleanest players in the world..congratulations...

[@PedroEvil12]

I'm a Brazilian guitar teacher, and I'm blown away with the information provided on your channel. I'm not ashamed to say that a taught wrong during these years. As soon as I'm financially stable I'm going to became Aton's student, this is pure information. I'm also a music college student and my final project is going to be about "universal technic" and I hope I can exchange information with Anton. Cheers man !

[@fmarin87]

I love you. Never dare to die. Now become a legend and keep uploading these videos for free

[@GuitarraErudita]

glad to see u back!!

[@nigelnunes]

Brilliant analysis, thank you Anton.

[@John-re6ey]

Thanks a lot for uploading a video about the fretting hand!, there is not a lot of quality content such as this around...

[@jeffreymonroe153]

Brother, you are by far the BEST player and teacher there is currently. And more than likely, for some time to come. You are smart, intelligent, and humble.

[@ironskater121]

I love when you post on the channel!!! best picking hands down. The fact that you can go from slow to fast with perfect accuracy is wild.

[@JuanjoNarive]

Thanks for sharing this info Anton :)

[@Feverdream7777]

This is the highest compliment I can offer: I forgot you were a virtuoso; I just listened to your music...and was in awe.

[@StealThisRiff]

Orthopaedic surgeon here. Very interesting! The anatomy snippet was accurate. Few thoughts : 1. The natural 'cascade' of the fingers (try flexing and extending the wrist ) naturally rolls from the classic position to your position as you move from the top strings to thinner strings. So I guess comfort is King.. and this suits all hand sizes. 2. The classical position is hyperflexed at the wrist ( ie the cotton loder position ) which is more prone to overuse carpal tunnel issues. So I tend to use the flatter position you were talking about especially for the thinner strings and definitely for the higher notes. Thanks!

[@mattwright466]

Hyperflexion of the hand is solved by proper movement along the Z axis. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqXEmqBrl76qbLM

[@dadavidvid]

Flexing the wrist towards the center of its range (away from the relaxed position that sits close to the end of the range of extension) unlocks the MCP joints allowing them to abduct. This is essential in classical guitar where we play polyphony, multiple indepent and simultaneous lines in bass and trebles. Fingers need to move simultaneously in opposite directions and thus the arm needs to stay neutral. To minimize the flexion of the wrist we raise the guitar neck which makes the guitar sit in balance and contributes to its stability which is essential for finger precision.

[@StealThisRiff]

@@dadavidvid great thoughts brother

[@QuarrySolution9454]

Dear Anton, thanks for the cool guitar riffs! Amazing solo! Complex, intellectual rock is how I took it. God bless you!

[@marketherton2296]

Stunning performance! I know players at the very top level and this guy is up there big time.

[@yonatanc25]

Transcending guitar into something else. Amazing.

[@CharlesRoss2007]

Absolutely Incredible Tony!!! You are my #1 inspiration ever since I first seen you! I have to congratulate you on your English, it is just perfect and you sound so natural as if English were your first language! Way to go my friend it's so great to see how far you've come and all you've done and I can't wait to see what's next. You really can achieve anything you set your mind to and you inspire us to do the same :) Much Love and Respect to you and your family from me and my family all the way from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada ;)

[@AntonOparinENG]

Thank you so so much for your kind words, Charles! Really appreciate that!

[@geepike]

Killer video! I’ve been a massive fan of the concept of “economy of motion” since I was briefly in martial arts in the 90s and obsessed with Bruce Lee 😂. Psychology is also amazing. This video combines multiple things that should live together but seldom seem to with many teachers thoughtlessly regurgitating common practice rather than thinking and teaching with purpose. Keep it up! Im very interested in your course

[@user-L0ve_y0u]

Wow. Great job, men)

[@yonatanc25]

Anton is the best teacher i've had in 30 years.

[@buythedip1214]

he really is!

[@flashraylaser157]

Yeah. His attention to detail is great. He's also probably the best alternate picker on the internet. He needs more exposure.

[@iganpparamarta8813]

Never ceases to amaze! I remember watching your cover of Frenzy, you were 8yo maybe? I tought it was dubbed because I didn't think it was possible for a kid to play it note for note clean. And here we are now lol

[@robguffanti]

Those broken chords just after two minutes in remind me of the beginning of Moonlight's 3rd movement. Sick how clean that sounds at that speed. Anton is always doing stuff I didn't think was possible. GOMY in standard thing and no human capo, now this. Just. Wow.

[@mrloppesmusic]

I’m here searching for the truth and suddenly get my face melted just watching this intro. Holy molly ma man, I’m glad to see this

[@ether2006]

my new favourite channel

[@jonasschuchmann4584]

that intro is amazing

[@gitarmats]

That opening solo was crazy good!

[@derrylgabel]

Anton, your picking technique is the best I've seen. Has Troy Grady reached out to you? I sent him a video of yours a few years ago during the pandemic. Maybe teaming up with Troy could get you in front of a bigger audience.

[@byronhammond2978]

Very interesting. I've wondered about this topic before. Why is classical position promoted when the other position feels so much better and more natural. It's good to finally have an answer. Thanks for sharing 😁

[@KingGrio]

I play electric 9-42s and folk something-10. With steel strings, I gotta say my thumb spends most of its time at the top of the neck, except when I have to do wide stretches. The thumb also serves as a muting tool, and occasionally a fretting tool, although my thumb seems too short to be used as often as a fretting tool as I'd like and I have had great success refingering thumb licks with the index (and I'm very glad I found these working solutions where people won't hear any difference). Most of my vibrato and bending comes from wrist power and so this "rock position" feels indeed like - and is provably - the best position to use in 90% of scenarios. However, I have tried playing a classical guitar with nylon strings where the neck is as wide as an airplane runway and each string has the pacific ocean separating it from the other strings, and I can tell you I quite quickly naturally fall back to "classical position", as I fight for my life to get anything to sound good. So... although I agree with you anybody who says classical position is the only good one is wrong and obviously clueless about rock guitar, I'm not sure I agree with your idea that classical position is a myth. It applies in some cases. Unless I misunderstood what you were saying, that's where I'd disagree. Keep up the great playing anyway Anton, it's always a pleasure to hear you play !

[@vanlalpeka1849]

Best picking so far 🎉

[@RenaldoRamai]

Good job.

[@user-hb2zz7eo3l]

Amazing...

[@SeanAsheOfficial]

TRUTH ❤

[@diegomendivil7101]

I use both styles, classic style allows me to reach much further as i have smaller hands and blues style gives me more control for bends and vibrato.

[@stanleykabonga9837]

Please upload the video in English between Anton and a student on right hand technique

[@flashraylaser157]

What about reach though? Even you tend to switch to a classical position for wide interval string skipping. I see that as the big advantage of the classical position. The more you progress into the blues position, the less reach you have, proportionally. I think you should basically keep as much in the blues position as possible while being prepared to gradually switch between the positions on a gradient depending on how much extra reach is needed. It's what you seem to do.

[@AntonOparinENG]

Too many nuances to discuss for a text message or even single video, there are certain differences in those two approaches

[@user-no7xx3gv4i]

That was fast!

[@ionasguitar]

goat in guitar technique

[@chrisking6695]

I wish we could do a Skype lesson because I'm currently healing from left hand tendonitis due to poor left hand technique. I like to angle my hand like you're showing in this video but it only works on the unwound strings. I have to go back into the classic position to be able to use my pinky when playing on the wound strings due to the fact that I need to stretch my hand more to play 3 notes per string.

[@carlosrelampago2279]

Completly rigjt.Just have more opening space in the class position, which I've always used. Thumb? Leave it for other things. Bravo for this video👏👏🤘🤘🤘

[@JoshArnett-px8rs]

The way you make it soud like a violent is crazy

[@AntonOparinENG]

What?

[@douglasnisbet1189]

Unrivalled alternate picking

[@mattwright466]

I rewatched and I get what you mean now. I'd be interested to see your thoughts on larger stretches like 6th's and 7th's across multiple strings. Another thing that I'm having a little trouble figuring out is using this support on the high E string...

[@fmarin87]

I'm waiting for right hand hacks now

[@fetuspie943]

How do I achieve this power?

[@Justaguywhowannaplayguitar]

Hey dude love your playing. Which pick ( plectrum) do you use ?

[@diegomoro8624]

That intro solo is completely incredible. I can hear many influences from classical composers in thar solo, but i don't know anything about classical music. Could someone help me with the name of someone who composed "similar" things or something? Also the anathomy part was really interesting, I thought i would be something very simple as it usualy is in other videos, but this one y very complete and correct with everithin. Congratulations!

[@Soloist1983]

Everything I read said classical position was the thing, so I always did that, consequently my hammer-ons and pull offs are far clearer than anyone else's it's wild, but I've always wanted to learn the "angle hand" position as everyone seems to do it for some reason. To me it just feels super awkward and weak when I try...I mean, I can do it but not with as much authority and confidence, plus, bending requires rocking your whole hand which is so strange, I just push my fingers straight into the strings.

[@DSteinman]

Gypsy jazz guitar players use something closer to a blues position too, they have a tremendously efficient technique

[@John-re6ey]

When using this posture, should you always aim to fret with the tip of your fingers and keep a flexed distal phalanx, or are there any exceptions?

[@josenavarro5113]

Estaría bueno que se pueda poner subtitulos español para los que somos de latinoamerica para enter mejor las clases saludos desde Buenos Aires Argentina maestro

[@kant20045]

Passez à la caisse, je vous explique la suite…!

[@suchiraindrajith]

❤

[@TruthSurge]

ok, the anatomy is way more than I wanted to know. thanks! Question... that split coil sound you have going on when you are playing... is that position 2 on the guitar switch or how are you getting that sound? Sounds like pos 2 with coil split to me. let me know. thanks and you should be in the top 10 electric guitarist lists!!! At least for technique alone. You and Shawn Lane are, as Paul Gilbert once said, terrifying! hahahh

[@vitorcarvalho5716]

Wow! Just found out about your channel, in love with your videos! I have a question though, it feels very weird for me to play with the guitar 100% horizontal sitting on my right leg (im right handed), it feels way easier and natural for me to play with the guitar sitting on my left leg, slightly tilted, something like the classical position. Is there a reason for that? Like, scientific explanation? I dont twist my wrist in the same way a classical guitar player would, i usually keep it neutral.

[@gitarman666]

From the slight vibrato and lack of bending can we assume you use heavy string gauge Granted this style of solo would not call for either Just curious

[@Johnnysmithy24]

Okay what about full on Legato?

[@funkindy]

Anton, just a random thought. How about to cover "Canon Rock" by Jerry C? Would be divine

[@2x2gaming]

Согласен. Но его не будет)

[@chang-goolee8213]

모든 기타 연주자들은 이 사람에게 주목할 필요가 있다고 생각합니다.

[@jambertin54]

Was that intro just improv? You've got one savage picking hand.

[@AntonOparinENG]

yes, improv. thanks man

[@jambertin54]

@@AntonOparinENG that is one hell of an improv. You could probably turn that into a piece quite easily.

[@cycomiles4225]

I prefer classical position of guitar between my legs, it simply puts the stress off of my hands, it just fits. On the right leg, yes, I can play but acces to frets closer to the nut is a bit limited for me...I probably dont hold it right in that position so thats why I use classical style. It simply puts the guitar in the right angle. My fretting hand is not in a one position though, it changes from technique to technique, dometimes you need to grip the shit out of it, sometimes you dont, sometimes thumb is behind the neck, for bends and vibrato it isnt.

[@mmr1483]

hi good channel! I always felt this technique much more natural and stronger too - my only problem is to make barre chords, where I do need to do a little bend in my wrist, otherwise I will not reach the chord. is normal or my hand too small?

[@AntonOparinENG]

It is normal, there's so much more to talk about in this issue, but I can't tell everything in one video. I have it in my academy, but not on KZbin. This issue is too big to discuss here

[@PabloVeloso-lx4od]

I always envy independent finger movements. 😢 Any chance i can improve? And hand synchronization. Got a week pinky. But im getting used to using it now. Hopes not too late for me. Lol

[@AntonOparinENG]

Of course you can, there're lots of ways to improve both finger independence and synchronization. As well as strength of weak fingers. Not too late unless you're 90 and just started, in this case I would consider that it's a bit late probably to start learning guitar technique lol

[@PabloVeloso-lx4od]

@@AntonOparinENG thanks man! Your reply means everything to me. I always like your videos. Godbless!

[@maklespled5622]

Please open your eyes when you're playing like that lol I feel myself a loser even with your eyes being open😰😰 that way it is just EVEN MORE CRAZY!!!!

[@AntonOparinENG]

Please don't 😅, just work 💪🏻 you'll be there buddy!

[@lou7572]

The upstroke is brutal! Looks like pinching out of the string. I mean,moving out of the body of the guitar. What is that?

[@brisbrg5179]

Learning classical left hand positioning really helped me with legato early on, but I gradually started playing with more of a hybrid form

[@wonder2k19]

i always thought that index finger anchoring was cheating, depressing the strings so other fingers get more movement, in someways what it does is lower the action of the strings but maybe that is not what this video is about.

[@user-lh8gd8qi9m]

I'll go twist the jars, maybe something will come out ☺

[@rrhett2119]

Amazing player, but you make assumptions you don’t explain. It feels like poor logic, but perhaps you were constrained by the KZbin format. For example, classical guitar is not held at a 45° angle to the hips with the headstock pointed away, level across the hips, nor does it sit on your right knee. That radically changes both the left/right and up/down angle of the wrist. Nor does a classical guitarist support the weight of the neck with his left hand. The fingerboard is considerably wider making hooking your thumb over impractical. Etc. The point of the modern classical position (your graphics from the 1930’s notwithstanding) is that if you relax your arm and shoulder down your side, bend naturally at the elbow bringing your hand in it’s most relaxed and neutral position about 20cm in front of your chest, that is where the fretboard should be. I don’t think your analysis holds true for actual classical guitar. Perhaps if you title your video, “Ergonomic problems of attempting a classical guitar hand position while holding an electric guitar on your right knee, level, and at an angle away from your body” it would be more accurate.

[@infinitesimotel]

Where more appropriate to begin with a technique than physiology?!!

[@thiagorisingforce]

3:50 - 4:11 most beautiful thing I've heard all year

[@mikuchajster1994]

The only one problem is that not everyone has a huge hands, and setting the hand just like you leads to maximum 4 frets of range 😅

[@AntonOparinENG]

Not true, there are technical solutions for that

[@mikuchajster1994]

@@AntonOparinENG I guess you are hiding them in your school :)

[@AntonOparinENG]

@@mikuchajster1994 not hiding, it's there, cause it's an issue that is too big to talk about in a short KZbin video or text message

[@MichaelWeizenfeld]

Is Anton had giantic hands when he was 9 y.o.?

[@mikuchajster1994]

@@MichaelWeizenfeld I guess when he played some more spreaded licks, like the final lick from scarified, he puts his hand in classical hand position:)

[@MrFlejon]

Problem is, you cant play classical guitar with very small hands using your technique. Imagine being a small woman with small hands playing a full scale classical guitar. Not gonna happen unless you use the classical technique. Your technique isn't practical if you aren't a dude with above average hands playing an ibanez with low action

[@AntonOparinENG]

This is not true

[@MichaelWeizenfeld]

I firstly thought the same thing. But after that I rewatched his childhood videos and throw this mindset away. Just playing with this livehack for a week and results are very promising.

[@MrFlejon]

@@MichaelWeizenfeld I could only find one video of him, at 14, shredding the high strings on an ibanez. When I say kids, I mean 8 yo. There is a reason the classical technique exists, and no, it's not just a big hoax people just keep spreading because they are too dumb. It is because classical guitar isn't shredding the high strings and require your fingers to be placed in a much different way. Plus, Antonio doesn't actually know if this technique is viable or not because it takes years to develop issues related to technique and he is still super young. I thought too that my technique was better than the common way but then was proven wrong when I damaged my tendons. Again, there is a reason most people don't learn his way and the classical way.

[@MichaelWeizenfeld]

@@MrFlejon The main reason is that people often don't know what they are doing. I relearned another technique many times when I realized it was a dead end. Now I’m retraining myself on Oparin’s technique, because the things he shows no one else can do. And he does it in a relaxed manner, which, as far as I now understand, is the key to technique. Now about the classics. I don’t really understand why you’re dragging it in here, given that we’re talking about a completely different instrument, style and, accordingly, technique. FYI I studied at a music school, and I still play couple pieces by Carcassi, and I clearly understand the huge difference between the instruments.

[@MichaelWeizenfeld]

@@MrFlejon is he small enough here? kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZXKcnaCdpephZI

[@thiagorisingforce]

here is a take as to why classical fretting hand is the "correct" way. People were much shorter centuries ago, their hands were smaller, and classical fretting hand is the best for people with small hands. I can see you have huge hands, so it doesn't make a difference to you putting the thumb over the neck

[@AntonOparinENG]

Still solo parts can be more efficient with second support even if your hands would be a lot smaller than mine. My hands aren't huge, my pinky for instance is about 5.7cm, measure yours, it will be approximately the same.

[@mokshmeditation]

You are the most technically accurate, skilled, and insanely creative as a musician of the present day

[@chadrew6]

Your left hand position could be better. Keep your thumb down in center of neck behind 2nd finger.

[@AntonOparinENG]

To isolate musculus lumbricales more and tense the adductor pollicis? Lol dude play what I played on both electric and acoustic guitars first and then we'll see who needs advice.