Ask a Banjo Instructor
Student Questions / Answers from Ross Nickerson
Advice for weak spots in the right and left hand: Banjo Finger Exercises
Student
Question:
Hello Ross,
I
started learning the banjo several weeks ago and so far progress is pretty much
stalled at the beginning. I realize that the right hand movements, and especially
the ability to move the middle finger independently of the ring finger, should
come with repetition rolls. But I am also having great difficulty with the dexterity
required of the left hand. The last knuckles do not wish to bend to the required
right angle to fret the strings cleanly. In looking through the table of contents
of The Banjo Encyclopedia, I see that there are quite a few exercises offered
for the fingers of both hands. Are any of these aimed at restoring dexterity to
retired middle aged fingers?
My
Response:
It's frustrating
sometimes isn't it. I would work with chapter 2 in the Banjo Encyclopedia, there
are some specific exercises and advice for working on weak fingers there. The
chapter 3 "The Left Hand" would be of great help to the gaining dexterity
and eventual comfort in the fretting hand too.
Sometimes
the best exercises are ones you make up yourself. Find your weak spots and be
sure you get more repetitions in on the weak fingers.
Tip: Exercises
don't have to sound good, they should be played in time if possible though, metronome
while exercising fingers is a great way to do it. But simply put. They are exercises
to build ability to play a song, not a song or tune in themselves in most cases.
Use the exercises to improve skill to eventually play music.
Your goal
in exercise is to become more flexible so you have the physical ability to play
music better, whether it be later in a practice session, week, month, year or
years.
I hope that helps some.
Thanks
again,
Sincerely,
Ross Nickerson
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