While this post is intended for absolute beginners, it is always a good idea to examine and reevaluate your right-hand technique, regardless of your current playing level. I still use these exercises to analyze my technique and ensure I've set myself up for success with the right hand. When I'm confident in my right-hand technique, I find that I have better control over dynamics and projection.
Right-hand technique is often thought of as just beginning with the hand. However, the positioning begins with the placement of the forearm! This helps the hand fall into the correct position over the strings. Follow these steps to develop the perfect right-hand position:
- Place the right forearm over the guitar and rest it below the elbow. Align the forearm with the bridge of the guitar for reference.
- Keep the right wrist straight and relaxed. DO NOT bend the wrist to any extreme angles!
- When playing, keep the thumb in front of the fingers. The hand should look like a fist giving a “thumbs up.”
- Practice finger strokes by moving each finger through the string and returning it to the palm of your hand. This will develop strength and train the right hand to correctly perform rest and free strokes!
Practice the following exercises to develop your right-hand technique. Practice each one slowly using tirando (free stroke) and continuing the motion of the finger into the palm. The force behind the stroke should come from the top knuckle joint of the finger. The motion of the free stroke moving into the palm should come from the middle knuckle joint.
