Left and right hand technique... A proper left-hand position is important. Fingers should be arched and fingertips placed on the string. Place the fingertips precisely and with decision. Press the string against the fret. The proper position is near the fret… not on the fret. As the fingertips harden they will strike the strings like little hammers. This action, combined with the proper timing of the pick, will produce the best tone. Allow the string to vibrate freely. Do not touch the vibrating string with the pick before it is time for the next note. Keep the fingernails short to allow the fingertips to press the string against the fingerboard without interference. RIGHT HAND Single String Picking Hold the pick in a loose and relaxed grip. Do not stiffen fingers in a straight position. It will be helpful to allow several fingers to glide across he top of the guitar (or guard plate) to maintain a level stroke with the pick close to the string after playing each note. Try to avoid looking at the strings before playing another note. Play softly to produce the best tone. Single notes are picked. Chords are strummed. A chord is a group of three or more tones on different strings… played at the same time. The right hand movement while strumming chords you will vary according to the number of strings you wish to play. Do not try to brace or rest your hand on the guitar top. Slant the pick slightly to allow it to glide across the strings. Strum slowly and softly until the best possible tone is produced.

 Strumming tips...* If you are playing an acoustic guitar, make sure to  strum directly over the sound whole.* On electric guitar, strum over the body, not the neck. Different locations will give you different sounds. * Make sure all the strings are ringing clearly. * Make sure the volume of your downstrums and upstrums are equal.* Be careful not too strum to hard, as this often causes strings to rattle, and produces an undesirable sound. * Be careful not to strum too softly, as this will produce a “wimpy” sound. Your pick should be striking the strings with a relative firm and even stroke. * Think of your elbow as being the top of a  pendulum; your arm should swing up and down from it in a steady motion, never pausing at any time. * Having said that, the bulk of the picking motion should come from a rotation of the wrist, rather than the forearm. Be sure to keep your wrist loose when playing.