When we think of strength on the guitar, it’s mainly the left hand that comes to mind. The left hand is the one pressing and squeezing. So this is where we often notice when our strength fades and we become fatigued.
For the left hand, perhaps the number one exercise for strength, control and independence is Slurs. These offer some of the biggest return on time spent.
- Slurs – “Hammer-ons and pull-offs” offer a big bang for the proverbial buck.
- Rasgueados – These are mostly used for the right hand. But we can also use them off the guitar for left hand strength and agility as well. Very portable and effective.
Below you’ll find other exercises for strength as well.
- A Wicked Left-Hand Exercise: Extended Slurs
- Beautiful Ornaments and Trills: Exercises for Practice
- Classical Guitar Right Hand Exercises for Strength and Control
- Classical Guitar Technique Off-Guitar Exercises for Travel, Strength, and Stretch
- Guitar Finger Exercises for Strength, Flexibility, and Independence
- How to Play Guitar with Less Left-Hand Tension
- How to Play Rasgueados: the Basics
- Left-Hand Finger Independence and Stretch, with Odair’s Favorite Drill
- QuickStart Guide to Practicing Scales on the Guitar
- Rasgueados for BOTH Hands: Strength and Stretch Anywhere
- Sergio Assad’s Left Hand Independence Workout
- Slurs: The Classical Guitar Equivalent to 6-Pack Abs
- Speed and Precision Exercises for Classical Guitar
- The Left Hand Little Finger – Common Problems and Solutions
- What’s the point of practicing scales on guitar?