A Few Thoughts on Excess Tension in Your Playing
Exploring my own tension habits on the guitar has led me to spend copious hours over the years re-working my technique and movements, and studying with an Alexander Technique teacher (AT is all about breaking habits of tension). I also notice excess tension in many of my students, and work with them to change the habits that lead to it.
The question comes up quite frequently, and so I decided to weigh in publicly on the issue.
Here is an off-the-cuff video with some of my thoughts around tension, and what to do about it. While this video deals with tension in general, I will add that developing the right fundamental techniques and movements is also extremely helpful (or at least not harmful!).
Enjoy!
Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.
I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.
I just started level 1C...I was able to look at a Carulli piece, albeit a simple one, and understand it. And that understanding allowed me to play it much more easily on the first run through, and I expect it will allow me to make it fully musical at tempo quite soon. That's a huge personal victory for me. Until very recently my mindset was: "Notes on a page. Jimi didn't need them and I don't either." But I ain't Jimi, and now I want those notes on a page.My work in CGS, even at these early levels, got me to that personal breakthrough. And that's given me more confidence that continued work will get me to greater places in due time. So to answer your question: yes, I absolutely feel like I'm making headway and moving forward in my playing. Thank you for that.~ Matthew Ecker
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Allen Mathews was recommended to me as somebody who could help me expand my guitar vocabulary. Allen started me on a really fun cycle of lessons and practice. He is a very good,and very enthusiastic teacher, and I feel that I'm on the road to learning. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.
~ Peter Buck (r.e.m.)
-Peter Buck (r.e.m.)
- Move your hands safely and fluidly
- Enjoy fulfilling practices and meaningful work
- Play beautifully with expression and flow
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