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how to get right hand speed

by Ulises Victoria
(Monterrey, Mexico)

Im a bit confused. What is the best approach to develop speed?

Some say... "practice always slowly and increase speed as you feel comfortable with the present speed"

Others say... "start slowly and increase speed until you push it over your limit; until you can't play anymore at that speed, and then decrease slowly"

Even others say... "Practice always at top volume to increase strength"

So what are your thoughts on this matter?

Ulises
Monterrey Mexico

Hi Ulises,

I tend to prefer the first two you mentioned above. I think you need to start at a slow pace so that your brain, particularly the subconscious mind, can absorb what you're teaching it.

I find that if you practice too fast too early you tend to be practicing mistakes. Your subconscious mind can't distinguish between a mistake or not. It just accepts what you're teaching it.

The subconscious mind is excellent as a learning tool because you need to get to a level of playing where you're not consciously thinking about it but have subconscious mastery and can, as a famous brand name says, just do it!

If you practice slowly, carefully and accurately and then increase the speed incrementally, you will probably "learn" less mistakes in your playing. Additionally, I believe your overall sound will be better for it as well.

In truth there are many different viewpoints on this. My advice is to go with well established teachers of guitar that will give you tried, tested and accurate advice. For example Anthony Glise, writing in Classical Guitar Pedagogy has interesting ideas about speed development including; right and left hand speed development; accuracy in fast passages. His book is widely accepted as one of THE best books on the market for classical guitar development (in many areas).

Finally, try to see what's best for you. If it doesn't work out, drop it and move onto something that does.

I hope this has been of some help.

Kind regards,
Trevor M.