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playing the string versus hitting the string

by Andy
(Florida)

My teacher keeps telling me to fix my right hand tone. He says that my free stroke tone doesn't match my rest stroke tone.

He says that I am hitting the string, but I don't understand what he means. He says I should be playing the string (into the soundboard).

I am doing the 120 Guiliani RH Studies to fix that. Is there any other studies/exercises that can help that out?

Hi Andy,

There are several things you can do to improve your right hand free stroke technique. Your fingers should depress the strings towards the soundboard (after you've caught it with your nail) and as it "swings through" the string is relased and returns to its original position.

This is how both tone and volume are created and when done right produces the tone I think your teacher is talking about.

Have a look on this page for a video example of what I mean.

Additionally, I'd suggest some very important theoretical reading to give you the basis for a solid technique.

The books Classical Guitar Pedagogy by Anthony Glise and Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant are great ones to give you the insight into the how and why of technique.

Another exercise I've used in the past for overall improvement in technique is the technical etudes by Tarrega...

I hope these are of value to you.

Trevor M.