Classical Guitar Lesson #10: Ballistic Motion
Sep 15, 2009 sweep picking
Posted by
stevy
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Christopher Berg’s “Mastering Guitar Technique: Process & Essence” is perhaps the first guitar method to discuss ballistic motion in the right hand. In this lesson I talk about the importance of flexing the fingers only enough to sound the string and the necessity of allowing the fingers to extend naturally without activating the extensor muscles.
I also demonstrate the full natural extension which can be used in many sympathetic motion arpeggios, and the shortened natural extension used in i and m alternation.
In fast playing it is important to remember that although the right hand fingers do move less, it’s the manner in which they move less that is important. If no extensors muscles are employed in the shortened stroke used for playing rapid ‘im’ scale passages, then inhibibting muscle against muscle tension can be avoided.
Here are three exercises for acheiving the ballistic feeling.
1) Three note chords with ‘ima’ are easy to play in a ballistic manner. Use only the grasping motion and allow all the fingers to return natuually.
2) Practice ‘im’ free stroke alternation on one string with a full natural extension, pausing a bit after each finger plays to make sure all tension has been evactuated from the finger and that you flexed the finger only. In other words, give yourself time to think about each stroke.
3) Alternate very lightly and slowly on one string while concentrating on using the mucles/tendons on the bottom of the hand. Keep the top of the hand quiet. Increase speed. If it goes up to about 140 mm (four notes to the click), you’ve got the feeling. I don’t think there is anyway one could play non-ballistically at 140 mm.
Produced by
Kent Murdick
University of South Alabama
Duration : 0:1:40
Tags: aaron, ballistic, berg, christopher, classical, guitar, lesson, motion, murdick, shearer, spanish, Technique
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
these instructional …
these instructional videos are great! thank you. can you please post a piece where you are seen playing fast scales (at tempo) showing the right and left hands? thanks that would be great!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I’d love to, but …
I’d love to, but I’m too busy here.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
will you come to …
will you come to israel to teach my son? please?
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Get on aguitar list …
Get on aguitar list and talk to people. Ask your guitar teacher at college.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I’m searching for a …
I’m searching for a classical guitar because I am choosing to study the guitar in college… What brand do you recommend? Do I need a cut? Have you heard good things about the brand Rodriguez?
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
hey i was wondering …
hey i was wondering if you could do something for like really beginners because i just got my guitar and i wanna know a little bit before i start my lessons
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Well, for example, …
Well, for example, I would only plant p and then a. Then plant (almost catch the string) with m, etc. The problem is I tend to extend my i finger instead of flexing and letting the i finger come back naturally.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I don’t think you …
I don’t think you want to plant with the tremolo.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I understand. I …
I understand. I don’t have the resources to upload a video to show you though.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I can’t tell …
I can’t tell without seeing it.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I have a horrible …
I have a horrible habit of extending out my fingers when I try increasing tempo for tremelo studies. I plant and try to let my fingers naturally go back, but as soon as I start to increase speed I lose it. Do you suggest just patience or is there an exercise I can do to break this habit?
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
There is ballistic …
There is ballistic motion with P in the P-i alternation on the same string or between (maybe) two strings. I know a guy who plays very fast P-i scales this way.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Is there any …
Is there any Ballistic Motion of the thumb? I feel that ima can be bounced back after plucking without using extension muscle, but I can’t do that with my thumb. Moving the thumb cause extensive and strong tension in my right hand.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
What a great tip! …
What a great tip! Gees!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
ADMIRABLE!
ADMIRABLE!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Get a teacher.
Get a teacher.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Hi, I’ve been …
Hi, I’ve been playing guitar for over 4 years now, and I have been playing with a more western approach, using picks, but am now trying to play with a more classical style. My left hand seems to be able to cope fine, but it’s my right hand that is finding it more difficult. Do you have any tips for someone who plays using the western acoustic style, who’s trying to play classical style aswell?
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I videotaped myself …
I videotaped myself playing and noticed many of the errors you pointed out in your series here. (I was unaware of them until now. I was beginning to develop a sore left wrist). Thanks for your posts. You steered me in a new direction.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I think for …
I think for developing tone production, planting is a good way to start each day. I’m not big on making planting a large part of technique, but I know some people are.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Do you teach …
Do you teach preparation early on and then move away from it but allow it to remain a part of their technique or do you actively discourage using it? I’m asking simply because I feel that preperation is essential to getting a nice, full tone, as well as in gaining total control over your fingers. Overall I think these are some of the best classical guitar technique videos on youtube, there are simply too many people who don’t know what they’re talking about trying to teach.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I use a curved …
I use a curved shape for the nails, but I have quite avereage finger tips. Nails and nail shape are quite individual, IMO. I do teach prepation (planting) to beginners, but quickly move away this concept.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
I can’t really see …
I can’t really see your nail shape from this video, what are they like?
Also do you know/teach preperation?
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
A lot of people …
A lot of people resent new ideas, including myself. I know in advance that I’m going to resent a new idea so I prepare myself to have a beginner’s mind as best I can when I listen to someone else’s view.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
how come your …
how come your lessons are so great but people dont rate your videos high…i always rate your vids 5 stars
September 15th, 2009 at 4:21 am
Your series was …
Your series was wonderful. I have been playing bass, guitar, and other instruments for a long time, and never ran across some of the pointers you presented. It was a nice find.