Warmup/technique exercises?

[John Bushouse]

Hello all,

I'd like to work on my picking technique, especially timing/groove/rhythm aw well as finger dexterity, building up not only speed but the ability to play the right notes at the same time . I'd also like to do some left-handed technique work.

Any suggestions on specific exercises? I'm planning on adding these to practicing playing songs and learning songs.

Thanks all!

[Mike Selecky]

This exercise had a lot of good feedback:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=

[Tom Gray]

On the "timing/groove/rhythm" end I highly recommend Victor Woooten's DVD "Groove Workshop." It's a master class for bass players, but don't let that throw you. The ideas he teaches apply to any instrument. It's really a master class in musicianship.

I've got no connection with this DVD, except that I'm a student too.

[John Bushouse]

Thanks!

[Gary Anwyl]

Here is an alternating picking exercise that really helped me - I used to have a problem with my fingers getting "tangled up" while picking.

Pay attention to the fingering. Use a metronome and work up to a fast tempo. It may be hard to do at first especially when your index finger has to reach behind the thumb.

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This is a slightly more advanced variation.

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[Mike Neer]

Joe Wright's "The Wright Hand" video will help anyone who wants to build good right hand technique. It is a laborious process but yields dividends.