Article Tags: learning lessons practice

When teaching people to play guitar who have little experience with it, I've noticed a common phase people go through. I call this the Cavement Phase. This is where when the left hand gets open chords down and most 1st position notes, the right hand adopts a strange movement. Imagine a caveman, no Geico connections here, beating something with a club. This
is a harsh back and forth motion.

To correct this, I emphasize gliding the pick across the strings and working toward a smooth strumming sound and movement. Using some songs that use a smooth, up-n-down strumming pattern or some with an down down up pattern help support a better right hand habbit.

Obviously for lefties, reverse all hand mentions. :)

Though this seems like a huge setback, to me it's a significant milestone. This means the left hand is getting under control and has learned some chord shapes and can handle those changes. Once the caveman leaves the building, there's often a burst of progress using chords and playing through songs.

Updated on: 2008 10 30