Adam Rafferty’s Blog – Guitar and Spirit

Thumb and Finger Independence for Fingerstyle Guitarists

In this post, I will show you the basics of thumb & finger interaction…

That said, there is always more than one way to attack a problem. Currently (2018) I am experimenting with the opposite of what I say here – more like a Larry Graham bass technique.

Here are the basics as they are taught to guitarists 95% of the time, so start here. Enjoy!

I got a question from a blog reader recently that said:

How, in your mind, can you coordinate both a bass line with your thumb and a melody line with your fingers? I can’t seem to divide my mind that way. What can I do to gain finger independence?

There is a 2 part answer!

What’s the Best Approach for Improving Your Guitar Technique?

By Adam Rafferty 13 Comments

Learning to blend technique and feel are like having a good balance of “head and heart.”

Both are important!

If all we use is our head, the feel will be missing
If all we use is our feelings, we’ll miss out on good musicianship and nice harmonies

I got a question recently from a subscriber that read…

I was wondering what your opinion was on practicing technique, learning scales, chord progressions, and theory in the context of a song versus on their own.

This is really a good – and complex question. Here goes…
Continue Reading

Practicing Guitar and Your “Happy” Brain Chemicals…

By Adam Rafferty 16 Comments

11-14-brain This is a pretty taboo subject, but let’s dive in.

I recently got an email from a reader saying:

“Hi Adam. I’m going through a phase where I can’t find any I situation or have as much fun playing as I used to. Have you got any idea or any tips or me to get back into it? Thanks – Mick”

Musicians are human, and all of us have ups & downs because it is built into our system. When we have ups & downs, much of “how we feel” has do do with the presence or absence of certain naturally produced brain chemicals.

Should You Use a Thumb Pick for Fingerstyle Guitar?

By Adam Rafferty 48 Comments

Tony Robbins says the more you tell yourself you “should do something” you end up “should-ing all over yourself!”

So – you’re not going to get a “you should” or “you shouldn’t” with this article.

I’m just going to help you think it through.

How to Achieve Maximum Confidence for Performing Fingerstyle Guitar

By Adam Rafferty 34 Comments

10-14-guitar Performing fingerstyle guitar on stage can be nerve-racking.

Something you have played perfectly at home suddenly “falls apart” when you try to get on stage and do it in front of people.

For my first few years touring, my hands would shake on stage too, so don’t worry – it’s normal.

I’m going to show you how to solve this problem.