module 3
Right hand position - flatpicking
We already know that the most efficient position for the wrist is a neutral one. Variations from this neutral position will depend on the angle that you attack the string, whether or not you anchor your wrist, and the size and position of the guitar.
The analysis on the biomechanics pages will help you determine how much you're prepared to vary from this neutral position. The following strategies will be helpful in any case.
Right hand position - fingerpicking
Fingerpickers, as opposed to classical players, have evolved a myriad of different styles and techniques based, usually, on what is most comfortable for the individual player.
If you're hand is relaxed and you can play with a relatively neutral wrist (some ulnar deviation is inevitable for most of us) and a strong neutral thumb then your wrist position is OK. Most of us will play with some flexion of the wrist which is not generally a problem.
Right hand position
By the time we get to analysing the position of the hands all of the hard work has been done. The shoulder and arm has to position the hands in space and where they sit is in turn determined by the spine so if we've got all that right we're left with little more than some fine tuning.
Flatpicking exercises
We are concerned here, as has been mentioned, with our relationship to our instrument. The plectrum introduces a new element into this equation: a small, flat triangular piece of plastic. To use it well it has to become a part of your hand.
Up until now you've been concentrating your focused awareness skills on various parts of your body. With these simple exercises you'll learn to extend that focus to the part of the plectrum that strikes the string. Make sure, as always, that as soon as you notice any muscular tension you slow down and reassess your approach.
Fingerpicking exercises
A relaxed hand is one that is comfortable, if it's trying something beyond it's capacity it will tense up. The better you play the less tense you'll be and the less tension there is the better you'll play. The best way to kickstart this very productive little cycle is through the repetition of specific exercises. Those presented here will encourage new neuromuscular relationships, develop proprioceptive ability and focus on technical difficulties that are generally related to postural dysfunction.
Technique exercises for the right hand
This section contains exercises for fingerpickers and flatpickers.
Common injuries of the wrist and hand
For most guitarists the main problem with the hand will be fatigue and the inevitable cramping that follows when we play through it. The left hand tends to suffer more because pressing onto the fretboard requires more work from the muscle.
The main causes are related to technique, excess tension in the hand and simply playing too much. The most immediate problem is that your playing is severely restricted, there is no way you can play your instrument fluently if there is excess myofascial tension in your hand, arm or shoulder.
Wrist biomechanics for guitar players
Apart from contributing to the position of the hand the primary function of the wrist that has relevance for us is its role in adjusting the tension in the extrinsic muscles of the hand. The wrist flexors and extensors described previously insert onto the carpal bones, parallel to these the extrinsic hand muscles cross the wrist and continue onto the fingers.
The Functional Anatomy of the Wrist
Muscles that articulate the wrist
The muscles that articulate the wrist can be broadly grouped according to their action. The flexors originate on the medial epicondyle of the humerus, traverse the inside of the forearm and connect on the carpals of the wrist, the metacarpals of the hand or the phalanges of the fingers and thumb. The extensors originate on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, run down the back of the forearm and again attach on the carpals, metacarpals or phalanges.
