Developing you left hand guitar dexterity, as well as your right hand, will pay off big time if you chose to do so. At first, some of these techniques seem odd or puzzling but, after performing these exercises you will wonder why you never thought about it before!
In the following examples, I want to be able to give you some portable tools in which to help you in your growth as a musician that can be used as an alternative to your instrument. So here goes!
One thing to do is to start using your other hand while completing simple tasks. For example, you should begin with using your mouse in your other hand. Try this while playing something simple like solitaire or another game. When starting off with this warm up, begin it very slowly! In the beginning, it will feel quite foreign to you. This will force your weak hand and brain to work in sink with one another until it comes naturally.
This next drill you can do anywhere. First go and get a pen or pencil. Now trying spinning it between your fingers. I find it very difficult to pass it from the index finger through to your thumb and back. I just gave up but if you can pull it off, then hats off to you! Once again, start off slowly until it flows effortlessly from one finger to another!
Just pick up a tennis ball and start squeezing! I find that if you can hold down with your fingers to the same level(keep your fingers flat, like when you have them laid out on a table) for a short period of time, it works best. If you can find a squash ball, use each finger individually to push down on it. This develops each finger’s strength. Not only will this start developing your overall finger strength, but it help out in dealing with stress.
These techniques are great not only for musicians but, can be used for people who have had strokes, or carpal tunnel issues as well! Try them out and tell me what you think about them. If you have founds was of improving these exercises then please tell me because it’s great to have a some fresh eyes on this subject to help improve all our techniques no matter how small they might be!
Keep on Jammin’
