WARM-UPS
The power of warming up is often underestimated
Just like we warm up our bodies before playing sports, we need to warm up our fingers before playing guitar.
Finger-numbering
Finger-numbering
The first thing that we are going to do is number each of our fingers.
Finger-numbering
This diagram will help indicate which finger will be used for each of the exercises on the fretboard hand and on the picking hand.
Our index finger will have the number 1, our middle finger the number 2, our ring finger the number 3, and our little or pinky finger the number 4. As the name of our thumb, we will use the letter T.
Buzzing Sound Warm-Up 1
Buzzing Sound 1
With this simple but effective warm-up/exercise, you’ll also improve your picking technique.
The buzzing sound warm-up is my go-to warm-up and I do believe that it is the most effective as well as the most convenient warm-up because at the same time as being challenging, it is also not monotonous, so it makes it a fun task to do every day.
Throughout this warm-up, it is important to understand that the idea behind it is to start off slowly, purposefully, to make sure that every note is clearly heard. To make the buzzing sound of a bee, it is necessary to gradually increase the speed until the desired effect is achieved.
A 6-note pattern warm-up that alternates between 2 strings
The pattern begins with a downstroke (↓) and ends with an upstroke (↑), positioning the pick for the next pattern to begin with a downstroke.
6 notes per pattern – 4 patterns per string, starting on the 9th fret of the 3rd string (G) – moving down to the 9th fret of the 4th string (D).
As follows: 9↓ – 8↑ – 7↓ – 9↑ – 8↓ – 7↑.
Here's what it sounds like - (160 bmp)
Notice that the accented notes are the first notes in the pattern. Every note with the ^ character. If we play 6 notes per pattern, the first note is accented and the rest are not.
Fretboard view
Here’s a view of the fretboard showing which fingers we’re using for this warm-up.
Practice this warm-up as many times as you need to become familiar with it.
Here's what it sounds like - (160 bpm)
I usually do this warm-up three times, with 30 seconds rest in between. I do one at 100 bpm, one at 140 bpm, and one at 160 bpm.
Buzzing Sound Warm-Up 2
Buzzing Sound 2
It’s the same warm-up as before, except that we’re hitting all fingers in a different pattern.
6-note pattern warm-up
The pattern begins with a downstroke (↓) and ends with an upstroke (↑), positioning the pick for the next pattern to begin with a downstroke.
As follows: 10↓ – 9↑ – 7↓ – 10↑ – 9↓ – 7↑.
6 notes per pattern – 4 patterns per string, starting on the 10th fret of the 3rd string (G) – moving down to the 10th fret of the 4th string (D).
Here's what it sounds like - (160 bpm)
Again, the accented notes are the first notes in the pattern. Every note with the ^ character. The first note is accented and the rest are not.
Fretboard view
Here’s a view of the fretboard showing which fingers we are going to be using.
On the first run (8 patterns), we will use fingers 4, 3, 1, on the 2nd run (8 patterns), fingers 4, 2, 1, and on the last run (8 patterns), fingers 4, 2, 1.
1st Run
2nd Run
3rd Run
Practice this warm-up as many times as you need to get used to it.
Here's what it sounds like - (160 bpm)
I do this warm-up three times, with 30 seconds rest in between. One at 100 bpm, one at 140 bpm, and one at 160 bpm.
Just like in sports, it is recommended to warm up before starting exercise to avoid any type of injury. It is also helpful to warm up our fingers before we start an exercise or even a performance. Not to mention that these warm-ups will also help us to improve our picking technique as well.
Thumbs up when you're done with this task
Trust The Process
English 
Español