having trouble with flyaway index finger

Premier Sponsors

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy which includes details of cookie usage. Hide this notice

Posted by thecowpokepicker on Saturday, March 6, 2010

Well, lately I've noticed that I'm having a flyaway problem. I actually payed attention to my picking hand. When I was playing fast, I caught my index finger flying five inches away from the string!

I don't have trouble going fast and the sound doesn't desintigrate; but it really bothers me and makes my hand cramp. I have began to control it a little better, now staying around an inch or two from the strings. But still; I just can't seem to stop it when I go fast! I also have trouble anchoring my ring finger to the head; it goes flying off as well.

It's getting very frustrating now; I try to slow down and watch myself; and sometimes it does work. But as soon as I speed up and look at the tablature; everything goes wrong again!

Any suggestions? And by the way; how close are your fingers supposed to stay to the strings? I can't seem to get any closer than an inch!

Thanks, yall!

5 comments on “having trouble with flyaway index finger”

racer Says:
Sunday, March 7, 2010 @5:41:46 AM

hi if your age is correct i still think your growing nothing is going to stay in the same place very long it may take a little time my daughter had the same type of problem playing the piano and it was growing pains it may not help but it is an opinion the other question i am not sure about mine are about an inch from the strings ron

racer Says:
Sunday, March 7, 2010 @5:56:30 AM

hi i have used two sided stickytape it did not hurt the head and it helps train your fingers to stay on the head this might help ron

thecowpokepicker Says:
Sunday, March 7, 2010 @5:57:39 AM

Thanks, Ron. I'll try to keep the 1" factor in mind.
Happy Pickin

Texasbanjo Says:
Sunday, March 7, 2010 @7:37:13 AM

You're probably trying to play too fast too soon and your brain and fingers just aren't connecting right. Try to slow down for a while, not just a song or two, but for a while until the muscle memory has a chance to settle into place. Too fast, too soon is sloppy picking.