Questions tagged [technique]
For questions about ways to use one's instrument or voice precisely to produce a desired musical effect.
1,123
questions
2
votes
2answers
94 views
Alkan Prelude in A-flat minor Op 31 No 8 - how properly use sostenuto pedal in this piece?
Link to the score
This is the first piece I've attempted that calls for sostenuto pedal rather than sustain pedal throughout (assuming I'm interpreting the notation correctly). Other than sempre Ped. ...
6
votes
6answers
803 views
Is it possible to get a mandolin style tremolo on an acoustic guitar?
Somewhat inspired by my other question about the pipa
I believe the Mandolin's unique sound comes from the tremolo made possible by double coursing. Is it possible in principle to get a similar sound ...
2
votes
4answers
100 views
Trouble with barre
I am having trouble playing pieces that require barre technique. I am currently playing Francisco Tarrega's "Gran Vals". In that piece, for example, if I try and barre the second fret only ...
9
votes
8answers
5k views
Is maximum speed a thing?
When playing guitar, piano, or any other instruments, I am always stuck on a certain speed limit, and I can't seem to get past that limit. I've tried practicing with a metronome (It didn't t work), I'...
2
votes
3answers
75 views
Piano - Triplets turn into sixteenths
I am having trouble with playing triplets at higher speeds (such as at the end of the Pathetique Sonata, 3rd movement). I find that when I speed things up to tempo that the triplets always turn into ...
0
votes
1answer
57 views
If I am going to dabble in the world of music, what aspect should I train more to build a solid base, and thus obtain better results(?) [closed]
Good morning, I think I summarized it pretty well in the question, however, I mean exactly that "push" that a beginner must have, something that avoids excessive stumbles in their learning, ...
4
votes
1answer
49 views
Is it safe to use thumb position in lower positions on cello?
A piece I've been playing has a notation to use the thumb in 2nd position on cello (with thumb on the D-string F# specifically, where first finger would go in normal 2nd position). I tried it out but ...
0
votes
4answers
101 views
Why is my pinky rotated towards the ring finger when it is on the fretboard?
As you can see the pinky is twisted towards the ring finger causing it to mute strings.
Is there a way to fix this?
2
votes
0answers
31 views
Why is my pinky always rotating towards the ring finger on the fretboard? [closed]
My pinky finger is always rotated towards the ring finger, causing it to mute strings because it's flat on the side
How can I make it straight?
2
votes
0answers
33 views
Nerve damage in middle finger fretting hand? [closed]
I have been playing guitar for 20 years and up until a month ago played regularly every day. A month ago I noticed that I was getting an intermittent burning sensation in the underside of my left ...
2
votes
4answers
761 views
How do people play fast tremolo on guitar (with a plectrum)?
I've noticed that to play good, consistent sounding tremolo, especially on short, thick strings, you can't just move the pick back and forth because the sound is inconsistent - the string doesn't ...
5
votes
1answer
60 views
Is there a name for “singing between registers”, as if one as at the end of their range, to produce multiple notes?
I've been experimenting with singing a note and then slowly devoicing it or applying less pressure with my, usually near the top of my chest / modal(?) register, and trying to get that harsh sound ...
3
votes
3answers
121 views
Touching muted strings with picking hand
When I move across strings quickly (e.g. on arpeggios), I can feel bumping lightly into muted strings. For example when I inside-pick E and A, I will start with an upstroke on E and then slightly ...
14
votes
6answers
3k views
Where should I press white keys - between black keys or below them?
I've been learning to play piano for couple of weeks, and I've faced a question that has some controversial answers on the internet:
What is the correct position of 2-3-4 fingers on white keys (WK) ...
3
votes
1answer
52 views
How to get rid of a sharp resonance in the first formant region during singing?
On recordings I've noticed, when I belt, my voice tends to have a sharp resonance in the region of the first formant, typically when the 2nd harmonic hits the 1st formant, causing it to become ...
11
votes
1answer
511 views
How is this dissonant harp sound achieved?
In "L’Impatiente de Balfour" for viola and harp by Claire-Mélanie Sinnhuber, there are some harp notes that sound somehow dissonant and metallic, almost like a prepared piano. In this video ...
1
vote
0answers
27 views
Recommendations for dobro instruction books [closed]
I’m a mostly self taught, intermediate guitar player. I recently started playing dobro in open G tuning and love it. I’m looking for recommendations for instruction books. I want to learn harmonized ...
2
votes
1answer
144 views
Where is the most “realistic” CDP-S100's volume level that is closest to real acoustic piano?
As a very beginner I've bought the CDP-S100. It seems enough at least for first year of leisurely learning.
But while practicing, I noticed that I apply different force to keys depending on volume ...
2
votes
3answers
91 views
How to fix dissonant legato scale technique hammer-ons on acoustic guitar?
I was trying to do the technique described in this video on my acoustic guitar.
My hammer-ons sounded really dissonant once I got to around the 12th fret and above:
...
3
votes
4answers
244 views
What is this embellishment called?
There's a technique I've seen used a lot in jazz, gospel, pop singing, etc. where someone will play a note and play a quick semitone up and back down into another note. Heres an audio example. Does ...
1
vote
1answer
77 views
Ideas on How to Play This
I've played piano for many years and am learning an arrangement of a medley of The Greatest Showman by David MacDonald — you can see his video here. I'm very much liking this arrangement!! Amazing ...
2
votes
1answer
69 views
Is there a word or music term for when a singer is mimicing the instrument, like at the beginning of the song Dang Me by Roger Miller? [duplicate]
Title is self-explanatory. I'm asking if there is a word or musical term for when a singer is mimicking the sound of the instrument that's playing. An example of what I'm asking for is at the very ...
3
votes
2answers
92 views
Why do I hit some notes only on some days
I'm a lyric baritone. My lowest modal note is D2 (I just developed it few months ago). My higher notes however seem to pose a problem. I can sing an F#4 in just about any day, however, my G4 seems ...
8
votes
3answers
3k views
Why do guitarists move fingers up and down on the same note?
Usually at the end of playing a set of notes, I have noticed guitarists move a string up and down on the last note of that part (although not so much such that it classifies as a bend).
What is this ...
1
vote
1answer
47 views
Synchronizing right hand with left
I'm getting back into seriously playing guitar after a few years and I've noticed a synchronization problem.
My left hand is much faster than my right hand while alternate picking sixteenth notes, ...
0
votes
1answer
52 views
Difference (if any) between legato scale technique on acoustic vs. electric?
Are there any differences between legato scale technique on acoustic guitar, and how it is explained in this video for electric guitar?
5
votes
3answers
882 views
Is it bad to make a drums double stroke roll using the rebound?
Watching a lot of YouTube videos about how to make a clean double stroke roll, and I was wondering why so many people on the videos say "do not rely on the rebound"!
Is it a bad habit to ...
1
vote
2answers
57 views
Violin left-hand thumb position
Adult self-taught violinist here. I've been learning for about three years.
I've developed a habit of allowing the left-hand thumb to protrude rather high above the fingerboard, so that the neck of ...
2
votes
2answers
69 views
Having tough time with bottom finger skin hitting bottom guitar strings
I'm a "beginner" at guitar playing, been actively on my guitar for at least a month practising every day. I've enrolled with Guitartricks, I've been watching MANY Youtube videos on beginner ...
2
votes
3answers
138 views
What do you do to transcend physical technique?
Sometimes when I practice a lot, I get into a mode of thinking purely of music, and forget my hands. Once in a while, I feel like I'm a god of piano-- I hear how I want the music to sound with my &...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
Playing a tin whistle or recorder out of the side of your mouth
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to the position of a tin whistle (or penny whistle) on (in?) the mouth?
Some background:
I play flute, so nothing in the mouth. I tongue on various parts of my ...
6
votes
2answers
396 views
How can double-stroke rolls be faster than single-strokes?
How can double-stroke (RRLLRRLL) rolls be faster than single-strokes (RLRLRLRL)? If someone can hit 2 notes with the same hand, surely they'll get faster if they intertwine this with the other hand ...
1
vote
3answers
81 views
How does it feel (or where) to change the pitch while singing?
I unfortunately use my larynx while I change my pitch, and I really don't know where or what or how to feel while I change my pitch without using my larynx. How do I even control my vocal cords ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
Why do the members of one orchestra generally sway while playing, and the others don't?
I'm listening/watching to two videos on YouTube with two different orchestras, each playing a rather distinct style of music, but the members of one really seem to get into the physicality of playing
...
1
vote
2answers
173 views
On piano how do I play one note, and the same note an octave higher with one hand?
I have been playing piano for a few months now, and I have come to a roadblock, in this one song I play CDEFG C on octave 4, while I do the same on octave 5. All of this is with one hand, I have been ...
4
votes
2answers
99 views
Ways to play piano without tensing ones fingers
I am learning Fantasie impromptu C# minor op 66. right now, and my fingers tense up intensely near the ending of the first part before the slow transition; i.e., the place where you play all of the ...
2
votes
2answers
183 views
How to Practice Torrent Etude (Chopin, Op. 10 no. 4) measure 2 [closed]
Even though I got my ARCT 5 years ago and can stretch to reach a 10th, simply put, the torrent etude is the hardest etude I have come across played at the right speed, true presto, like how Richter ...
1
vote
0answers
59 views
Singing body technique: How to blow past vocal glass ceiling?
Two must-do's for singing deal with expanding the vocal apparatus (voicebox, chest, diaphragm) in the outwards and downwards directions:
Puff out ribs when inhaling air as well as during singing
...
4
votes
1answer
111 views
How does one play a longer note interrupted by the same note in another voice? [duplicate]
I found this note and I couldn't figure it out. How can I play D flat 3 beats when I got in the last beat another D flat? The last one interrupt the first one that why I cant play the first D flat All ...
26
votes
11answers
4k views
Are there pieces that require retuning an instrument mid-performance?
Are there any musical pieces that call for the musician to detune/retune the instrument, not in advance like a scordatura, but mid-performance?
I think it would be a neat avant-garde concept—for ...
4
votes
5answers
1k views
Why do guitarists specialize on particular techniques?
I don't play the guitar and have only a casual knowledge. (I was defeated by the barre F chord.) I have the impression, though, that guitarists tend to specialize -- or at least favor -- specific ...
4
votes
1answer
121 views
How do I play these widely spaced keys on keyboard?
I am struggling to play these keys, and I am not getting the right phrase to search on Google for this type of question. It's clearly impossible to play this with 2 hands. If this is played with 3 ...
6
votes
4answers
178 views
How to quickly play octaves with one hand (piano)?
In some songs there are portions where the melody is made of pairs of notes, where the pair spans a whole octave. Sometimes the melody is played pretty quickly. I'm wondering if there's some technique ...
3
votes
3answers
111 views
Exact timing of piano pedal re-engagement
In this example, do I release pedal BEFORE beat 1 of the second measure, or ON beat 1 of the second measure?
8
votes
4answers
2k views
Is it possible to learn how to sing properly without a teacher?
Can you learn to sing with correct technique only using videos and online courses - without feedback from a teacher that guides you? How much of a difference would it make?
1
vote
0answers
51 views
What form is a Waltz in? [closed]
What form is a waltz in? I've heard lots of things coming from lots of people but it is not very clear. I need it for a music theory study.
3
votes
2answers
107 views
Are short finger nails on the strumming hand not uncommon in flamenco and classical guitar?
I'm well aware that longer finger nails are common on the strumming hands of flamenco and classical guitarists. I'm thinking of trimming my nails right back to see if this would impair playing, ...
5
votes
1answer
434 views
Which is the highest note playable on the classical guitar?
Let us consider a standard classical guitar with only 19 frets and 6 strings being played with the standard tunning E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4.
In this configuration, the classical guitar has a 'normal' ...
11
votes
3answers
1k views
What is the best way to play a chord larger than your hand?
I've seen and attempted to play multiple songs on the piano that include chords that are tenths or sometimes even elevenths or twelfths (rarely), and these chords have four or five notes.
If I were to ...
0
votes
3answers
115 views
How can i play walking basslines without hand pain?
I'm playing "Mess Around" by Ray Charles, and the bass is playing the octaves back to back, over and over again. This brings pain in my wrist and makes it hard to play. My hand doesn't ...
