spider legs variation


paddyz1
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Joined: 10/22/08
Posts: 36
paddyz1
Registered User
Joined: 10/22/08
Posts: 36
11/09/2008 10:26 pm
I have been practising for a while now but seem to be touching the strings that are lower.

(I am new to this so my notes may be wrong)
Question

Is it good practice to play the spider legs exercise with this variation?

Starting with the 6th string play the F with index finger, then play the 5th string open,

Next is F sharp (i think) with the middle finger, then play the 5th sting open again.
Carry on doing this till I reach the D on the 2nd string (with 3 finger exercise) or D sharp (with 4 finger exercise)

Basically playing a lower open string after each fretted note

Will this help me play independant notes or am I using bad habits
# 1
LisaMcC
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Joined: 11/02/06
Posts: 4,009
LisaMcC
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Joined: 11/02/06
Posts: 4,009
11/10/2008 2:50 am
Hi Paddy-

That sounds like a really good adaptation of Spider Legs for you. The good thing about the Spider Legs exercise is that you can customize it to fit your own skill level and abilities.
I am guessing that after some time working with your variation, your fingers will begin to gain the strength and coordination to advance the challenge.
Keep at it! It's all good -
-Lisa
Lisa McCormick, GT Instructor
Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Blues

Full Catalog of Lisa's Guitar Tricks Tutorials
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# 2
paddyz1
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Joined: 10/22/08
Posts: 36
paddyz1
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Posts: 36
11/10/2008 7:28 am
Thanks Lisa. So you don't think i am forming any bad habits? I am begginner level on guitar fundamentals 1 and do not wish to get any bad habits in this early stage.
# 3
uruxboy
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Joined: 10/19/08
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uruxboy
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Posts: 5
11/11/2008 6:57 pm
ey.. can u sendme like a link where i can see how the spider legs exercice goes? im a begginer and every new exercise is good for me.. thanx
# 4
paddyz1
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Posts: 36
paddyz1
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Posts: 36
11/11/2008 11:25 pm
Originally Posted by: uruxboyey.. can u sendme like a link where i can see how the spider legs exercice goes? im a begginer and every new exercise is good for me.. thanx

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=11115&s_id=424
# 5
LisaMcC
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Joined: 11/02/06
Posts: 4,009
LisaMcC
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Joined: 11/02/06
Posts: 4,009
11/12/2008 2:38 am
Hi Uruxboy-

I don't see how your adaptation of the exercise puts you at risk of bad habits. It sounds to me like you've come up with a smart adaptation for your particular skill level.

Just keep in mind that as your adaptation gets easier for you, you'll eventually want to try to up the ante by moving towards playing each fret sequentially, without that open string spacer in between. And then increase the speed, introduce alternate picking, random patterns, etc.

The idea of Spider Legs is that you ramp it up gradually, as your skills improve. You decide when and how to ramp it up, given the variations presented in the tutorial.

There are many may ways to ramp it up (feel free to ask me for suggestions as you get to that point). But before you do so, make sure you are holding yourself accountable for getting good results (tone, rhythm, etc.) out of whatever level you are currently working on. It is not a great idea to move on to more advanced challenges before the more basic challenges are under your belt.

-Lisa
Lisa McCormick, GT Instructor
Acoustic, Folk, Pop, Blues

Full Catalog of Lisa's Guitar Tricks Tutorials
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# 6

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