I have been practicing the pentatonic scale and I am having trouble reaching the E string 8th fret with my pinky and not touching other strings.
Is it okay to be touching other strings if you aren't playing them or is that a bad habit?
It's really hard to only touch the E8 with my pinky without wrist gymnastics that give me a wrist cramp.
I’m not saying this is correct, and it’s been a long time since I went through the fundamentals so not sure what is taught , but I just replicated the A minor pentatonic like you are doing and yes I am touching the 5th string each time. Which mutes it.
But, it sounds fine because my notes are clean when I play the scale.
In fact I’m touching a lot of strings, but again, the notes that are supposed to be clean are.
This year the diet is definitely gonna stick!
I’m not saying this is correct, and it’s been a long time since I went through the fundamentals so not sure what is taught , but I just replicated the A minor pentatonic like you are doing and yes I am touching the 5th string each time. Which mutes it.
But, it sounds fine because my notes are clean when I play the scale.
In fact I’m touching a lot of strings, but again, the notes that are supposed to be clean are.
Awesome, thank you.
Hi deltamike34,
It's great that you are aware of this and paying attention to it.
That said, it will take some time for your finger muscles to develop the strength and coordination and aim to hit every note as cleanly as possible. It's just the physiology of it - and it takes time, keeping at it but not hurting yourself.
One of the main purposes of the positions you show in your photos is DEVELOPING that strength, stretch, coordination, aim. Like bringing your fingers to the gym. You don't get dramatic results except for over time.
Doing the exercise is still very very effective, even if you are not yet getting the note-clarity or exact aim that you ultimately want.
Your hand positioning looks good- thanks for the pics - very helpful.
Be well, Happy New Year! - Lisa
