PRESENCE - Volume 26
Inspiration For Guitarists
17 Common Technique Mistakes
I’m really excited about this week’s upcoming video. It breaks down 17 common soloing technique mistakes I see all the time—and how to fix them. It is scheduled for release this Tuesday so keep your eyes out for it.
Here’s the list (how many are you making?):
1. Playing Too Far from the Fret
For a clean, buzz-free note, fret right up next to the fret wire—not in the middle of the space.
2. Pressing Too Hard
A death grip kills tone, wrecks intonation, and wastes energy—lighten up and let proper finger placement do the work.
3. Picking Too Hard
Let the amp handle volume; picking too aggressively makes your tone harsh.
4. Too Much Alternate Picking
Use relaxed downstrokes for slower phrases; save alternate picking for speed.
5. Floating Picking Hand
Anchor lightly on the bridge or body for control—don’t let your hand “float” in space.
6. Playing Every Note at the Same Volume
Varying your dynamics adds emotion and phrasing; flat dynamics sound robotic.
7. Ignoring Hammer-ons, Pull-offs, and Slides
These techniques give your playing vocal-like expressiveness—don’t pick every note.
8. Sliding from Too Far Away
Short 1–2 fret slides sound cleaner and are easier to land than big, sloppy slides.
9. Lifting the Index Finger on Hammer-ons
Keep it planted to support tone and set up the next note.
10. Hammering Too Far from the Fret
Like fretting, hammer-ons work best right behind the fret wire.
11. Not Planting the Lower Note for Pull-offs
You need the lower note fretted first—otherwise, there’s nothing for the string to ring against.
12. Pulling-Off Away from the Neck
Pull downward, like plucking with your fretting hand, for a clear note.
13. Inconsistent Vibrato
Steady, controlled vibrato (both speed + depth) separates amateurs from pros. Visualize a sine wave.
14. Pulling Sharp with Vibrato
Always return to pitch—don’t let vibrato push notes sharp.
15. Moving the Neck When Bending
Keep the guitar stable; only your fingers should bend the string.
16. Bending with One Finger
Support bends with multiple fingers for better pitch control and less strain.
17. Playing Single Notes on Fingertips
Flatten your fingers slightly for single notes to control muting and tone.
These small fixes can completely change your sound. Watch the video later this week to see demos of each one (plus grab the free PDF + backing track).
Also worth watching:
See you in the next lesson,
Dustin