Question: What are some guitar finger independence exercises for the fretting hand?

Tom Hess's Answer: There are many good ways to improve your finger independence on guitar. One way is to choose one of the guitar scales that you are familiar with (I recommend scales that use 3 note per string fingerings), and then instead of using the regular fingering, use only 2 fingers to play the scale. For example, you could try using only your index finger and middle finger or only your ring finger and pinky.

Another guitar finger independence exercise involves focusing on tension control. Choose any guitar lick, technique or pattern. Then observe the amount of tension you are using to play the notes. You will be much more successful at keeping your fingers independent from each other if you do not tense your hand more than necessary and if you relax the finger after it has played its note.

Additionally, to get the most out of practicing guitar, check out this article about guitar exercises.

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