Treatise On “Proper Technique”

If you are a student of guitar, or perhaps just a hobbyist, you’ve heard the term, “proper technique.”  What is proper technique and where does it come from?  Who decided what is and isn’t ”proper?”  And, most importantly, why should you care?  If you are new to playing the guitar, or if you find yourself at a plateau in your playing then you have plenty of reasons to care.   You may want to check out these posts on the specifics of some of the techniques, here, here, here, and here.

Proper technique is crucial. “Proper technique” comes from the experiences of thousands of guitar players over centuries. The virtuoso guitar players from countries across the world have worked out a particular set of postures, movements, etc. that work with the least amount of effort.  They embrace the principles of economy of motion, relaxation, sound projection, dynamics, ergonomics, etc.  These principles will help you to have the greatest ability to play in a number of styles and to express yourself musically without limitation or injury. 

However, these techniques are more suggestions than they are rules. Purposely rebelling against these principles can cause harm, or simply a lack of development. At the same time, there are times when one has to throw what is good and “proper” out the window. There are somethings that will require efficient use of traditional techniques, while other phrases, riffs, etc. will never work with that same “classical” technique.

 There are numerous players that have become excellent guitar players despite playing with techniques, that wouldn’t be considered “proper.”  Does this mean they are bad players?  Of course not.  If the music that they play is making people happy who cares how they play it.  But, many of these players succeed in spite of their technique rather than because of it.  Perhaps they do one thing very well, but can’t play outside of their given genre.  Perhaps, they are uniquely talented and would succeed at guitar playing even if they played with a rusty cat! 

Then how seriously should you take these technique “suggestions?” Very! Learn to play guitar the right way early on, and then once you have proficiency with them feel free to break them. The entire process of playing guitar is awkward for a beginner.  All of the postures and positions feel strange at first.  The only way around that it too become comfortable and relaxed with the techniques that you are given to learn.  Classical technique was not arrived at by accident. It has many, many technical advantages over colloquial techniques, or simply lazy styles of playing. Use it. Get very good at it. And then….use it as you need it; like all tools. But consider this tool your main one. Break out the more exotic tools as needed.

I get grief from players because I believe so strongly in playing with proper technique.  People often say to me, “I don’t hold my guitar like you suggest.  Does that mean I’m doing it wrong?”  The answer is, “Yes!”  Does that mean that they are poor guitar players?  No.  However, I’m not teaching any of my young students to fret notes with their thumbs just because it works well for Eric Clapton.  What if the child wants to play Segovia when he grows up? 

I take my responsibilities as a guitar instructor very seriously.  I’m getting paid good money to impart my knowledge to young (and sometimes old) people.  I would be remiss if I taught them techniques that they will have to unlearn at a later date.  That doesn’t mean that I’m unable to make adjustments to fit a particular players needs.  However, I do it in a way that embraces the philosophies of “proper technique.”