This is an brief expansion of the post “Technique Practice Changes Life Patterns.” I’ll be expanding this over the next month to be even more specific.
On Guitar/Bass:
- Too much hand squeezing showing whites under the finger nails.
- Left shoulder raised an inch or two. (The other shoulder for lefties.)
- Mouth muscles are tight, lips are tight as well.
- Harsh picking sound, not smooth. Commonly just holding the pick too tight. (Unless doing a tension/shredding technique, where it needs to be held tightly.)
- Tight jaw.
- Tight neck.
- Lower back gets sore quickly.
On Piano/Keyboard:
- A shoulder raises an inch or two.
- Mouth muscles are tight, lips are tight as well.
- Tight jaw.
- Tight neck.
- Lower back and/or shoulders get sore quickly.
- Feet go up and are resting on the toes.
- Hands are stiff therefore the sound is stiff.
And the remedy for any of these?
Notice and release tension while practicing!
And this is actually a skill that can be developed. (Read my “Guidelines for Practicing a Musical Instrument” for exactly how to do this!)
Very interesting.
Marty B.

