If your notes are ‘buzzing’ 🐝
First, make sure you are using the tip of your finger in order to more easily apply pressure and to avoid touching adjacent strings.
Second, make sure you’re applying enough pressure.
To find the right pressure, pluck the string while just gently touching the fret with your finger.
Keep plucking the string and add pressure little by little until you hear the note ring out clear.
If playing a note is really difficult 😤
It’s normal to feel this way at first. Over time, you’ll build up your grip strength.
However, it shouldn’t be incredibly difficult to play a note.
If you feel like you have to press your finger really hard on the string and it becomes painful, check on the position of your thumb.
Your thumb should be just on the opposite side of the neck as an anchor point that allows you to more easily apply pressure.
In general, when you feel tension in your fingers, hands, arms, or shoulders, shake them out for a moment and take a deep breath before you continue.
If you feel pain while playing 😖
Take a break and check your technique!
Pain can lead to injuries, which we always want to avoid.
If you feel sharp pain in your hands, forearm, or elsewhere, stop playing!
If you feel a bit of pain on your fingertips from pressing down the string, that’s quite normal.
Keep going but if it gets too uncomfortable, take it easy, don’t just push through. If you just play a little bit each day, you’ll be fine and your fingers will eventually get some calluses.
You can always reach out to us in the chat if you have specific questions.