Author Topic: Warming up (Read 5743 times)

Tarzan · « **on:** April 28, 2007, 04:18:14 PM »

Yes, another (probably stupid) question from me

Is it actually necessary to warm up before practicing?

If so, what do you all recommend to do to warm up, and for how long?

cheers

CJ · « **Reply #1 on:** April 28, 2007, 10:16:58 PM »

jumping jacks.

Muzzzz · « **Reply #2 on:** April 29, 2007, 06:50:30 AM »

That's for you to decide. I only warm up (this applies for piano also) when I feel I need to, like when it's cold or I'm tired, but otherwise you can just start playing what you would normally and you'll pretty quickly reach your peak.

Some people go the way of picking exercises and stretches, but I really don't see the point unless it's before a gig or something.

Some guys (John Myung [Dream Theater]) even warm DOWN after a show, so basically, there is no definate warmup 'method', just do whatever works for you.

Sekhmet · « **Reply #3 on:** April 29, 2007, 10:23:21 AM »

In short.... yes

You'l end up injuring yourself especially if you have a long practise sesion ahead.

Funnily enough it's actually not a good idea to strech befor you play/do sport as you loose 20% of your muscle strength when you stretch, it's best to do stretching on your warm down, and do a more extended warm up that incorperates some light stretchs into it.

(Last thing i learnt befor i quit county badminton)

I just apply this to guitar too.

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #4 on:** April 29, 2007, 10:24:01 AM »

Yes.

Microwave, 20 seconds.

Tarzan · « **Reply #5 on:** April 29, 2007, 04:06:23 PM »

thanks for the replies, but could someone give me something to start with for warming up, that i could then modify to suit myself, as i have never really even thought about it before?

808 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 29, 2007, 04:16:36 PM »

Hope this helps!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=bINkQUbA33o

Tarzan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 29, 2007, 04:35:07 PM »

Thanks 808

808 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 29, 2007, 04:38:14 PM »

No problem bro!

I usually stretch and warm up to scales with a metronome.

Tarzan · « **Reply #9 on:** April 29, 2007, 04:50:03 PM »

what sort of speed do you play at?

Sekhmet · « **Reply #10 on:** April 29, 2007, 08:30:41 PM »

Start off slow so you can get everything accurate and gradually work up, check your hitting the strings cleanly and evenly, maintain a strick picking pattern and don't tense up.

I usually take a bass tempo of 60 bpm and then work from there depending on how difficult the exercise is.

Muzzzz · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2007, 08:37:01 AM »

Hmm, maybe I should warm up...

808 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2007, 04:21:33 PM »

Quote from: Tarzan

what sort of speed do you play at?

16th notes at 120bpm is the fastest I can play scales and finger exercises at the moment. I can't practice as much as I use to after my wife had our little girl. I've been jamming blues for the past year so super speed isn't something I've been concentrating on.

I usually only get an hour to practice now. So, I warm up and work on blues licks and phrasing. I'm still a rocker at heart. I'm really starting to get into Paul Gilbert at the moment.

Tarzan · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2007, 04:35:12 PM »

cheers guys

can anyone give any advice on how to help me stop tensing up? or is it just practice and stop being so eager to get to the higher tempos?

808 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2007, 04:44:11 PM »

Be patient bro!

Work at it at slow tempos and keep increasing the tempo when you can play it clean and evenly.

If you get frustrated with a scale, try picking a lick from one of your favorite guitar solos. Memorize the lick and slow it down on the metronome. Increase the speed as it gets easier to play until you work it up to regular tempo.