Smoothness

Playing smoothly is a target of mine, one which has always been hard to hit. Here’s some more from my practicing notebook. I write these things down as they occur to me during practicing sessions. They’re captured thoughts, not yet tamed or even housebroken.

What does it take to play smoothly?

•  minimal thought while playing

•  minimal deciding about notes/movements while playing

•  minimal effort (as long as it’s effective)

•  sync between hands

•  clear mind

•  even up and down strokes (therefore stronger upstrokes that I have now)

•  consistent pick grip

•  consistent right wrist

•  confident pick strokes (assume success)

•  both hand exert minimum effective pressure

•  minimum effective concentration

And, from another day:

Smoothness comes from the absence of physical and mental obstacles. Smoothness is the absence of underbrush.

How do I make my playing smoother?

•  get everything below the line (Minimum Effective Awareness Level)

•  Smoothness is “motional,” not musical. Smoothness is an aspect of fundamental mechanics; it’s not about how I play a particular piece of music or sequence of notes.

•  Get to the most fundamental thing I can work on and make it effortless and efficient.

•  Build confidence of correct execution into each motion.

•  Evaluate my playing for smoothness, and appreciate it when I hit it. 

•  Both hands

•  Relentless patience.