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Freezing? Snowed in? This'll warm you up! (Original Post) Ohiya Feb 2019 OP
3 of the top 50 The Polack MSgt Feb 2019 #1
Do you play guitar? Cracklin Charlie Feb 2019 #2
Short answer is not any more The Polack MSgt Feb 2019 #3
Not to steal any of TPS's thunder Docreed2003 Feb 2019 #4
Both responses above are right 2naSalit Feb 2019 #5
It's part of being one with the guitar. JudyM Feb 2019 #6
Cool answers! Cracklin Charlie Feb 2019 #7
Snowed in? Time to listen to long versions. LakeArenal Feb 2019 #8

Cracklin Charlie

(12,904 posts)
2. Do you play guitar?
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:04 AM
Feb 2019

Can I ask a question? There may not be any one answer.

Why do guitar players watch their hands so much? I would think they know instinctively where their hands are, but they watch their playing a lot. It’s almost like they are alone with their instrument, even when surrounded by a full band. Kinda cool.

The Polack MSgt

(13,159 posts)
3. Short answer is not any more
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:17 AM
Feb 2019

Longer answer is that I tried for a few years - Got all the way up to mediocre rhythm player and then folded my left had in half in a dirt bike accident.

Never played again even after I got most of my flexibility back.

I always looked because I was visualizing the next move I had to make - but I sucked

I imagine that because of all the time spent practicing when it's just you sitting and playing while looking at the guitar as you play - it becomes a habit

Maybe a "comfort level raiser" while performing

Docreed2003

(16,817 posts)
4. Not to steal any of TPS's thunder
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:19 AM
Feb 2019

But "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" is a super difficult song and you're coordinating two guitars/sometimes three depending on arrangement. It's not that there's not muscle memory in playing the notes, there certainly is, but it's easy to get lost on a fretboard if your not paying close attention. (That's just my 2c but I'm a hack, lol)

2naSalit

(86,039 posts)
5. Both responses above are right
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 11:45 AM
Feb 2019

as far as I can tell. Why do pianists look at their hands?

I don't play anything well enough to pass an audition so I always look. But as a vocalist of several decades, I "read" what is being played, even when I know and have rehearsed the song with the players. I watch the guitars most of the time, or keyboard if that's my accompaniment because we are interacting, when I do look away from the audience.

JudyM

(29,122 posts)
6. It's part of being one with the guitar.
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 12:04 PM
Feb 2019

At least in my experience... while you’re still in the groove with the band, your greater focus and sensory input is the guitar if you’re anticipating and watching it respond to your playing.

Cracklin Charlie

(12,904 posts)
7. Cool answers!
Fri Feb 1, 2019, 12:17 PM
Feb 2019

Very enlightening. I wish I could play an instrument, but can only admire.

I was thinking it could go all the way back to the first time they picked that guitar up. Just it and them kinda thing.

Thanks, players!

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