David introduces some great exercises for callus development and finger independence.
Taught by David Wallimann in Basic Electric Guitar with David Wallimann seriesLength: 10:54Difficulty: 1.5 of 5
When you begin playing guitar, you will likely find your fingertips hurting frequently. It is important to develop calluses, or hardened skin, on the fingertips so that it doesn’t hurt to play the guitar. You will learn some exercises in this lesson to help you build calluses.Scene 2: Finger Exercises
Here is an exercise that will not only help you build calluses on your fingertips, but will help you with finger strength and coordination. Remember that it is normal for it to hurt in the beginning and it’s ok to take a break if you need to.
Start by assigning a fret to each finger of your left hand. The index finger will play the 1st fret, the middle finger will play the 2nd fret, the ring finger will play the 3rd fret, and the pinky will play the 4th fret. Start on the 6th string and play the pattern 1 2 3 4. Then play the same pattern on each string until you work your way to the 4th fret on the 1st string. Now do the same thing in reverse: start on the 1st string playing the pattern 4 3 2 1. Play that pattern down each string until you reach the 1st fret on the 6th string.
Focus on plucking the string with the right hand at the exact same time as you put your finger down with the left hand. Also, when you play a note, try to visualize the next note you are going to play on the fretboard.Scene 3: Finger independence
The following exercise is similar to the last one, but will help you master controlling each finger independently.
Start by assigning the same fingers to the same frets as you did in the previous exercise. Play the pattern 1 2 on each string, starting at the 6th string going up to the 1st string. Then play the same pattern (1 2) in reverse: start at the 1st string and go down to the 6th string. Next play the pattern 2 1 on each string from the 6th to the 1st. Then play 2 1 on each string from the 1st to the 6th.
Try doing this exercise with every combination of two fingers possible. Don’t worry about going fast, just make sure you are getting a good tone on every note that you play.Scene 4: Final Thoughts
Since a major goal of these exercises is to promote callus development on the fingers, it is normal for it to be painful at first. There’s no need to overdo it; take a break if your fingers hurt too bad. You are also trying to build the muscles in your hands and fingers, so drink some water and take a break if your muscles are feeling tense. They will get stronger with practice.
David Wallimann will start you on your electric guitar playing journey in this Phase 1 series.
David Wallimann introduces himself, talks about his background, and offers advice to new players.Length: 4:28 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
David introduces you to all the parts of your new instrument in this lesson.Length: 11:18 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
This is a crucial lesson that explains tablature, how to read it, and why it's important.Length: 7:03 Difficulty: 1.0 FREE
David introduces some great exercises for callus development and finger independence.Length: 10:54 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
David Wallimann provides an introduction to chords. In this lesson, you will learn how to read chord charts. David also explains how to play your first eight chords.Length: 17:03 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
David Wallimann teaches six barre chords in this lesson beginning with F major. Get ready for a hand workout!Length: 10:26 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
David walks you through some easy chord progressions and encourages you to make up some of your own.Length: 8:17 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
David Wallimann talks about the importance of rhythm and timing. You will learn the basics of notes, time signatures and measures in this lesson.Length: 14:00 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
David Wallimann goes over some basic rock techniques in this lesson.Length: 16:45 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
David Wallimann provides some tips that will improve both your right and left hand technique.Length: 13:45 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
David Wallimann shows how adding one note to the minor pentatonic scale creates the minor blues scale.Length: 10:54 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About David Wallimann
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David was born in Aix-en-Provence, South France in 1977. At the age of 15, he picked up the guitar and started developing a true love for instrumental music and composition.
In 1999 he was recognized by Ibanez for his promising musical achievements and received an artist endorsement. That early recognition in David's musical career encouraged him to consecrate more time on crafting his musical art and apply to the school of modern music Artist' in Cavaillon, France. He received a full scholarship there where he graduated with honors.
In 2001, David won first place for the Tal Farlow French national jazz contest which gave him a full paid scholarship to the CMA school of modern music in Valenciennes, France. He graduated specializing in advance guitar with honors.
Following his school years, David spent the next 5 years working with several bands recording, writing and playing shows in France and Belgium. It's during that time that Wallimann was exposed to the world of progressive rock which opened new doors to his musical creativity.
Deep inside the Mind is his first release as a solo artist in which he exposes his Christian faith. The album was well received in the specialized press and was compared several times to some of Frank Zappa's approach to music adding an element of humor to deep subjects.
In 2005 he joined the internationally renown progressive band Glass Hammer based in Chattanooga, TN. He released several studio albums and live DVDs with the band.
David is today working on his next upcoming solo release and is also spending quite a bit of time teaching guitar in his studio and online at JamPlay.
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