Why is it so hard to play guitar with bad fingers? A Neurological Perspective

Introduction

Have you ever struggled to play the guitar because you believed your fingers were 'bad'? Well, it turns out that the root of your difficulties lies not in your fingers, but in your brain. This article delves into the science behind why we struggle with guitar playing until our brains learn to coordinate those tiny motor movements effectively.

Rethinking Finger Coordination

Take a moment to move your dominant hand and non-dominant hand in various ways: up and down, flexing and extending each finger. You’ll notice a subtle difference – your dominant hand can perform these motions slightly faster and with greater control. This is because the potential for such coordination is already present in your brain. However, separating the little motor movements to fret notes accurately and make chord shapes, and strumming or finger-picking takes time for your brain to learn.

The Role of the Brain

Your brain’s ability to learn and adapt is essential to mastering the guitar. When you practice a sequence of notes, your brain remembers the movements, and with repeated practice, the movements become easier. Eventually, they become so automatic that you don't even have to think about them. This is because your brain forms neural pathways that connect the required movements with the language of music.

Understanding Neural Pathways

Our brains are made up of tiny connections called synapses. When these synapses are linked together, they form neural pathways. Once these pathways are created, they can be recalled at any time, making the movements more efficient. This is why, after extensive practice, you can play any chord, melody, or piece of music almost effortlessly.

Practical Application

Much like learning to knit, paddle a boat, or toss a pizza crust, your brain can be trained to perform the specific tasks required for guitar playing. It's a matter of practice and repetition. By learning hundreds, or even thousands, of note and chord groups and their applications, you'll gain both the ability to play pre-written music and the creativity to create your own lines and note groups.

The Bottom Line

While your fingers may seem 'bad' initially, they are in fact already capable of the movements required. What needs to be trained is your brain. With consistent practice and an understanding of the neurological processes at play, you can overcome your initial difficulties and master the guitar with ease. So, as you practice every day, remember to be patient and focused. Your brain is hard at work, and the more you practice, the better your guitar playing will become.

Have fun on your musical journey!