I mentioned the fingertip challenge in my last post. I'm seeing immediate results from the exercise, so I figure it deserves an explanation.

I start with my 1st finger on the 1st fret, 1st string. I fret the note first with my thumb behind the neck, as hard as I can for about 15 seconds or until I go cross-eyed. If I really do it as hard as I can, it can be quite painful on the fingertips but tolerable until my eyes cross. Then I switch to the rock/blues grip with my thumb over the top of the neck, holding it more like a dumbbell than a cigar, and fret the same note as hard as I can. I repeat this process for all fingers all over the neck. I usually proceed to 2nd finger, 2nd fret, 2nd string, and zigzag all up and down the neck.

As long as I don't overdo it, my fingers always feel stronger immediately after completing this exercise, and even better a few hours or a day later. Bends and vibrato feel more controlled. (I find it helps to add vibrato during the exercise.) It keeps my calluses in great shape too.

Today's Summary

• I spent most of today finishing the design for the new site. Enjoy.
• fingertip challenge during more of The Office, 1 hr
• SRV: more review, playing "Lenny" better than I ever have before, also more "Dirty Pool" strumming, 2 hrs
• still need to get back to those swinging quintuplets