Build and Maintain Hand Strength for Guitar
Speed Up the Learning Process
When you first start out as a guitar player, your grip is probably going to be pretty weak. This is problematic for holding down your notes for long periods of time, and can make barre chords a nightmare.
Using the Varigrip from Planet Waves can speed up building your grip strength, which can lead to enjoying the learning process of guitar even more.
Get Rid of that Weak Pinky
A very common issue guitarists seem to share is having a weak pinky.
Using this hand exerciser can absolutely help you strengthen that pinky. Help Build Callouses
A very unique feature that comes with the Varigrip is the callus builder.
This can be useful for those who may be away from their guitar and want to make sure they don't lose those calluses. 
What Other Users of the Varigrip Had to Say
"This is Fantastic! Has definitely improved my finger dexterity and hand strenght! Very small and durable. After two months there has been a noticable improvement! This even though I already have been using one of the "A" shape spring grip strenght devices for years. Have yet to need to increase the spring tension wheels, although it is good to know the capability is there. Easy to stash in your pocket, a guitar case, keep on your desk or night stand, and use while driving. The removable back cushion reveals three parallel simulated string ridges to help keep your finger calluses in good shape."
-Robert G.
"Bought this for guitar playing strength!! Very helpful even after just a week!!My fingers are much stronger I know because I couldn't snap my fingers on left hand.I can get a loud snap out now!!I have to use it on right hand too because my left hand is getting stronger!!Seems like it's made well. Don't know how other people's fell apart?? The callus builder really works & hurts!! Each fingers resistance is adjustable.Instructions on how to best use exerciser are very helpful.I'm very happy with this exerciser & the price was right!!I'll keep ya posted but for now, after a week, I'm very satisfied!!
1 Month later: Still holding up great. Much improved strength in my fingers, hands & forearms.Exercises the whole finger depending on what part you use to push down.This thing is PERFECT for guitar players!"
-Joe Joe Gadget
"First, let me say that I have not had ANY issues with the device breaking or the little finger pistons/springs popping out. I've had mine for over a year and it is still fully functional. I use both functions (finger movement and the flipside fingertip toughener) with no problems. With that said, I can definitely see how, with improper use, you could dislodge the pistons. The key to me is to apply your pressure as straight up and down as possible. If you try to squeeze the finger pistons down at an angle then you are applying a large amount of lateral force in addition to the vertical force. The pistons are not built to hold up to large amounts of lateral force and it causes them to dislodge. The device should be held between the fingers and the thumb not between the fingers and the base of your palm (at an angle). It's harder this way but it is supposed to be hard. Just turn the tension down and build up to it."
-Josh
CLICK HERE
|
  |
Share Your Thoughts
Have you used a Varigrip before? Perhaps something similar?
Share what you think of it in the comments section!
Share what you think of it in the comments section!
2 Comments
Perfect Portable Amp for Metal Guitarists
|
As someone who travels to student's homes, I need a reliable amp that's portable, battery powered when needed, and allows me to play whatever I want without fast notes getting cut out due to shitty ampness.
|
|
Crunchy Distortion and Pretty Cleans
For a pint sized amp, the tone you can get really impresses me.
The sounds range from good crunchy distortion or light overdrive to
beautiful cleans.
The sounds range from good crunchy distortion or light overdrive to
beautiful cleans.
Built In Guitar Effects
There are a few classic guitar effects built into the amp so you can have fun playing around with different sounds.
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
- Tremelo
- Delay
- Reverb
Amp Demonstration
Until I have a video of my own demonstrating this amp, check out this Guitar World video to hear what this amp can do.
User Reviews
"Plain and simple WOW!!! This amp is really good for people who are just starting out and need a decent, affordable and quality amplifier. It is small, light in weight, can fit your luggage easily when travelling( which I do a lot of), but above all, IT CAN PERFORM!!!!"
-Whitefalcon
"This amp is great for the home. I leave it set up in the living room and you don't notice it being there ... so I don't have to go to another room to sit down and play if the mood strikes me. It also has a powerful output for such a small amp. I would recommend for the home for your own enjoyment or giving lessons etc. A lot of sound from a little box!"
-Bela Walton Jenks iv
"Can't be beat. Portable and great sound. Good effect variety without being overwhelming. Every guitar player should have one."
-Roger M.
|
If you NEED a super portable amp,
I HIGHLY recommend the Roland Micro Cube. |
  |
Share Your Thoughts
Do you have this amp already?
Share what you think of it in the comments section!
Share what you think of it in the comments section!
A Musician's Best Friend
|
A metronome is an ABSOLUTE MUST HAVE for any musician who wants to take their craft seriously.
This is something I preach to my students a LOT! And, I absolutely use a metronome myself to ensure I get the most out of my practice sessions. |
|
Improve Speed and Accuracy
Countless hours of meticulous metronome practice is how I gained my speed and dexterity.
|
When used correctly, metronome practice CAN and WILL improve your
|
|
Favorite Features
Boss's DB-30 Dr. Beat Metronome is pretty straight forward and easy to use. Boss does make much fancier metronomes that are almost like drum machines, but I don't need anything that fancy.
I just want something that keeps the beat, and can have the BPM moved in increments of one BPM. That's exactly what this metronome does, plus some other cool things that have proven useful when working with students.
All my favorite feature are:
I just want something that keeps the beat, and can have the BPM moved in increments of one BPM. That's exactly what this metronome does, plus some other cool things that have proven useful when working with students.
All my favorite feature are:
- You can increase/decrease the tempo by one beat per minute (BPM)
- You can change the number of beats you hear (I prefer to leave it on one)
- You can turn on/off subdivisions like 8th notes, 16th notes, Triplets, etc.
- There is a volume control.
- You can plug in headphones to hear the metronome better, or even hook it up to some speakers with an aux cord.
- You can use the "tap tempo" to tap out how fast/slow you want the metronome to go.
User Reviews
"Folks, this does it all. Choosing your tempo is quick and the "tap" feature is huge when making a big time change. It provides both audible (click) and visual (lights and meter) timing cues."
-Anthony De Lucia Jr.
"Everyone hates carrying around those huge metronome/tuners. This is such a better option. I myself attach it to the strap of my R.B. triple continental bag, via the belt clip on the back, so that way it is always there. It could be a little louder, but I solve that issue by putting in earbuds. Great for subdivision and different syncopation. I would say this a MUST HAVE for any middle school, high school, college, or even professional (yes even they still practice with a metronome)."
-CWH
"The Boss db-30 by DR Beat delivers ! When I need to know the exact BPM I use this product. I have used Dr Beat metronomes for over 25 years. I have a mixer... a pro cd player and several digital software programs that also measure bpms but they seem to be " FOOLED " by complicated bass and drum patterns. NOT Dr. Beat."
-Javis Swanson
CLICK HERE to Get a
Highly Recommended Metronome
|
At only $37.99 for a brand new one (some used ones are available for less) I feel this is a great deal.
Other metronomes can cost 2 or 3 times as much! |
  |
Share Your Thoughts
If you already use this metronome, or use a different one you prefer, please share your thoughts in the comments section!
Author
John Taylor, guitar instructor for Mile High Shred.
Archives
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
Categories
All
Compressors
Guitar Amps
Guitar Picks
Hand Forearm Strength And Health
Hand-Forearm Strength And Health
Instrument Cables
Metronomes
Overdrive Pedals
Pedals
RSS Feed