Digital fingers, analog borders: where guitar apps reach their limits while fingerstyle

In today's digital world, it is tempting to open an app to learn a new instrument. Especially with the guitar - a popular, versatile instrument - there are countless learning offers in the form of videos, courses and interactive apps.

Limits when learning technically demanding guitar music via app - using the example of fingerstyle

But especially in the fingerstyle game , a technically demanding and expressive way of playing, it quickly becomes clear: a real guitar teacher offers clear advantages over every app. In this expert comment of the Zurich Post-Rock musician Sebastian Mussgnug , you will find out why individual training under the guidance of an experienced teacher for fingerstyle guitarists is the better way in the long term.

01 fingerstyle is complex - sophisticated technology needs direct correction

Finger-style guitar is more than just playing chords. This is a way of playing in which you use your mere fingertips to play bass, melody, harmony and rhythm on a guitar at the same time. The following is required for this:

• Precise coordinating the right hand (thumb for the bass, fingers for melody and chords),
• Left hand method for precise gripping actions,
• Timing and dynamics,
• Know how to organize songs and how they are put together.

Apps sometimes have workouts, tabs and even illustrations with representations about the desired style of play. But they cannot help you to solve aspects in the guitar playing, for example if your thumb is too tense, you play Barré chords with your left hand or you have fluctuations in timing. A real teacher can recognize these mistakes immediately and remedy them immediately before negative habits creep in or even solidify.

Using the example of the Australian Tommy Emmanuel , one of the best fingerstyle guitarists on this planet, the complexity of this guitar play is very impressive:

02 Individual feedback is invaluable

Different guitarists have different needs and requirements, such as hand size, musical background, learning speed and personal goals.

A real teacher can talk to each student individually about the following things:

• Do you have difficulties with a certain exercise? The teacher offers you another method or an additional step.
• You play a song right, but you don't feel a feeling? The teacher helps you learn something about music and how to play them.
• Are you left -handed or have restrictions on your hand? The teacher adapts the training to your needs.

A guitar-learning app, on the other hand, follows a defined program and does not always know what you are doing and what is not. The risk is great that you are either underwhelmed and lose interest, or be overwhelmed and frustrated.

03 You can't "program" musical expression

The fingerstyle is all about expressiveness . Not only do the appropriate grades have to be played so that a piece sounds "right", but also small details must be observed, such as:

• Attachment strength,
• Tempo runs (Rubato),
• Phrasing,
• Still color by finger position.

It is difficult to correctly show these things in an app. , on the other hand, can help you improve your musical expression by giving you concrete sound examples. and give you specific advice. Advanced players benefit enormously when they learn to go beyond the purely technical.

Avoid or dissolve the blockades

Many guitarists, especially those who play fingerstyle, reach a point where they can no longer improve. There are many reasons why this can happen:

• technical problems (e.g. separation of bass and melody line),
• Loss of motivation,
• Overwhelming techniques to be learned at the same time,
• Frustration due to a lack of progress.

A teacher can help you find out what is wrong, change the exercise plan and motivate the student by giving him fresh ideas or smaller goals that he can work towards. An app, on the other hand, cannot take this spiritual and emotional part of the learning into account, since it is still impersonal and formula.

05 structure and focus on learning objectives

Having a real teacher is advantageous for music lessons because it is well structured. Experienced teachers create personalized learning programs that take into account your skills, the available time and what you want to learn musically.

For example, you get:

• a meaningful exercise structure (technology, repertoire, theory),
• A realistic assessment of your progress,
• Regularly new impulses and challenges.

Apps usually have a lot of content, but they don't always tell you how to best use it. Many students lose themselves in it, try too many things, but actually don't really learn anything deeply. This context is very crucial in the finger style, both if you play along and if you later write melodies yourself.

06 Learning includes personal exchange

The direct conversation with a teacher is an important advantage:

• You can ask questions at any time - also about theory, equipment or music history.
• You get answers that are tailored to your context.
• You will be encouraged to reflect on the actual games.

Exchange helps us to learn more about music and become more independent, as well as to improve their technical skills. Finger style is also a creative profession that includes writing, arranging and interpreting music. An app can get you to play, but it cannot help you become an extraordinary musician.

07 Long -term motivation through human closeness

To speak to a lecturer, be it in weekly individual courses or in regular coaching sessions, is motivating. You build a personal connection, get praise and constructive criticism and the feeling that your concerns are heard. This makes people more committed and helps them stay on course, even if they don't have much time or are not very confident.

Many students report that they have retained the instrument for a long time because the teacher understood and supported them. An app cannot do this in this sustainable form.

08 Flexibility and topicality of the lesson

An experienced fingerstyle teacher can adapt to new situations.

• Would you like to learn a certain song? The teacher can disassemble the piece into meaningful components and show you a functioning version.
• Would you like to learn something about open moods or playing percussion? The teacher uses this precisely for you in class.
• Do you have a short -term goal, such as a wedding, a performance or recording? This can also be treated in a specifically in one -on -one interview.

At apps you are tied to ready -made content. They are often technically complex, but are limited in terms of content. There is not much room for new trends, personal wishes or innovative skills that can be added quickly.

Conclusion of a professional music teacher: apps as a supplement - but no substitute

Apps have had a long development history and are popular because they inspire you, be fun and offer access to many different resources. But they reach their limits, especially when playing fingerstyle guitar. Individual teaching remains without alternative because of the demanding mix of technology, expressiveness, coordination and personal interpretation.

A good teacher doesn't just know a lot; He also has experience, sensitivity and a sense of how music should grow. ”

Having a teacher at his side is excellent for anyone who really wants to learn fingerstyle guitar in a clean, creative and musical way. Apps can be helpful, especially at the beginning, but you individual guitar lessons .