How to practice legato runs?

[xenor]

Hi There!

I'm studying a piece now, which has 2-3 bar long legato runs. I have to pick only when I change the string. How should I practice them? If I practice slowly there's no sound coming after 2nd note. If I practice at the correct speed; the rhythmic values are wrong? What to do??

[bRekovsKi]

You might have to work on your overall finger strenght to cope with this problem.. an exercise which has worked ok for me is to play minor seconds on each string with each finger, if you understand me...
for instance, on the high e, you can play:
1h2p1h2p1h2p1h2p1h2p1 with your first and second finger, then play 2h3p2h3p2h3p2h3p2 with your second and third finger, 3h4p3h4p3h4p3h4p3h4p3h4p3 with your third and fourth... don´t leave out the weakest fingers on your hand from your legato(and general) playing, this will catch up with you over time. Practice with a metronome, and try to hold each finger for at least 15 seconds. Add 8-10bpm every week, and try to keep it clean and tight, start on a level which you can pull of perfectly, and increase from there. Progression is the key, my friend.
Well...
did this make any sense? :confused:

edited: i see now that my english is totally messed up
, but bear with me, i am tired and norwegian.

[curiousgeorge]

Do each variation for a minute each for maximum benefit using a metronome and starting slow. It's called the 6-minute trill.

[DemonSorcerer]

I agree...

Trills are the best exercises for legato stuff...they're the basic and most important bits of longer legato runs, since they're basically lil' hammer ons and pull offs...great point in the Metronome part...you can also try a watch and practice each trill for a minute each...try 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 at first (fingers 1 2 3 and 4 on frets 5 6 7 8 - DUH)...then increase the space between the fingers...always try to hammer on with enough finger strenght, otherwise the note won't sound right...

David

[curiousgeorge]

To keep time to a minute each on those trills, I just look at the time on the cable box while I watch TV! :D

[xenor]

Practice with a metronome, and try to hold each finger for at least 15 seconds. Add 8-10bpm every week, and try to keep it clean and tight, start on a level which you can pull of perfectly, and increase from there.

I'm a bit confused with the holding thing. Is it like this:
E: 1st finger 1st fret - hold for 15 seconds
2nd finger 2nd fret- hold for 15 seconds? or:

trill using 1st & 2nd fingers for 15 seconds (using a metronome) then trill using 2nd&3rd fingers?

[Sir Speedy]

To augment what has been already said , i give you this exercise, in TAB with a Fretboard .

[xenor]

thanks for all replies!

[Sir Speedy]

Your welcome!

Remember if your finger tip don't start bleeding , your not done with the exercise .If your calouses fall off, Don't worry ,that's what crazy glue is for.:D