Breathing

Here it is, the number one habit to internalise, comfortable and constant breathing, it might sound basic and it is, but most players are restricting their breathing when they play. This tendency causes a lot of problems especially for people who want to sing at the same time. If you don't think you have any problems with this, I urge you to examine yourself and really pay attention during tough sections, people don't realise they're doing this because it has come to feel natural.

Here are some things to think about:

- Are you always breathing while you play? You need to make it happen.

- Use your diaphragm and picture your lungs expanding downwards, you should be breathing into your belly, not your chest.

- Breathe in and out through your nose, not your mouth
(more on this: http://www.breathing.com/articles/nose-breathing.htm)

- Is it easier to play on the exhale or the inhale? Practice each one seperately.

- Do you hold your breath during other daily activities? If you have a stressful job or you spend a lot of time in the same position (i.e. sitting in front of a computer) paying attention to your breath and making sure it flows easily will ensure you don't approach the guitar already tense from a tough day.