Guitarists: Most guitarists want to burn up the frets, but they spend little or no time developing their picking hand. Let's start to bridge that gap today by looking at step one of speed picking.

If you want to play faster, use an extra heavy pick. The heavier the pick, the faster your speed will be. Using a heavy/extra heavy pick also improves your tone and your sound. These picks don't bend upon string attack thus eliminating any extra time between your hand movements and sitting contact.

Vocalists: The beginning vocalist needs to develop a tension-free throat. The throat is the voice's first mechanical component. The more relaxed the throat, the better you sound.

Relaxation Tip: Let your fingertips gently rub down your shoulder, face, and throat muscles prior to singing each day.