Pushing It Down And Praying Chords: A Comprehensive Guide To Mastering This Guitar Technique

Have you ever heard the term "pushing it down and praying" in relation to guitar playing and wondered what it means? This phrase refers to a specific technique that many guitarists use when tackling challenging chord progressions, particularly when they're struggling with finger positioning or transitioning between chords smoothly. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about pushing it down and praying chords, from the basic technique to advanced tips for mastering it.

Understanding the "Pushing It Down and Praying" Technique

The "pushing it down and praying" technique is essentially a last-resort method that guitarists employ when they're having difficulty with a particular chord or progression. It involves applying extra pressure to the strings, hoping that the chord will sound correctly despite imperfect finger placement. While not the most elegant solution, this technique has saved many guitarists during performances and practice sessions when they needed to get through a challenging passage.

This approach typically involves several key elements:

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1. Increased finger pressure - Applying more force than usual to ensure the strings make contact with the fretboard
2. Quick finger placement - Moving fingers rapidly into position without perfect accuracy
3. Mental preparation - Mentally preparing for the possibility that the chord might not sound perfect
4. Quick recovery - Being ready to adjust fingers immediately if the chord doesn't sound right

The Origins and Evolution of the Technique

The "pushing it down and praying" method has been around for decades, though it's rarely discussed in formal guitar education settings. Many professional guitarists have admitted to using this technique during their early learning years or even in live performances when under pressure.

The phrase likely originated in informal guitar communities, where players would share their struggles and coping mechanisms. Over time, it has become a recognized term within the guitar community, often mentioned in online forums and social media groups dedicated to guitar playing.

Common Scenarios Where This Technique Is Used

There are several situations where guitarists might find themselves resorting to the "pushing it down and praying" approach:

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• Learning new chords - When first attempting complex chords like barre chords or extended chords
• Speed transitions - When trying to transition between chords quickly during fast-paced songs
• Performance anxiety - When nerves affect finger dexterity during live performances
• Physical fatigue - When fingers are tired from extended playing sessions
• Cold hands - When playing in cold environments affects finger flexibility

Proper Technique vs. Pushing It Down and Praying

While the "pushing it down and praying" technique can be useful in certain situations, it's important to understand the difference between this approach and proper guitar technique. Proper technique involves:

• Correct finger placement - Positioning fingers close to the frets without touching them
• Appropriate pressure - Using just enough pressure to create clean notes without straining
• Efficient hand positioning - Keeping the wrist and arm in comfortable positions
• Smooth transitions - Moving between chords with controlled, deliberate movements

Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Your Chord Technique

If you find yourself frequently using the "pushing it down and praying" method, consider these steps to improve your overall chord technique:

1. Start with proper finger positioning - Place your fingers as close to the frets as possible without touching them
2. Use minimal pressure - Apply only the pressure needed to produce a clean sound
3. Practice chord shapes slowly - Focus on accuracy before speed
4. Develop muscle memory - Repeat chord shapes regularly to build familiarity
5. Work on finger independence - Practice exercises that improve individual finger control

Common Chord Problems and Solutions

Many guitarists struggle with specific chords that often lead to the "pushing it down and praying" approach. Here are some common problematic chords and solutions:

F Major Chord

The F major chord is notoriously difficult for beginners due to the barre technique required. Instead of pushing down hard and hoping for the best:

• Practice partial F chords (playing only the top four strings)
• Use a capo to transpose the chord to a more comfortable position
• Practice barre exercises to build finger strength gradually

Barre Chords

Barre chords require significant finger strength and can lead to the praying technique:

• Focus on proper thumb placement behind the neck
• Build finger strength through specific exercises
• Practice barre chords on higher frets where the string tension is lower

Stretch Chords

Chords that require significant finger stretching can be challenging:

• Practice finger stretching exercises
• Use a guitar with a narrower neck if possible
• Start practicing these chords higher on the fretboard where the frets are closer together

Exercises to Build Finger Strength and Accuracy

To reduce reliance on the "pushing it down and praying" technique, incorporate these exercises into your practice routine:

1. Spider exercises - These improve finger independence and strength
2. Scale practice - Playing scales slowly and accurately builds precision
3. Chord transitions - Practice switching between challenging chord pairs
4. Pressure exercises - Practice applying minimal pressure to produce clean notes

When the Technique Can Be Useful

While developing proper technique is always the goal, there are situations where the "pushing it down and praying" approach can be strategically useful:

• Quick fixes during performances - When you need to get through a song despite technical difficulties
• Testing new chord shapes - When experimenting with unusual chord voicings
• Building confidence - When you need to play through a challenging section to prove to yourself it's possible

The Psychology Behind "Pushing It Down and Praying"

The mental aspect of guitar playing is often overlooked. The "pushing it down and praying" technique is as much a psychological strategy as it is a physical one. It represents:

• Overcoming perfectionism - Accepting that not every note needs to be perfect
• Managing performance anxiety - Having a backup strategy when nervous
• Building resilience - Continuing to play despite technical difficulties

Alternative Approaches to Challenging Chords

Instead of relying on the "pushing it down and praying" method, consider these alternatives:

1. Chord voicings - Learn alternative fingerings for the same chord
2. Capo usage - Use a capo to play chords in more comfortable positions
3. Partial chords - Play simplified versions of complex chords
4. Open tunings - Experiment with alternate tunings that make certain chords easier

Equipment Considerations

Sometimes, equipment issues can make chords more difficult to play, leading to the "pushing it down and praying" approach. Consider these factors:

• String gauge - Heavier strings require more pressure
• Action height - High action makes chords more difficult to play
• Neck width - Narrow necks can make certain chords easier
• Fret condition - Worn frets can make clean notes harder to produce

Developing a Growth Mindset

The journey from relying on the "pushing it down and praying" technique to developing proper chord technique is a valuable learning experience. Embrace this growth mindset:

• Celebrate small improvements - Acknowledge progress in your chord playing
• Be patient with yourself - Developing proper technique takes time
• Stay consistent - Regular practice yields the best results

Conclusion

The "pushing it down and praying" technique, while not ideal, is a common experience for many guitarists. Understanding when and why this approach is used can help you develop better habits and improve your overall playing. By focusing on proper technique, building finger strength, and maintaining a growth mindset, you can reduce your reliance on this last-resort method and become a more confident, capable guitarist.

Remember that every guitarist's journey is unique, and even professional players have moments where they need to "push it down and pray." The key is to use these moments as learning opportunities and continue working toward mastery of your instrument. With patience, practice, and the right approach, you'll find yourself handling challenging chords with confidence and precision, making the "pushing it down and praying" technique a thing of the past.