[Strumming] Things guitarists should know about their body

Hi, my name is Fujioka Takuto and I play the guitar in an acoustic unit called BABY BABY.
Last time I wrote about how to hold a pick, and many people told me "I read the article!", and I was very happy.
I would like to share more articles to help you enjoy music more!

This time in the 2nd column, I would like to take a look at strumming based on the body structure!

Rhythmic and smooth strumming is a permanent challenge for guitarists, isn’t it?
However, I often hear regarding the strumming that
"Use the elbow as the fulcrum, and relax your wrist and shoulders."
"Shake your hand as if you are draining the water after washing your hands. "

Don’t you think it’s unclear as to which part actually to move, the elbow or the wrist?
Where is the part moving around the elbow as a fulcrum?
How does your hand move when you shake water from your hands?
Especially for guitar beginners, they tend to focus on the movements of the elbow and wrist.
In fact, that was the case when I started playing the guitar. The “forearm" plays an important role when strumming!
First, let's take a look at the structure of the forearm!

The part from the elbow to the wrist is called the "forearm".
It consists of two bones, the radius (which is located on the thumb side) and the ulna (this is located on the pinky side).
Then, when the palm is rotated, the radius moves around the ulna so that it twists.
This movement is called "pronation" or "supination".

Hold the wrist with the other hand and rotate the wrist! You can see how the radius is moving around the ulna.
Because of this movement, the palm looks like it’s rotating. This inward and outward movement is an important movement for strumming!
When strumming, the forearm is rotated in and out with the elbow as the fulcrum. It is often said that "that person has a soft wrist", and when focusing on the smoothness of the strumming, the flexibility of the wrist is often emphasized, but it is impossible to strum only by relaxing the elbow and wrist!

However, there is no point in strumming focusing on only the "pronation" or "supination".
Make sure to focus on the elbow movement, forearm movement, and wrist movement to move smoothly and in tandem.
If your strumming is awkward, it is likely your forearm is tense and fixed in position!

When I learned about the structure and movement of joints in this way, I said first
"With the elbow as the fulcrum, the wrist is soft and the shoulder is relaxed."
"Stroke like when you wash your hands and shake the water off"
I think that this analogy has come to feel more concrete!
By understanding the structure of your body, you will be more conscious of your body's movements, you will be able to feel the movements, and you will be able to eliminate unnecessary power and movements!

I don't think there is a correct answer on how to play the guitar. What I wrote about strumming is not everything. However, I think that if you can control your own body, you will be able to express yourself more freely!
Enjoy playing the guitar and have a good life! Bye now!