Day 1: Your “Tension Reset” Before Barres

Watch (3 minutes)

Daniel De Arakal: Body Posture

What to listen for: how a small posture change can remove a surprising amount of barre effort.

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Do This Today (10–12 minutes)

1) Set up exactly like the clip

Take 30–60 seconds to set up:

• how you’re sitting
• where the guitar is resting
• how “supported” the instrument feels

2) Test one barre shape

Pick one:

• F major (full barre), or
• a 2-string mini-barre

Play it once. Don’t judge. Just notice.

3) Scan for hidden tension (while holding the shape)

Run this quick scan: shoulders → elbows → wrists → jaw

4) Make one adjustment

Change one thing only (don’t chase 10):

• sit slightly more forward / stable
• lower the shoulders
• let the fretting arm feel heavier / less “held up”
• adjust guitar position so it feels supported

Re-test the barre once.

5) Write your “tension signature”

One line only: My tension signature is: ________________
(e.g., “shoulders lift,” “jaw clenches,” “wrist collapses,” “thumb clamps,” “I hold my breath”)

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Success Check

You’re winning today if:

• the barre feels more stable (even if not perfect)
• your shoulders/neck feel quieter
• you feel less like you’re “muscling” it

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Common Mistake to Avoid

Changing everything at once. Focus on one variable. One improvement.

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Want to Go Deeper?

If you want more “setup fixes” like this (fast, practical), the full lesson is on tonebase — today’s win is simply getting your body on your side.