Day 3: Pressure Economy (Press Only What You Need)

Watch (3 minutes)

Thomas Viloteau: Advanced Barre

What to listen for: how Thomas decides which strings matter and how that immediately reduces effort.

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Do This Today (10–15 minutes)

1) Choose one real barre moment

Pick one:

• a barre chord, or
• a short passage from your piece

2) Identify the “must-ring” strings

Ask: Which strings actually need to ring?
Circle them (mentally or on paper).

3) Allow the rest to be imperfect

Play the chord/passage while intentionally not caring if the “unneeded” strings are perfect.
Your job is to protect the essential notes.

4) Add release moments

Whenever a string stops being required:

• lighten the barre
• keep only the pressure needed for the notes that matter

5) Repeat 5 times (less effort each rep)

Do 5 reps, each time aiming for:

• cleaner essentials
• lower overall effort

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Success Check

You’re winning today if:

• your hand feels less tired, and
• the essential notes still speak clearly

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Common Mistake to Avoid

Trying to keep every string perfect “just in case.” That’s the trap that turns barres into an endurance contest.

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Want to Go Deeper?

Viloteau shows many more ways to apply this in real repertoire. If today clicks, the full lesson is a goldmine.

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