Getting faster fingers.

[The_Toymaker]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

Sigh. I wish I could ask this same question in the Critical Thinking subforum. It seems I'm only getting 1 type of answer here.

What type of answer do you want? You have 1.4b score over four years, I'm sure that has something to do with you not having fast fingers.

[Herogashix]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

Play stupidly difficult songs on stepmania

I did that all the time and it didn't help me much.

What I actually suggest is to go on the isolation engine and play Eclipse (Solar) 32nd Midsection and when it becomes easy to read and play, start playing FMOs(11s).
If that doesn't work, play Stepmania on Judge 4 and just play until you become really awesome. That's kinda what I did for a few years. But it shouldn't take as long as it did with me. (I kept trying to quit.)

[Cyth The Raccoon]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

I'll actually go against what everyone is suggesting. Don't play stuff too far out of your league, and above all else, don't whore it. That can cause some serious wrist/hand concerns that may be permanent, depending on the strain. Unless your body is used to the strain, it'll be a bit overwhelming and counterproductive.

I mean, play difficult files, but don't, say, whore Guillaume Tell (Oni) if you can't even move fast enough for Flight of the Bumblebee. I suggest songs that are just a bit too fast for you. Try songs just one step up, and work from there. You could also play FFR when you're not actually playing it. Sitting at work or school, try tapping your fingers on your desk. It may seem silly, but it goes a long way. :3

You could also pick up an instrument, such as a guitar. That would help tremendously with finger speed, plus it would be fun in the process. Last, I will suggest playing on a semi-regular basis. With only 1.4 billion in 4 years, I assume you don't play too often. DDR simulation games are similar to instruments in the sense that if you slack off and don't practice, it'll show, and the road will take even longer.

Taking about an hour each day to practice some VC's may be an optimal choice. If you don't want to spend that type of dedication to a video game, spend an hour practicing an instrument as stated above. You can read the notes easily as you stated, so there's no need to practice that aspect. Have fun with it! n.n

[EAGAMES]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

Masturbate
Stepmania

Pay attention to details, such as how you are sitting, the position of your hands (whether they're resting on the desk/laptop, or keeping them up) and don't tense your fingers up, although they tense naturally.

[MracY]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

It actually has a lot to do with tension and your wrist. Chances are you're physically restraining yourself from playing faster because you aren't loosening up. A lot of players have found that keeping your fingers sorta hanging upwards (arc your hands up a bit) is a good way to hit keys with your wrists in a position to react at any given moment. Refrain from using other muscles and just make sure it's the fingers and wrist that does the work. Avoid straight fingers - curvature helps. Loosen up.
WRISTS

That's the best advice I can give you. It helps if you understand it from a physical aspect.

Some serious players use stuff like finger weights but don't bother with that. It's all in the wrists.

This is the most awe-inspiring advice ever. I just tried it a bit, and it's like I just used a cheat code on my fingers. I automatically tense up after a while, though, but I'll practice not to.

I always tense up every muscle in my arm / hand to warm up, though. I'm wondering if warming up in a different way would increase my speed further. I think I've read some scientific journal that said something to that effect, but my memory's hazy. I'll do that from now on. Thanks for this masterful tip.

You could also pick up an instrument, such as a guitar. That would help tremendously with finger speed, plus it would be fun in the process. Last, I will suggest playing on a semi-regular basis. With only 1.4 billion in 4 years, I assume you don't play too often. DDR simulation games are similar to instruments in the sense that if you slack off and don't practice, it'll show, and the road will take even longer.

Too bad I play the violin, so I'll only get 1-sided bonuses in finger speed. I guess I'll do a bit of piano/guitar on the side when I have the money. It can't hurt, and it does really seem like a good idea.




EDIT: Curse the FBI for taking out MU, when that's really the only common place the hard packs are hosted. I'll try searching around some more. There seems to have been a SM songs topic here before, but something seems to have happened to it. Does anyone have a link to the hard packs?

[rushyrulz]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

fap with left hand.
if woman, schlick with left hand.

[bmah]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

There seems to have been a SM songs topic here before, but something seems to have happened to it. Does anyone have a link to the hard packs?

Ever since megaupload went down, people have been scrambling to try and retrieve all packs that were lost from the incident. Take a look here first to see if there's something that pertains to what you're looking for. See icyworld's post in particular: http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...5&postcount=52


also, one more thing about playing fast songs - use the tip of your fingers to play, and avoid playing flat on your fingers (the curvature of my aformentioned setup doesn't allow for hitting your keys with the pad of your fingers anyhow)

[Winrar]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

One method that I found that actually works is working out. If you lift a couple weights you get some muscles for the stamina sections and you might actually move faster.
Don't rest your wrists down and always have your fingers on they keys; don't slam the keys down.
Get a new keyboard like a Kensington Slim Type or a Razer Lycosa (they're some of the popular ones)
Try to set a certain goal when playing ffr such as, getting 50 mil a day (minimum) each day.
Playing sm really does work, I went from not being able to pa anything to getting sdgs on 10s and I can combo as fast as I can read files. (Moonlight Equilibrium AA here I come)

[Jerry DB]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

One method that I found that actually works is working out. If you lift a couple weights you get some muscles for the stamina sections and you might actually move faster.

No wonder I can play so much and not get injuries or tired xD

[Mau5]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

I haven't really considered wrist technique. I think it just comes to people naturally, whatever is most comfortable to them. That being said, coming from someone who has played piano and guitar since the womb, having curled fingers and ball-like palms as well as flexible wrists you would think could improve technique on anything like typing or FFR.

[benguino]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

Don't rest your wrists down and always have your fingers on they keys

Note that this technique is mostly for speed. I find that raised wrists and "glued" fingers allows me to hit patterns faster (espcially jacks and trills), however I find that I lose some accuracy with technique. Some players on this community use both rested and raised wrists depending on the situation, so see what's comfortable for you.

[Anaru]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

For fast streams, trills, and jacks - I find it better to keep my fingers closer to the keys and make less tapping noises. This allows me to hit keys in rapid succession without losing much accuracy. I also keep my fingers close to my keys for bursty songs (ex: AQD, Rave7, DevouR, Eclipse, do i smile)

For jumpstream (fast, slow, either one), handstreams, and pretty much any easier pattern that's not super fast, I prefer to raise my fingers up and tap to the beat. (ex: Pants, Mourning the Lost, Slashmaid, La Camp)

[MinaciousGrace]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

you're probably years from this advice having any pertinence but since everyone else already beat everything else into the ground, squeeze your index finger with your thumb while playing

[Anaru]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

you're probably years from this advice having any pertinence but since everyone else already beat everything else into the ground, squeeze your index finger with your thumb while playing

this only helps me for ridiculously fast songs :P

[omega_grunt666]

Re: Getting faster fingers.

Two big things for me at least are variety and mindset,

Always try different songs to find your weaknesses, and practice the songs you find your fingers lagging behind on, and especially on the ones where you lose track of notes/patterns. I've never been a fan of head-bashing a song until I get all the patterns down, I do however like to keep track of which songs have trouble sections and play through each of them like a playlist. Its critical to keep trying new songs and patterns to know your limits and where you can push them further.

Make sure you're comfortable!

Comfy chair, good desk height, not too cold or hot. Try to clear your mind of any troubles that might distract you from focusing on the game. Make sure you don't have anything you need to do that might drag you away from the game. I make the most mistakes when my fingers get too cold or I have other stuff to worry about. Sometimes just browsing the internet for a few minutes before I play is just what I need to clear my head.

Have you tried different finger set-ups? Just take a day off to try all the crazy key settings you think might be easier or more comfortable for you. When I started FFR I played Right hand arrow keys-> index -> 2/2 split arrow keys -> as/kl ->qw/op before finally settling on as/numpad 56. And even now I'm still trying different keys (ax/26 ad/46 ect). It might be weird or harder at first, but if its more comfortable even by 1% you'll be better off.


Eat Healthy -> Sleep Well -> Practice often

I'm no pro myself, but maybe something here will help you.

Good luck!