Twanger PraxAx FAQs

What's it for? Is it an instrument?   The PraxAx is for picking practice . It helps you improve timing, touch, precision, endurance, speed, consistency, accuracy and muscle memory. You can practice picking when you can't use your regular instrument. The sound and feel of the PraxAx, while far from that of a normal instrument, give you information about exactly when your fingers are hitting the strings and the shape of the notes you make.  Practicing on the PraxAx helps you play better .  Wear it like a belt and you can have it with you all the time so you practice any time you want.

How did you get the name PraxAx?   Prax is short for practice, and Ax is slang for instrument so PraxAx = Practice Instrument = Groove on the Move .

Is it easy to play?  Yes and no. Yes, because you only concentrate on one hand. No, because the strings are short and extremely sensitive to small variations in touch and time. Even good players will notice imprecision when using the PraxAx. That's the point ! You hear a problem, figure out where it comes from, then fix it by practicing. This may mean breaking down a series of motions into its parts, deciding which parts are weak, inventing an exercise to strengthen the weak area and putting on the miles. Each time you do this, you build skill, improve technique and create greater capacity for musical expression.

Why practice only the picking hand?  Focusing entirely on one hand simplifies learning and enables fast progress. It isolates particular muscles and skills. Get your picking hand smooth & automatic and it'll be easier to play for real. Besides, you get some extra practice time, and it's fun and relaxing too.   Read more: Meet Your Picker

What's it sound like?  Not much. You can hear it if it's quiet. Or you can get the AmpReady version to plug in to an earphone amp.But the sound IT makes isn't the key, it's what it does for your picking skills that counts. You get a feel for the strings, muscle memory, endurance, speed, touch & timing.  When you get your hand in gear you'll be able to make the most of a real instrument.

How important is the picking hand?  Very important. Ask any pro. To find a groove and make your notes come alive, you NEED a solid right hand. Get a PraxAx and you'll find out.  Some people notice a change on the first day.  Some people tell us that when their picking hand gets better, it's easier for them to focus on the chords, notes, songs, and all the rest .  Read more:  Meet Your Picker

What if a string breaks? This happens less often than with real strings, but if it does we'll replace it.  We also have instructions on how to make your own replacement strings from your own set.  See Strings for instructions on how to make your own PraxAx replacement string assembly.

What about tuning the PraxAx and Adjusting String Tension Each string can be tuned or adjusted independently.  Turn the slotted screw on the back, or the phillips head screw on the front to tighten or loosen a string.  You can make them loose to get a thunking sound without much tone, so you can exercise along with music without clashing harmonically.  Or when playing along with a metronome you can tune up to a pitch.  Standard tunings aren't possible because the string are so short but you might find an open chord that is pleasant and interesting.  Experiment and you will discover various set ups that work for you.

What models are available, and what are the dimensions, string guages, and other technical specifications   See:  Images