One of the most common goals for musicians is to play faster and more accurately. Whether you play piano, guitar, violin, drums, or another instrument, developing speed without sacrificing precision is essential for mastering challenging pieces and playing with confidence. However, many musicians make the mistake of focusing only on speed, which can lead to sloppy playing and frustration.
The key to playing fast is not just moving your fingers quickly—it’s developing control, muscle memory, and efficiency. In this guide, we’ll explore how to increase speed while maintaining accuracy, with exercises and techniques that will help you become a faster, more precise musician.
1. Why Speed and Accuracy Are Both Important
Some musicians believe that playing fast is all about moving fingers quickly, but without accuracy, speed is meaningless. Fast playing should be:
🎵 Clean and controlled – Every note should be clear and precise.
🎵 Even and rhythmic – The timing should be steady, not rushed.
🎵 Relaxed and efficient – Tension slows you down, while relaxed hands move faster.
🎵 Musical, not mechanical – Speed should enhance expression, not replace it.
By focusing on both speed and accuracy, you’ll develop playing skills that sound impressive and professional.
2. Common Mistakes That Slow You Down
🚫 Playing Too Fast Too Soon – Many musicians try to play at full speed before mastering slow tempos. This leads to mistakes and bad habits.
🚫 Ignoring Finger Efficiency – Unnecessary finger movement slows you down.
🚫 Tensing Up While Playing – Tension in your hands, wrists, or arms creates stiffness and limits speed.
🚫 Skipping Slow Practice – Fast playing requires slow, controlled repetition.
🚫 Not Using a Metronome – Practicing without a steady tempo leads to uneven playing.
If you recognize these mistakes in your practice routine, don’t worry—there are ways to fix them!
3. How to Develop Speed and Accuracy Step by Step
A) Always Start Slow
Speed comes from precision and control, not just moving faster. Before increasing speed, make sure you:
✔ Play each note cleanly and evenly.
✔ Use proper finger placement and avoid unnecessary movement.
✔ Maintain relaxed hands and arms to avoid tension.
How to practice:
✔ Set a slow metronome tempo (50–60 BPM).
✔ Play each note perfectly in time before speeding up.
✔ Gradually increase the metronome speed by 5 BPM when you can play perfectly.
B) Use a Metronome for Controlled Speed Increases
A metronome helps you develop even timing and prevent rushing.
✔ Start much slower than your target speed.
✔ Play in perfect rhythm before increasing tempo.
✔ Increase speed only when you can play perfectly at the current tempo.
Example exercise:
- Play a scale or arpeggio at 60 BPM.
- Once you can play cleanly, increase to 65 BPM.
- Repeat until you reach your goal speed.
C) Focus on Small Sections
Many musicians try to play an entire piece fast instead of mastering small sections first.
✔ Choose a difficult part of a song and practice only a few notes at a time.
✔ Loop tricky sections until they feel natural.
✔ Combine small sections into longer passages gradually.
By isolating problem areas, you eliminate weak spots and improve overall speed.
D) Use the “Burst Method”
The burst method helps develop speed without losing control.
✔ Play a short section (2–4 notes) at full speed.
✔ Immediately return to slow playing to maintain accuracy.
✔ Repeat the process, gradually expanding the fast section.
This technique trains your muscles to move faster while keeping your playing clean.
E) Keep Your Hands and Fingers Relaxed
Tension slows you down and causes fatigue. Keep your hands:
✔ Loose and flexible – Avoid clenching fingers or wrists.
✔ Curved and natural – Avoid excessive finger stretching.
✔ Efficient in motion – Keep fingers close to the keys, strings, or drumsticks.
If you feel tension, take a short break and shake out your hands.
F) Use Finger Exercises to Build Strength and Speed
Strong fingers allow for faster and more controlled playing. Try these exercises:
✔ Piano players – Practice Hanon exercises for finger independence.
✔ Guitarists and bassists – Use 1-2-3-4 finger exercises on the fretboard.
✔ Violinists – Practice trills and shifting exercises for agility.
✔ Drummers – Work on single-stroke and double-stroke rolls for speed.
Consistency is key—just 10–15 minutes of focused finger exercises daily can make a big difference.
G) Use Different Rhythmic Variations
Playing notes in different rhythms improves control and speed.
✔ Try playing a scale using long-short note patterns.
✔ Play triplets instead of straight notes.
✔ Experiment with syncopation to improve rhythmic flexibility.
Changing rhythm helps develop finger coordination and muscle memory.
H) Visualize Fast Playing
Mental practice can train your brain to move faster.
✔ Close your eyes and imagine your fingers playing quickly and smoothly.
✔ Picture every note landing perfectly on time.
✔ Watch videos of professional musicians to see how their hands move efficiently.
Visualization helps reinforce proper technique even when you’re not playing.
4. How Long Does It Take to Develop Speed?
The time needed to develop speed depends on your current skill level and practice habits.
✔ 1–2 weeks – Noticeable improvements in small exercises.
✔ 1 month – Faster playing in short passages.
✔ 3–6 months – Significant speed increase in full pieces.
✔ 1 year+ – Mastery of fast and complex passages.
The key to progress is consistency—practicing every day, even for short sessions, leads to faster improvements than occasional long practice sessions.
5. Common Myths About Playing Fast
🚫 “Speed is only for advanced players.” → Even beginners can train speed with proper technique.
🚫 “Just play faster and you’ll improve.” → Speed must be built gradually and correctly.
🚫 “Metronomes slow down creativity.” → Metronomes help develop precision, which improves creativity.
🚫 “Tension helps you play fast.” → Relaxation is key—tight muscles slow you down.
6. Conclusion: How to Play Faster and More Accurately
Developing speed is not just about moving faster—it’s about building control, precision, and efficiency.
Start slow and clean, use a metronome, practice small sections, and focus on relaxation. Incorporate finger exercises, rhythmic variations, and visualization techniques into your routine.
With consistent practice, you’ll gradually increase your speed while keeping your playing accurate and expressive. Over time, you’ll be able to play fast passages effortlessly and confidently. 🎶