Fingerweights for IIDX/GF

[Megamanny]

So, I've hit a skill rut between these two games now, one I can't move my fingers fast enough to hit some of the insanely fast notes specifically on guitar freaks.

And on IIDX my fingers cramp up because I'm not really used to having to deal with such a long stream.

Now, I know most finger weight topics seem to originate from here on the IIDX forum, so I'm trying to get some information as if anyone has ever tried this method before involving finger weights.

And where would be a good place to get some weights for your fingers? I've been thinking about checking guitar center or so. I'm highly interested in purchasing these as they seem like to be what I would need.

http://cgi.ebay.com/FREE-NEW-4-FINGE...QQcmdZViewItem

One example, at my usual excersize routine I throw in a couple of 20-30 reps around 3 sets of using a dumbell to strenghten my picking arm for guitar freaks.

[天の龍]

Hmm..interesting topic.

I use finger weights all the time, but it's mostly because I'm a concert pianist. 45 minutes in front of a piano really requires some stamina.

Never heard of using them for IIDX though. I'd assume they aren't necessary because the songs don't last nearly long enough to elicit the use of fingerweights - but I'm not expert on the subject.

I guess they would be useful for short periods. Seems a bit extreme though - as the people I know who play IIDX regularly never used fingerweights...

[Trick]

Seriously, they're not necessary. Just play regularily and keep to the difficult songs

[rmz]

I remember there being some discussion about fingerweights a couple of years ago, but I think the main conclusion in the end was that they don't really make a difference. I think that the main obstacle for people to overcome in IIDX is _reading_ the notes and making sense of it all, rather than having your fingers not moving fast enough.

[DJ Nobuo]

i agree, fingerweights for 120 seconds or less at a time is overkill. the key is getting to a point where even the most complex patterns make sense to your brain quickly.

[Dr. Love]

Those things are for neeeerrrrrddssssssss.

[Psydude]

i'm going to jump on the "overkill" bandwagon.

because if you use them, your skill level will drop, and to tell you the truth, reading, making sense of patterns, and finger placement are all bigger issues than speed with iidx.

if you can't hit certain combinations of notes well, add a finger. Left/right thumb, left/right ring finger, in that order (left first if you play on the right side, right if on the left), and if that doesn't improve you, i honestly don't know how finger weights will.

plus, you'll have these really awkwardly shaped forearms from only working out your first two fingers =/

[navfn2000]

Heh, I've reached this sort of impass in my gameplay as well, and I notice that its not in reading but in the fingers, as they just feel so damn tired after/during a song (well really only AA[a] and the like). However, use of fingerweights does not seem to necessitate an improvement in gameplay, and many players get better with just good ol' practice. But, if nothing more than to try out something new, I know I'd put them to the test.

And to psydude, playing with just 2 fingers of each hand can just as well be enough. Have you seen the ghhh vids? :P

[bmah]

Finger weights? I have to agree that that's taking IIDX too far. Geez, it's not a sport or anything hardcore.

[username415]

wow..finger wieghts?...just for video games?.........................koo

[Megamanny]

Well, there are people who strive to be perfect or find any way available to improve themself.

[Lefty]

Originally Posted by navfn2000

And to psydude, playing with just 2 fingers of each hand can just as well be enough. Have you seen the ghhh vids? :P

Watch closely, GH uses more than just two fingers on each hand....

I think the better alternative would be to use more fingers... I hit an impass when i was using just my index and middle finger on each hand... Started incorperating my right thumb, then started incorperating my right ring finger. Slowly but surely, I started improving again.

I don't know how much it will help on GF, but I say try this first before resorting to finger weights. I play guitar too, and I honestly couldn't ever see how finger weights were supposed to help.

[xybur]

Originally Posted by Megamanny

Well, there are people who strive to be perfect or find any way available to improve themself.

Yeah, but fingerweights are a retarded and possibly dangerous way to go about it.

Don't do it, just practice and mix it up with random from time to time. You'll be okay.

[PICASIO PICASIO]

Originally Posted by bmah

Finger weights? I have to agree that that's taking IIDX too far. Geez, it's not a sport or anything hardcore.

I treat it like a sport. Because that's what I like, music games. It's what I play, and if it makes me happy, I'll do whatever I can to acquired and expand that hobby.

I say I can't believe you actually get TIRED playing piano/beatmania. I mean sure, I've felt 'active' when I play lots of guitar and I get into grooving while I do so, but never to the point of being 'tired'. If you're using them not to be 'tired' then no, don't. But if you're just using them to get faster, do it.

And xybur, they aren't freaking dangerous, don't kid yourself. Man you people are freaking cynic.

[Psydude]

Originally Posted by navfn2000

And to psydude, playing with just 2 fingers of each hand can just as well be enough. Have you seen the ghhh vids? :P

pfft, my point was, use more fingers instead of just relying on two of them. That, and your hand would develop improperly if you use fingerweights on just your first two fingers. Which can be dangerous, in its own right.

but the actual danger comes from putting too much strain on your wrist and pulling a muscle or tendon. Your fingers were meant to grip, not lift, which can put additional stress on your forearm, causing serious injury.

not to mention, you'll move slower, suck more, and look a whole lot dorkier.