Right Hand Thumb p Free Stroke
In the following exercises the thumb (p) will be playing the bass notes written below.
Just as p rested on the 6th string for support during exercises 1 and 2, so should i, m and a grip the third, second and first strings during the following exercises. Use a circular motion as illustrated in (photo. 17) and be sure to exercise the entire length of the thumb from its base (photo 18). The thumb must not bend when making its stroke, and should pick with a downward motion, striking the strings on its left-hand side.
Photo 17: Circular Thumb Movement
Photo 18: Thumb Moves from its Base
Use p throughout.
The following exercises introduce half notes (or minims) and whole notes (or semibreves). The half note is worth two counts and the whole note is worth four counts. Follow carefully the timing, as written underneath each bar.
Use p throughout.
Exercise 9 introduces the dotted half note, worth three counts (see page 11). Once again, follow the count written underneath each bar.
Use p throughout.
The following duet introduces the eighth note (or quaver)5 , which is worth half a beat. Two eighth notes equal one quarter note i.e. 5 5 = 3 or, more commonly written as 6 = 3
The line joining the two eighth notes is call a ligature.
The plus sign (+) is used to count groups of eighth notes, as indicated in bars 5 and 6. (In pronunciation, say "and" e.g.
A chord is three or more notes played together and an arpeggio is a "broken" chord, i.e. the playing of a chord one note at a time.
Exercises 11, 12 and 13 combine the thumb and fingers playing in arpeggio style.
Play through each exercise twice, as indicated by the repeat signs and end with an E whole note.
If you are already familiar with some basic open chords you may wish to play them in conjunction with these exercises. However, be sure to concentrate on right hand technique!
In this exercise the thumb and fingers play simultaneously.
