In the following exercises the thumb (p) will be playing the open bass notes written below.
Just as p rested on the 6th string (^) for support during exercises on !, @ and #, so should i, m and a grip the third, second and first strings respectively during the following examples. Use a circular motion as illustrated in photo A and be sure to exercise the entire length of the thumb from its base (see photo B). The thumb must not bend when making its stroke, and should pick with a downward motion, striking the string before passing freely over the adjacent string (hence the term free stroke) and returning to its starting position.