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Classical Guitar: Part Three (final)

© Deborah Jeter

This brings me to the point of the tabulator, or so-called:

"NUMERIC" method:

Observe how easy it for the pupil if they play immediately what they see. It is a graphic realization that while the conventional note does not indicate where to put the finger, it is true that by using a modified numeric method - used only for the first lessons (usually two months) - it can help these students progress more quickly so as to keep their enthusiasm for learning optimal. The numeric method - for the first lessons - enable two major goals:

I) Concentrating on obtaining good basic free holding position.

II) Playing small pieces instantaneously.

2. The method:

How shall we carry out this privatization studding, practically? I suggest this steps:

Even though I can't go into too much detail of each step for this article, I'll attempt to just show the method in general, and offer samples of numeric exercises.

Step No. 1

Basic position: a) Holding the guitar.

b) Placing right hand.

c) Playing left hand.

Note: This step will last at least one week's worth of practice, a few times a day and each coming ahead exercises will first started with those meaning paragraphs.

Step No. 2. Right hand:

a) Thumb (=p) strumming string (6) than combinations of: (4) (5)(6) there is a "V" like shape between the thumb and the other right hand's finger (i.m.a.)this "V" angel will change while hitting the basses strings.

b) The other right hand fingers: i,m, and later a. first, some exercises on string No. (3) than (2)& (3) (later + (1)

c) Combining gradually the thumb and the others fingers: i,m,a.

Step No. 3

Left hand

a) Press each finger on its top on the first position.

b) Pressing and moving halves toned

c) Neighbor fingers (12, 23, 34)

d) Intermittently fingers (13, 24)

Step No. 4

Combination of the two hands (by simple exercises)

a) p - 0101, 0202, 0303, 0404

b) im, ia - 0101, 0202, 0303, 0404

c) p-i,m,a

d) p-imi, p-iai, p-ami...etc'

From those starting points, each teacher can assemble his combination so it fits the pupils' professional needs. Use open strings as much as possible, plus all string accompaniments should be open ones!

3. Adjustments: Just writing exercises can make the whole thing boring... please, remember that the second reason for using the numeric method is the capability of playing little pieces from almost the beginning.