Today you'll be introduced to notes on the bass strings, work on right-hand thumb technique, and learn a new piece, First and Only.
Thumb Technique
Up to now, you've used the thumb to pluck bass strings and strum chords. Today you'll work on refining your thumb technique. Begin by making sure the edge of your thumbnail is smooth and snag-free.
Keep a Smooth Thumbnail
For the best tone, the edge of your thumbnail should be smooth and nick free. To keep it sounding good, file the edge with a glass file and finish with 1000 grit or finer sandpaper.
If you prefer playing with the flesh of the thumb, trim the nail as short as possible so it doesn't snag or scrape.
The Joy of Thumb | Thumb technique tutorial
Next, a review of basic thumb technique.
Right-Hand Thumb | Ready to play position for the right-hand thumb.
Thumb Stroke
Begin by placing your fingers on the treble strings in a ready-to-play position. Arch the wrist slightly. You're now ready to use the thumb on a bass string!
Preparation: Place the top center of the thumbnail (or flesh if no nail) on the string.
Completion: Push the thumb through the string at a right angle so it clears the top of the adjacent string.
Move the thumb from its main joint on the palm. The thumb should be fairly straight but not rigid. Don't use hand or arm movement for the stroke.
Thumb Stroke | Stroke so the thumb just clears the next string.
Practice thumb strokes by improvising on the open bass strings.
Don't rest the fingers on the top of the guitar while using the thumb. Keep the fingers in a ready-to-play position on the treble strings.
Notes on the Fourth String
The diagram below illustrates the notes on the fourth string—the D string. Use the thumb to pluck notes on the fourth string.
Memorize new notes by saying their letter name aloud as you play them. Next, look at the notes in the First and Only score and say their names out loud.
Study Tips
First and Only Melody
Pluck the melody of the First and Only with your thumb.
Listen to the Track
First and Only | Peter Kun Frary
Tempo
Practice new pieces slowly until the notes are learned. Once smooth, gradually increase speed to the goal tempo. First and Only should be played allegro.
Play the Melody Now!
First and Only | Melody only. Play along!
Once the melody becomes silky smooth, start learning the chords.
Chords
There's a new chord in this piece: B-flat major 7. This chord is unusual insomuch as it's fretted on the four inner strings. Allow your first finger to mute (muffle) the first string—touch but don't press down—so you can strum downwards from the fifth string without hitting a discordant note on the open first string. The slight thud when you strum across a muted string will not be noticeable.
B-Flat Major 7 | Mute the first string by allowing the base of the first finger to touch, but not press, the string.
Simple Strum 4/4
On the audio track, simple strum 4/4 is used: one strum per measure on beat one; that is, strum every four beats. When the song repeats, switch to the down 2X strum (strum on beats 1 and 3) and use rhythm fills (flat-four Strum) in the final measure of each phrase:
Play the Chords Now!
Once the chords are secure, play with the audio track. Rehearsing with the audio track simulates an ensemble setting and helps improve rhythm and listening skills.
Study Question
1. What is the name of this note on the fingerboard? [answer]
•••
Thumb Technique
Thumb Stroke
Notes on the Fourth String
First and Only Melody
Listen to the Track
Tempo
Play the Melody Now! 
Chords
Answer
