This unit introduces notes on the bass strings. We'll also work on right-hand thumb technique and a new piece, First and Only.
Thumb Technique
The thumb plucks bass strings—the D, A and low E strings—and strums chords. You've used the thumb for strums and arpeggios, and are no stranger to its pleasures. Today we'll look at refining thumb technique.
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.
Next, a review of basic thumb technique.
Right-Hand Thumb | Ready to play position for the right-hand thumb.
Thumb Stroke
Place the fingers on the treble strings in a ready-to-play position. Arch the wrist slightly. You're 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. Keep the thumb fairly straight but not rigid.
Completion: Push the thumb through the string at a right angle so it clears the top of the adjacent string. The stroke is similar to a pinch between the thumb and index, but with thumb movement only.
Move the thumb from its main joint on the palm. 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.
The Joy of Thumb | Tutorial for thumb technique
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
The melody of First and Only uses three new notes, D, E and F. Count as you play, and be sure to give whole notes four full beats!
Listen to the Track
Watch the video and familiarize yourself with the sound and feel of the melody.
First and Only | Written and performed by Peter Kun Frary
Tempo
Practice new pieces at a slow tempo until the notes are learned. The goal is to gradually pace yourself up a tempo of 125 BPM.
Play the Melody Now!
Practice the melody of First and Only.
First and Only | Melody only. Play along!
Once the melody of First and Only is flowing smoothly, work on the chords.
Chords
There's one 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, I 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:
Once you feel confident about the melody and chords, 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
Study Tips
First and Only Melody
Listen to the Track
Tempo
Play the Melody Now!
Chords
Answer
