.

1 | The Treble Strings

Walkin’ and the First String

Peter Kun Frary

---

.

This chapter introduces you to right and left-hand fingering patterns, the first string and your debut piece, Walkin’.

Fingering Patterns

Left-Hand Fingerings How do you know which finger to use? First finger in the first fret. Second finger in the second fret. Third finger in the third fret. Fourth finger in the fourth fret. The primary fingering principle is to maintain economy of movement and, thus, avoid needless hand shifting.

Right-Hand Fingerings

To pluck the treble strings—1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings—alternate between the middle and index fingers (m-i) as if they are walking. For the bass strings and strumming, use the thumb (p). 

Fingering suggestions may be written next to notes:

If you're unclear on finger names and abbreviations, click here to review.

Notes on the First String

The first string, also called the E string, is the nearest string to the floor. Here are the notes on the first string:

Memorize New Notes

• Speak the names of new notes aloud as you play them.
• Look at the notes on the sheet music and say their names out loud.

Don’t write in note names or positions. Memorize them through repetition. 

---

Study Question 1. What is the name of this note on the fingerboard? [answer]

Study Tips

Notes or TAB?

Should you read notes or tablature? I recommend reading notes and using TAB to check note positions if needed. However, the choice is yours and you could read TAB and find the rhythm by peeking at the note or listening to the audio. There will be a quiz on notes and rhythm, so at least learn the basics.

Walkin’ Melody

Your first piece, Walkin', uses the notes you just memorized. Learn to play the melody first. Not sure what melody is? Melody is an expressive sequence of notes and the salient component of a song—the tune you sing in the shower.

Listen to the Track

Watch the video to familiarize yourself with the sound and feel of Walkin’.

Walkin’ (Study No. 1) | Melody performance with accompaniment.

Play the Melody

Practice the melody of Walkin' until smooth and aligned with the beat.

---

Walkin’ | Melody only (play along)

---

---

---

Once you've learned the melody, begin working on the chords.

Chords

Role of Chords

Chords are a harmonic and rhythmic backdrop for the melody. Chords should be played softer than the melody, allowing the melody to stand out.

Walkin’ Chord "How to" | Chord playing tutorial by Peter Kun Frary

There are four chords in 'Walkin': C, Am, Dm and G7. You know Am from Exercise 4, so you have three new chords to learn:

Don't just read the fretboard diagrams: memorize the chord names and shapes. Enhance memorization by speaking chord names aloud while playing.

---

Simple Strum 2/4

Play the chords using simple strum 2/4: count 1-2 and strum on beat 1 in each measure:

Simple Strum 2/4 | Strum on beat 1 in every measure.

Most chords in Walkin' change once per measure, i.e., every two beats. However, the second to last measure has two chords—Dm and G7—one on each beat. Strum twice in that measure: Dm on beat one and G7 on beat two.

Dm to G7 | Use two down strums in the second to last measure.

Practice the transition between the Dm and G7 chords. Both chords share a common note—F on the first fret of the first string—and the transition is smoother if that note is left down during the transition.

Play the Chords

Practice the chords until smooth. Practice with the audio track to help your rhythm.

---

Walkin’ | Melody and chords

---

---

---

---

---

Video

The Frary Guitar Duo plays Walkin' slower in this video than on the audio track, and this version is slightly different harmonically (Em used in place of Am), but you may prefer the more relaxed tempo for melody practice.

Walkin’ (Study No. 1) | Frary Guitar Duo

Need Help?

Don't be shy about asking questions in class. For more complicated musical issues, make an appointment and we'll help you figure it out.

---

---

Download | Study No. 1, Walkin’

Download | Guitar Note Chart

Answer

The note is F.

---

Vocabulary

melody, simple strum 2/4

©Copyright 2026 by Peter Kun Frary | All Rights Reserved

Preface	Technique	Music Reading	Treble Strings
Accidentals	Bass Strings	Solos	Ensembles