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1 | The Treble Strings

Walkin' and the First String

Peter Kun Frary

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This chapter introduces right and left hand fingering patterns, the first string and your debut piece, Walkin'.

Heather's Hair | Peter Kun Frary

heather's_hair

Fingering Patterns

Left-Hand Fingerings

How do you know which finger to use? Follow this pattern:

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

Alternate between the middle and index fingers (m-i) while plucking the treble strings (1st, 2nd and 3rd strings). Use the thumb (p) for bass strings and strums.

Fingering suggestions may be written next to notes:

staff with fingering

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:

first_str_note_chart

Memorize New Notes

Speak the names of new notes aloud as you play them.

Look at the notes on the music sheet and say their names out loud.

Don’t write in note names or positions. Burn them into your brain by repetition.

Notes or TAB?

Should you read notes or tablature? I recommend reading notes and using TAB to check note positions as needed. With that said, the choice is yours and you are welcome to read the tablature and find the rhythm by peeking at the note values and/or listening to the audio track. However, there will be a quiz on notes and rhythm, so at least learn the basics.

LCG

Study Question

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

Study Tips

What is Melody?

Melody is an expressive sequence of notes and the salient component of a song. For example, the tune you sing in the shower is a melody.

Practicing Walkin'

You've memorized the new notes—E, F and G—so now put them to use. Your first piece, Walkin', is written in staff notation (notes), tablature (TAB) and chord symbols. Start with the melody—the part written in notes and tablature. Pluck the notes by alternating strokes between the middle and index fingers (m-i).

Listen to the Track

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

Walkin' (Study No. 1) | Melody demonstration with chords.

Use Audio Tracks to Play Better!

Here's how to use the audio track to improve your playing:

Study the lesson and learn the new notes and techniques.

Listen to the track to get a feel for the piece and form practice goals.

Practice the piece until smooth.

Finally, play with the audio track to shore up rhythm.

Most chapters contain audio players with multiple versions of the assigned piece. For example, an audio player with melody only and another player with melody and chords. When learning the melody, use the melody only player. When working on chords, use the player with melody and chords.

Play along with the audio track below. Doing so will help you connect with the music and keep the beat.

Play the Melody Now!

Practice the melody of Walkin' until smooth and aligned with the beat. Read the music—don't depend on copying finger movements in the video.

Walkin' | Melody only. Play along!

Walking_1st_string_GTR_tab

Once the melody of Walkin' is smooth, work on the chords.

Chords

Role of Chords

Chords are used to support and accompany the melody of a song. In other words, 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" | Tutorial by Peter Kun Frary

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

Walking_new_chords

Don't merely read the diagrams: memorize chord names and shapes. Memorization is enhanced by saying chord names aloud while playing.

Simple Strum 2/4

Play the chords using Simple Strum 2/4: strum on beat 1 in every measure (every two beats). Count 1-2 aloud so you can place the strum on beat 1:

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

flat2_strum

Most chords in Walkin' change once per measure (every two beats). However, the second to last measure has two chords—Dm and G7—one on each beat. You'll need to 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.

flat2_strum

Spend extra time practicing 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 easier if that note is left down during the transition.

Walkin' | Melody and chords

Video

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

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

Need Help?

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