Finger Strokes
The art of playing scales on the classical guitar by Carlos Castilla
“A complete guide to new techniques and a new approach to the tradition�.
4
INTRODUCTION
Page
I. - REST STROKES
1
1.1 Rest strokes with two fingers
1
1.2 Rest strokes with three fingers
6
II. -THE POWER OF THE THUMB
11
2.1 AlzapĂşa
11
2.2 Exercise combining left hand slurs and the thumb
12
III. - FREE STROKES COMBINATIONS
15
3.1 First combination: (p-i) and (p-m) on a single string
16
3.2 First combination applied to a scale pattern
16
3.3 Second combination: (p-m-i) or (p-a-m) on a single string
17
3.4 Second combination applied to a scale pattern
18
3.5 Combination with four fingers (p-a-m-i)
19
3.6 Combination of all the right hand free strokes patterns
22
(Regular and irregular) 3.7 Pentatonic scale pattern (two notes per string)
26
3.8 Loop exercises
27
3.9 Three octaves major scale
27
IV. - MUSIC EXAMPLES
28
4.1 Classical Guitar
28
4.2 Electric Guitar
31
4
19
III. FREE-STROKE COMBINATIONS
I would like to introduce a new technique to play scales based upon the free stroke or “tirando” technique. The free strokes aren’t usually the first choice to play scales among the classical guitarist. That’s probably because there is a generalized belief that the best tone and amplitude of sound are better achieved with the rest stroke. If correctly applied, the new technique could be as powerful in terms of volume as the traditional rest stroke. However the natural tendency will be to get a lighter yet beautiful sound. This sound is very suitable to play music from different periods such as the early classical-romantic era when the ideal sound was more crystal-clear and elegant oriented rather than aggressive and punchy. As we are going to see later on this method and video the free stroke combinations are very suitable for other guitar styles too. The alternate picking feel could be successfully emulated and the scales could be played fast, smooth and effortless. Aside of the myth of the tone, there is another myth that needs to be busted: The use of the thumb to play scales. We saw in the previous chapter of this book how powerful the thumb can be by itself. The “free stroke combination” technique is based in great part upon the combinations of the thumb or p with the other right hand’s fingers (i-m-a). Let’s check the most important combinations in detail and how to use them in scales and famous music passages.
19
22
3.4 Second combination applied to a scale pattern. When the scale goes from the 6th to the 1st string.
Video 23
This is a three note per string pattern. Starting with the m is the best choice when the scale goes from a lower string to a higher one because the m is in a better position to hit the next string. That’s why the m always strikes first when there’s a string shifting.
Same scale and same case but in a 9/8 bar. The accent always land on the m. Video 24
When the scale goes from the 1st to the 6th string.
Video 25
22
32
IV. - MUSIC EXAMPLES (EXCERPTS) 4.1 Classical Guitar
Here is a demonstration of how this new technique can resolve with great effectiveness any music passage and how it can also be combined with the regular technique, achieving this way a more relaxed and accurate musical performance. Let’s analyze three excerpts of three different pieces. All of them are important for any guitarist and also technically challenging.
Video 45
32
33
Video 46
33