“Right and Left Hand Basics”

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What are the names of the right hand fingers?

• Thumb:....p• Index:.......i• Middle:....m• Ring:........a

What is exactly a “Rest Stroke”?

• Right hand technique used mainly to play scales or to bring up a particular note or set of notes• It uses a combination of two fingers in alternation• Combinations: i-m, i-a, m-a• The name “Rest Stroke” derives from the movement of the fingers when playing a string, i.e.,

the finger plays a string and rests on the adjacent string. • Since the string is pushed against the soundboard, the result is a powerful, thick sound.• Another name for the “Rest Stroke” technique is the Spanish term “Apoyando”

Exercise 1:

• Rest strokes using just open strings• Combinations used: i-m, i-a, m-a

1st string “high e” 2nd string “b” 3rd string “g” 4th string “d” 5th string “a” 6th string “low e”

• Try your best to imitate the position of the hand in the following picture

• Play with the tip of the finger, right between the fingernail and the flesh• Keep a straight wrist with a minimum arch• Push the string towards the soundboard instead of pulling away from it

Do the left hand fingers have names like the right hand ones?

• Not exactly, we name them with numbers instead, in the following way:

How do I place my left hand fingers on the fretboard?

• Try the “pencil” exercise as shown on the video and picture.• Use the fingertip, right below the nail• Curl the fingers to achieve a perpendicular angle without having to over-bend the wrist• The left hand thumb (no number for it) counterbalances the other fingers and stays in between

fingers 2 and 3

Exercise 2: Putting both hands together

• Play four repetitions per note using rest strokes and alternating between i-m• Although not shown in the video, practice the same exercise with the other combinations: i-a,

and m-a (one combination at the time)• The left hand fingers are placed right next to the fret

Thank you for watching!