View/Download View/Download More studies Scordatura, meaning “discord” in Italian, refers to retuning the standard tuning of a string instrument. Composers sometimes use these tunings to make it easier to play in certain keys, as well as to create...
Scales are essential building blocks of music. The Preface of Aaron Shearer’s Scale Pattern Studies for the Guitar (1965) begins with: “Comprehensive scale study is basic to the mastery of all instruments. There can be no question of its necessity for...
Patterns When learning a new piece, it’s important to first scan the music to get an overall feel for its structure, a process called pre-reading. Look for elements like key signature, challenging rhythms and pitches, and musical patterns. Identifying...
Fingerings Fingerings provide clues to organize both right-and left-hand movements when learning a piece of music. Music may include a sprinkling of fingerings, too many fingerings, or none at all. Sometimes a “hard” passage may be made...
Темрява—Temryava (pronounced “tem-ye-vah,” meaning “darkness” in Ukrainian) is an intermediate level piece that features one-hand harmonics. If you’re new to the technique or need to develop better coordination, begin with the R.H. study,...
