Finger Alternation and Scales

• • • finger alternation on a single string.
    • finger alternation involving string crossings.

When alternating i and m on a single string, the hand needs a slight adjustment–m plays slightly more flexed to accommodate the shorter i on the same string.  With only 2-3 notes per string, all scales include string crossings which shifts the hand position either up or down across strings.

Leading with i in the Ex. 1 forces awkward shifting in the hand.  

Sojourn

Sojourn is a two-voice textured piece with bass and short (free-stroke) scale-runs on two strings.  Right-hand start fingers have been carefully notated to accommodate string crossings.  At mm. 27 and 43 there is an “A” on (1) played with 4; this has been approached in a very accommodating manner, momentarily putting the left hand in 2nd position.

Invention

Invention is an easy duet which applies finger alternation with an occasional p.  Either part is student playable.  At m. 15 in the lower part, there is a string crossing on (6), (5), and (4) with m and i alternation.  Be sure to carefully pre-read, including left- and right-hand clarifications—one phrase or line at a time. For more information about the alternation and scales, see the Shearer Method: Classic Guitar Foundations, Book I, pp. 147-73.