Villa-Lobos Etude 12 Micro Study 2 – Chord Shapes
- LH Chord Shapes
- LH Pressure/Fine Control
Villa-Lobos Etude 12 Micro Study 2 is a guitar lesson designed to help with playing the 1st section chord shapes, in this case for Etude 12 by Villa-Lobos. These extra lessons are all part of the #villalobos12in12 challenge.
Villa-Lobos Etude 12 Chord Shapes
This is a short micro study which will help get closer to learning the chord shapes, and practice the shifting required in etude 12. It is a very small focused lesson which utilizes the two main chord shapes, and it will improve your overall LH touch mechanism.
Notes:
LH Control & pressure awareness
This exercise for etude 12 works the LH pressure technique. It uses a single shape (A min), and moves it up in, almost, a chromatic sequence on 2 different string sets. The idea is to focus on how much energy you are using to press with the LH fingers to achieve a clean set of notes. By the way, you don’t actually need the thumb to play, so do not squeeze with it. It is there for support only.
KEY Strategy
LH Fine awareness
The fine control here is developed with awareness of how much energy is required to play the LH fingers, and then the ability to adjust it as you move up the fretboard. Be aware string action (height) has a direct impact on how hard you press, especially in the upper regions past fret VI. This takes dedicated mindful practice to perfect.
Other Info
Note: It is very difficult to play Etude no. 12 with a forced LH, the shifts will not be clean or clear and fatigue will set in very quickly.
Secret
Almost buzzed notes
The LH finger pressure should just be below where your notes buzz. Pressing any harder will be counterproductive in this etude. Do not play mindlessly here.
And Remember: do not squeeze the LH thumb – it supports.
Want More?
Check Out Approaching Villa-Lobos Etude No. 1
#villalobos12in12! what is that?
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Check out this more detailed post below.
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