Micro Study 15 – Fast Scales 2 - Classical Guitar Rocks

Micro study 15 – fast scales 2, is part of a series – #6stringinspiration – of short and sweet studies that target very specific musical bars or techniques. These are for those who have very little time and want huge gains from tight focused practice ideas.

Micro Study 15 – Fast Scales 2

This is the middle of a series of micro studies on achieving speed playing scales. This first micro study focuses on the 120 bpm tempo and being able to coordinate the RH with the LH.

KEY Strategy

Little finger independence

This is a classic 6 note repetitive idea that was inspired by Al Di Meola‘s early phase – the ’70’s Gibson Marshal era. (Elegant Gypsy is a fantastic album to check out from this period. See below for some ear/eye candy from this album.)

The idea works the 4 2 1 LH finger combination, and is the reverse of the last micro study (14); it is in the middle of the fretboard – fret V, as it presents no left arm distortion; and only repeats it for a short amount of time – speed in bursts. Basically so all you need to do is focus on getting those fingers relaxed, coordinated and faster.

Here the idea is to practice the little finger’s independence at the same time as string crossing. Put it together in stages if one or both of these techniques are new.

Other Info

Note: This study is in the key of G major, however the idea is built off the 7th degree of the scale and so is more appropriately a mode – mode 7 or a locrian scale fragment. (Not sure about modes? Check out this post to get you up to speed pronto! CGRocks Modes Post)

Secret

Clear technique – in the mind/body

The trick to string crossing at a mid tempo such as this, 120 bpm, is to be mentally very clear about the process from a body point of view. Make sure you are coordinated but also make sure the mental signals to your fingers are clear. If needs be slow this right down until you are. Once that is achieved playing at speed becomes easier: you build that clarity into the mental chunks, until they are natural.