top of page

Lesson 58 | Pickup Measures & Melodic Anchors

Master the art of the anacrusis (pickup measure) while refining your polyphonic clarity through the strategic use of shadow-fixed melodic anchors.

The Scores

Studio Insights

The Anacrusis Pulse

This lesson begins on a pickup beat, requiring you to internalize the rhythmic flow before the first full measure begins. This "breath" before the downbeat is a vital musical blueprint. Focus on the precision of the entry to ensure the rest of the piece maintains a professional and steady metric pulse.necessary lifting and landing, ensuring a more fluid and nuanced melodic line.

Shadow-Fixed Melodic Anchors

To clarify the melodic line, utilize "Shadow Fixing"—holding specific left-hand fingers in place even when they aren't actively pressing. This practice ensures the resonance of the melody remains unbroken. Combine this with the habit of hovering your unused fingers close to their next target to eliminate mechanical friction and maintain a high-end, boutique sustain.

Strategic Sub-Positioning

To streamline your left-hand movement, utilize "Shadow Fixing." This involves keeping a finger in its place on the string but releasing the pressure once the note has sounded. By staying in contact with the string when a note is destined to return quickly, you eliminate the friction of unnecessary lifting and landing, ensuring a more fluid and nuanced melodic line.

The Play along

I've found that at the begining of the learning journey it can be very helpful to have a recording to follow along. Remember that you can easily change YouTube video playback speed on any device by clicking the settings gear icon, selecting Playback speed, and choosing a different speed from the menu, or even setting a custom speed.

Would you like some guidence? 

Stuck on a specific bar? I’m happy to help you get results faster and smoother. Check availability for 1-on-1 deep dives. 

Your next Quest

Go to the Sagreras Hub

bottom of page