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Chapter 1 is currently under production.
Chapters 2 and 3 are ready.
Lesson 67 | Ring-Finger Independence & Spatial Spacing
Master a complex 16-note circuit featuring a melodic ring-finger (a) that navigates rapid string shifts while the thumb and accompaniment fingers maintain their string placement.
Studio Insights
The Ring-Finger Orbit
This pattern is a study in specialized independence. While your i and m fingers remain on their designated strings, the ring finger (a) must jump between the 1st and 2nd strings to deliver the melody. This requires a relaxed knuckle and a high level of spatial accuracy. To ensure the melody remains the primary source of the piece, practice the a strikes with a slightly heavier "weight" than the i-m accompaniment.
RH Position Shift: Closed to Open
One of the most sophisticated challenges here is the change in vertical spacing between the m and a fingers. This movement alters the 'tension' of your hand’s span. Maintain a neutral wrist and let the a finger be the one that 'opens and closes' to engineer a smooth transition between these different string sets without losing your rhythmic momentum.
The Sequential Landing Strategy
When transitioning to new chord positions, avoid the habit of trying to "snap" the entire shape down at once. Instead, utilize a Sequential Landing: place your fingers one-by-one in the exact order that their notes appear in the measure. This practice reduces left-hand tension and creates a seamless flow, allowing the music to breathe naturally rather than sounding "blocky."
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.