The Left Hand
The hand fingers are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4. Trace your own left hand on to a piece of paper and put the correct numbers above it.
When using the left hand, the tips of the fingers are always used to play the strings and the finger should be curved. It is important to keep the nails of this hand short. The fingers are placed just behind the frets, not in the middle of the frets. The thumb of your left hand is in the middle of the back of the neck.
The Note F
Is the note F in a space or on a line?
Play this F note with your first finger behind the first fret on the first string.
Count aloud while playing the next piece. Curve your first finger and use the tip of the finger while playing the note F.
The F note is higher on the staff than the E note and therefore will also sound higher.
Things to remember:
- A new piece should always be played slowly and evenly.
- Use i-m rest stroke, starting with the i finger and rest the thumb on the top string.
- Always count 1, 2, 3, 4 before starting to establish an even tempo (= pace).
The Half Note
This is called a half note (or minim). It lasts for two beats. There are two half notes in one bar of * time.
On a piece of paper, copy the following diagram and then trace these half notes, but do not fill in the note heads.
Clap and count these exercises before playing. Remember to use the tip of your finger when playing F.
How many quarter notes can fit into one half note?
The Note G
The note G is written on top of the staff.
Is the note G in a space or on a line?
Play this G note with your third finger behind the third fret on the first string.
Which note is higher on the staff, G or F?
This exercise uses all three notes on the first string. Clap and count before playing.
