Octaves
Another interesting fingerpicking technique is the use of octaves. An octave is the interval between two notes of the same name, 12 frets apart. The following diagram highlights the location of four separate octaves. The four bar introduction to the next arrangement, Weeping Willow is played using octaves. Practice the treble and bass parts separately at first before trying to play both parts together.
Weeping Willow is another classic rag in the key of G. The first section uses a chord progression similar to the first section of The Entertainer. The second section uses chord shapes all over the fretboard and requires some fretting with the left hand thumb. Remember to try the suggested left hand fingering notated in the tab.
Maple Leaf Rag consists of two very different sections, both sixteen bars in length. The diminished chord is used extensively throughout the first section, including a single note diminished scale run in bars 7 and 8. To play this run use your right hand thumb (p) on the fifth and fourth strings and your i finger on the third string.
* The instruction D.C. al Fine means that you play the song again from the beginning until you reach the word Fine , at the end of the first section.
