The
exercise for this week is based around a common
technical aspect that is rarely touched upon.
All
guitarists barré chords, but few practice
exercises based upon barred melody passages. To
demonstrate an example of this needed proficiency
as found in the standard repertoire, I have
included this familiar passage from Tárrega's
Capricho Árabe. [For some unknown reason,
students are assigned this piece some time within
their third year of playing the instrument. They
flub and gasp their way through it and move on. I
assign this piece to my students who practice
until they can actually play the instrument. It
is not a simple piece to play correctly or with
the emotion this classic Spanish composer
intended. I think some teachers consider it a
'throw-away' on the road to Bach, Berkley, and
Walton. That just ain't right!]
We've
just come through the dark and sultry d minor
introduction and have begun the F major section.
The entire seven measures are played while
holding barrés at the third and fifth fret. Even
macho-man players find this tough on first
read-through.
So with
Tárrega's technical gauntlet thrown down, I have
developed a couple of simple exercises that can
be performed (almost) brainlessly once learned.
These exercises will strengthen the left hand so
that passages such as the one above from Capricho
Árabe will present nothing to squirm about.
The whole
note chords in the first four measures are not
intended to sound. Be sure if plucked they DO
sound, though, no dead strings. Measure five, six,
and seven contain a variation of a figure found
in the Tárrega sample. Make sure all notes ring
when played. You'll feel this in the forearm, so
don't push it!
And on another note, please see the last two measures of
the Tárrega sample. Does this remind you of the
chromatic exercise from week one???
Enjoy
these exercises and come back next week for
more!. Harry Pellegrin performs weddings and gallery openings in the Capital Area!
 |
LOW END
By Harry George Pellegrin. The
first in the Gary Morrissey series of mysteries. Dealing
with modern subject matter in the classic style of the 1940's
Mystery Noire masters--think Raymond Chandler in New York in the
1980's... LOW END is the story of a drug addict who is
murdered after he believes he has found evidence of a major
government conspiracy. Is it only drug-induced paranoia?
Might be, except his paranoia could be considered justified: he
was murdered, after all. Friend Gary Morrissey takes it
upon himself to find out just what happened and lands himself in
the crosshairs.
See more info...
|
 |
Classic Guitar Method
Composed,
written, transcribed, edited and arranged by Harry G. Pellegrin: Now in one volume, much of what the novice classical guitarist will need to know to lead him or her to the recital stage. From proper instrument care and maintenance to the necessary technical skills, musical mind-set, and the standard repertoire—all exposed and explored with enough detail and insight that the student will wish to keep this book handy years to come as a ready reference source.
See more info...
|
 |
DEEP END: The Wreck
of the Eddie Fitz
By
Harry George Pellegrin. A mystery novel. Involving a
semi-professional musician and a Kreyol death cult, DEEP END
takes the reader from the bottom of Long Island Sound to the
steamy streets and Blues clubs of New Orleans. Alternative
spirituality does battle with the common working man. Published by
PAB Entertainment Group in association with LULU.com.
See more info...
|
 |
Reflecting Pools
Original Music by Harry G. Pellegrin:
Reflecting Pools is a departure for me
as it is totally keyboard. Well, the guitar did show up on one
track...
"...Reflecting Pools is a notable first album [for
Mr. Pellegrin]. A dramatic sense of tonality and mood are
propelled by exemplary musicianship and exciting compositional
exploits."
...And containing nine tracks that are relaxing, inspirational
-- sounds like a snooze. Not really, this is great stuff to
listen to on a rainy afternoon, while with your significant
other (nudge, nudge, know what I mean?)
Please visit the Reflecting Pools
page on this site or
www.bathtubmusic.com.
|
Site
Design ©2003-2010 Pound Sterling Graphics
|
