The Ultimate Guitar Workout

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Copyright© 1995 By Mark Nelson and Chris Connors

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, without written permission from the copyright holder.

Book design by Mark Nelson First printing 1994

Printed in the United States Of America

Distributed by:

Introduction Tablature Guitar Diagrams Practicing Tips Special Notes

Contents

Part 1: Getting In Shape

Chapter 1: Playing Techniques and Exercises Alternate Picking

Picking Patterns Speed Picking

Hammer Ons And Pull Ot'fs Rolling

Tapping

Chapter 2: Basic Fingering Exercises Straight Fingering

Reverse Fingering Bi-directional Fingering Out Of Sequence Repeated Fingering

Multiple Finger Combinations Complete Fingering

Chapter 3: Finger Strengthening Exercises Trills Trills II Trills ill Hyper-extended Fingering Lifting Lifting II

Chapter 4: Advanced Fingering Exercises Single String Combinations

Diagonal Fingering Vertical Fingering String Skipping Pivoting Three Grouping Four Grouping

Additional Exercises For Part 1

1

2

2

3

4 7 8 11 12 13 14 17 21

22

25

28 31

33

35 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48

49

51 53 56 59 61 63

Part 2: Playing In Key

Chapter 5: The Major and Minor Scales The Fretboard

Major Scales

Relative Minor Scales Scale Reference Sheet Major Scale Exercises Minor Scale Exercises Chapter 6: Modes Understanding The Modes Linking The Modes

C Major a..'1d A Minor Reference Sheet G Major and E Minor Reference Sheet F Major and D Minor Reference Sheet Theory Quiz

Modal Patterns E Minor Exercises Optional Modes

Chapter 7: The Pentatonic and Blues Scales The Pentatonic Scale

The Blues Scale

Pentatonic Scale Exercises

Chapter 8: Pentatonic and Blues Patterns The Pentatonic Patterns

The Blues Patterns Linking The Patterns

Pentatonic Exercises In E Minor Chapter 9: Chords

Open Position Chords Barre Chords

Chord Progressions

Chord Construction By Key

C Major and A Minor Chord Reference Sheet G Major and E Minor Chord Reference Sheet F Major and D Minor Chord Reference Sheet Power Chords

Palm Muting Theory Quiz 11

Chord Progression Exercises

67

68 68 70 71 72

77

83 84 86 87

88

89

90 91 93 107 109 110

1 11

112

117

118 119

120

121

131 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 138 139

140

145

Minor Arpeggio Exercises Diminished Arpeggio Exercises Optional Arpeggios

Part 3: Applying What You've Learned

152 154 156

Chapter 11: Riffs 159

Bending 159

Riffs With Modes 160

Blues Riffs 163

Chapter 12: Advanced Progressions and Solos 167

Advanced Progressions 167

Introduction

The Ultimate Guitar Workout was designed to improve playing speed, accuracy, and coordi-nation in the quickest way possible. It will also give you enough music theory information to make you a knowledgeable musician.

What makes this book unique is that music reading is nul required to use it. Also, the teaching method we've used is different than any other. Rather than spending countless hours reading music from a song hook, you will be using many effective exercises to help you hecome an excellent guitar player.

Some instructional books overwhelm the reader with page after page of complex information and others give you very little information at all. Our exercises use tablature and diagrams to make guitar playing easier and more enjoyable. You will be able to spend more time actually playing your guitar.

The book is divided into three sections:

Part one, Getting In Shape, is made up of over two hundred exercises. Each one is designed to improve your playing skill. Playing techniques such as alternate picking and fretboard tapping are also introduced here.

In pan two, Playing In Key, you will learn how to play scales, modes, chords and arpeggios. A detailed explanation is given showing how each of these are created and used in music. With the exercises in this section you will learn how to play in key anywhere on the guitar.

Part three, Applying what you've learned, is where you will learn some riffs, advanced pro-gressions, and solos. This section combines the techniques and exercises used in the previous chapters.

Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced guitarist, no matter what type of music you play, The Ultimate Guitar Workout can help you become a better musician.

Practice hard and have fun,

Mark Nelson

Tablature

Taking the place of sheet music, tablature is a method of reading that has become very popular with today's guitarists. On the diagram below, the horizontal lines represent the six strings on the guitar. The top line is the high E string, and the bottom line is the low E string. The numbers on the lines are fret numbers. When numbers are stacked on top of each other, the notes are played at the same time. The number 0 represents an open stting. Read the tablature from left to right.

~ ~~~~~

42:11

3~

G String f - .

----

--

----

---~

--

,

~~)

D String r-- - - -- - - ---10- - -- - - -- --\0 A String E String 6 '---3---.)~ Sixth string third fret An open D string G Major chord

The example below shows what the tablature would look like if you were to play the first four notes on each string.

1 - -- - -- - - -- 1-2-

3-4-2

~

1

-

2

-

3

A

3 ---1-2-3-A~---~ 4 ----1-2-3-'+1_{--------------~} ~ 1-2-3--4-1-2-3--4-- - - -- - - - -- ---1

Usual1y sheet music is included with the tablature so you can see how to play the rhythm correctly. In this book however, the exercises are played with a straight rhythm, so every note equals the same amount of time. In part three, rhythmic variations have been added to the tablature to make the riffs, progressions, and solos sound more musical.

Guitar Diagrams

Easy to follow guitar diagrams will be used to show how to play exercises, scales, chords, and arpeggios. The diagram on the next page represents a picture of the guitar neck from the open position to the fifth fret. The vertical lines are the strings, and the horizontal lines are the frets. The dots represent the notes to be played, and the arrows show the correct order they should be played in. Fret numbers are shown on the side of the diagram, and open string notes are shown across the top. The tablature to the left con·esponds with the diagram.

E A D G B E 2 _{1.-----------------~}

56~1

.

. .

1-2-3-4 l-2 - 3 j 3 L---1-L-J~---~ 4 5

Some diagrams will include finger numbers as shown here. On certain exercises, the finger numbers will be obvious, so

they won't be indicated. For example, the exercise above is played on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th frets. Therefore, you would use your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th fingers consecutively.

Practicing Tips

2

Use Proper Technique. Technique is best learned by having someone actually show you. or

from your own experimentation. Here are a few ba..<:>ic playing tips to heip beginners:

1. Thumb should be behind the neck. It should be approximately where the second finger is on the opposite side. This allows the playing hand to open up so greater stretches can be achieved. 2. Fingers should be on their tips. Correct finger position will improve your tone and sustain.

3. Play softly. Pressing lightly on the strings is a good way to improve tone quality. Picking gently with the very tip of the pick will also improve your playing.

Take Your Time. Although The Ultimate Guitar Workout will speed up your progress dra-matically, it is important to remember that you can't learn to play a musical instrument in one day. The amount of time it takes you to complete this entire book will depend on the ability

level you're at when you start, and how much time you practice each day. Never rush through an exercise just to get it out of the way.

Repeat the Exercises. The more times you play an exercise the better your workout will be. Play until your hands feel tired, rest for a minute, and then play it again. It is also a good idea to go back to an old exercise from time to time. W c suggest that you redo some exercises after you complete each chapter. This will insure that you get a complete and thorough workout. Don't Skip Anything. Some of the exercises that you' lllcam at the beginning of the book may help you later. Some advanced players will have an easy time with the exercises in the first few chapters. We recommend that you give them a try anyway. You might find some of them challenging. If not, use them as warm-up exercises to loosen up your fingers.

Special Notes

Up and Down the rretboard. Some guitarists, especially beginners. get confused when the words "up" and "down" are used to refer to the fretboard. When we use the words "up" and "down" we are referring to the pitch of the notes. For example, as you go from the first fret to the twelfth, you are moving up the guitar neck since the notes are going up in pitch.

Transposin& an Exercise. Everything in this book can be moved to another location on the guitar neck. Here is an example. Look at this exercise that starts on first fret.

~~

1-3-5 1-3-5-5-3-1 5-3-1

j

3 - 1-3-5 5-3-1---~~

4 1-3-5 5-3-1- -- ---.j

5 1-3-5 5-3-1- ----l

6 1-3-5 5-3-1

The next exercise is exactly the same except that we've moved all the notes up two frets. Now you can play the same exercise starting on the third fret. Transposing can be very useful if you want to move chords, scales, or entire exercises.

1 3-5-7-7-5-3 2 3-5-7 7-5-3- - -- - --

j

3 . 3-5-7 7-5-3 4 3-5-7 7-5-3-- ---l 5 3-5-7 7-5-3- - ---l 6 '-3-5-7- 7-5-3

Left Handed Qui tarists. If you are a left handed guitarist, simply reverse all of the diagrams. Here is how a C major chord would look if it were reversed.

j

Part

1

Chapter 1

Playing Techniques And Exercises

This chapter contains exercises for guitarists of all ability levels. Many of these techniques will be used throughout the book. They will improve the dexterity of both your left and right hand. Beginners should learn at least one of the alternate picking techniques before going on to the other chapters.

Chapter 1 contains the following exercises:

Alternate Picking Picking Patterns

Speed Picking

Hammer Ons And Pull Offs Rolling

Tapping

Exercise #1

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is the most common picking technique used today. Two different forms of this picking method are shown here. It is a good idea to try them both and stick with the one you feel most comfortable with. A few exercises have been included for both types of picking. Alternating Completely. To perform this technique, alternate your picking at all times. Many people prefer this because of the steady up-down-up-down motion. Try the exercise helow with open strings. The arrows show the correct picking direction. Notice how the direction changes after each note.

1 2 3 4 5 6 '--0-0-0 -0-0 0-0-0 -0---0--f).

Exercise Ia

-0--fl--D-0---0--D--0-0-0 0-0 -0-0 -0-0

--0-

0-0-0-Cross Picking. This technique eliminates unnecessary pick strokes. Pick in an up-down-up-down motion whenever it is efficient. On the exercise below, notice that the picking direction stays the same as you move from string to suing. The main advanlage of cross picking is that there is no wasted pick motion.

Exercise lb

lr---

--

---4

2r---3 ~---~ 4 0-0-01- -- - -- --l 5 o~~~r----~ 6 }-0- 0- 0---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alternating Completely

Exercise tc

Exercise td

i

~

0--{H}-0 0--{H}-0 0--<J-.0-() 0--<J-.0-() 0--<J-.0-() 0-1)40 0-1)40

~

5 -0--()....0....{ 0--0--{}-0'---i ~ 6 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exercise le

~

~~---~

3

~

0--0 0--0

~

ib~~

~~J

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exercise If

1 ~

n:

~

0--<J-.0-()

~0-0-0-0-0-0-0

-

~----~

Cross Picking

Exercise lg

Exercise lh

Exercise li

1 ~

!

~

0-0 0--0 '---10-0 0-0

~

5 - 0--0 0--0'---~----l 6

Exercise

tj

1 ~

ms

~

~

'---

0--0--0-0

---0-0-0--w

--l

Exercise #2

Picking Patterns

These open string picking patterns are great for improving your accuracy with the pick. Use one of the alternate picking techniques shown earlier.

Exercise2a

~---~0--0

~---

-

-

-

-0---0

0- 0 1 ! - - - 0 - - 0 - ( 0--0-0-- -1----0---0 u~~

____

_

_

_

__

_

___

_

_

_

_

o

__

~~

Exercise 2b

1 0-0

I

2j

o

o

o-

-

o

,.__

_

_

_

_

---~:

3

§

0 0 -- 0- 0- -0 4 0

0-

-

01-

-

----

-

0

1

-

-'01-

~

0~

5 0 (\ 0 -- 0 6 0

Exercise2c

1 01---~,

!

I

o

o o o o

- -

o

'l

o,

_

-

o

_

---

-

--

-=---

o

-

---11

5- 0 0 - j

6

-

0

0

Exercise2d

1~---~~-~--~~---, 2!---~~-~~-~~ 3~----~ 41---~1---1. 5~---~~}-~~---{J---~---v-~f 6

Exercise #3

Speed Picking

Play the notes on this exercise with any finger(s) you like. The goal of this exercise is to build

up your picking speed by constantly alternating your picking on a single string. Play as far up

and down the fretboard as you can.

Exercise3a

Exercise 3b

1 ~ 1-0--0-2---{}...0-3--0-0--4-D--0-5--0-0-6--0--0--7-0--0-6-0-0-5--0-0-4-D-0-3---{}...0-2 --0--D-1----, 2~---~ 3~---~ 4~---~ 5~---~ 6~---~

Exercise3c

Exercise 3d

Exercise #4

Hammer

Ons And

Pull

OHs

There arc times when guitarists don't pick every note that they play. Hammer ons and pull offs are often used to create a smooth, quick transition from one note to the next.

Hammer Ons. A curved line with the letter "H" is used on the tablature to indicate a hammer on. Follow along with the exercise below as this technique is explained. Begin by picking the note on the first fret Play the second note by placing your finger on the string without picking.

You may have to hit the string forcefully to get the note to sound right. It is also a good idea to use the tip of your linger, this will improve sound quality. Continue this exercise picking only the notes on the first fret.

Exercise 4a

H H H H H H H H H ~ ~ ~

4~

11 ~ ~ ~ 1-2-1-3-1--4] ~---~~~~~~-~~-1-2-1-3-1--4---~ 1---1-2-1-3-1~4'4---1

sL

r---l--

-

2-

-

l-

-

3--

-

~~

-

t!;_L.,_-_

2

_-_L,

_

-.)_"-_~_~

_'

<+-

1

--~--~-

-~

-

-~--~

-

-~

-

-~

-

-~

-

-~--~

-

-~~

-~--~--~

--~

~---~

6 Ll-2-1-3-1 4 ..._, ..._, ..._, H H H H H H ..._, ..._, ..._, H H H

Pull Offs. Like hammer ons, only one note is picked when playing a pull off. Again, follow along with the tablature below. Pick the first note of this exercise. Now, place a finger on the third fret and immediately release the; olher . Pull the string slightly away from you as you let it go. This causes the note on the third fret to be sounded. The letter "P" with a curved I ine is

used to indicate a pull off.

Exercise 4b

p p p -.... -.... -.... p p p p p 1 3--4-2--4-1 ~ /"";;

,!_

2~---4A-3--4-2-4-l ~ ~

"'""'

I

3 t - - - -- ---<.JAf--3--4-2--4-} 4 t---<.<1~3-4-2--4-l 5 ..._, ..._, ..._, .-1 3--4-2-4- 1

J

6

p

pp~~~~~~

p p p

Exercise #5

Rolling

Rolling is hammering or pulling off to more than one note. On these exercises, pick only one

note per string.

Exercise Sa

II H P P l,---~~~~~H--~H~I~l-~j--~l~~-p~~p~p~---,,

w~-

---

~--2-

-

-3~~~:2:-

-3

_

-

~t:_-=-~

_

i_-

...

~3~~-=-·-~-

-

~:

_.'

_

-

-

-=-_

3-=-~-=-~=~=~

=~=

~=~=~=~=~=-~

-

~=

-=-2

--=-1=~-3~

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--=-

-~-=-~3=.__...

-

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)~~3~

-

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~

1

=

~~=~~=

-

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=-

-~~

6

E

1-2

.__...

-

3----=--:=:-:-~:-:-:-:,---

Hll HH

-

--

-

--

-

---

-

-

~-

PP

--,-===-

PP

--

3-2

.__...

-

1

=:J

II H P P

Exercise Sb

H H P P 1 ~,---H __ H __

7

~H-~~

1

~t~~~P ___ P __ P ______________ __, 1 2 t---:;;...--.. ... -l-2--4---~2-1----...,...,.- --3 l-2-'"+---+-2-1---~-l 4 l-2-'1_{'1----- ----- -- - - -- -- ----'-l--2.-1- - -- - ---l} 5 1-2.~4~-~~---~--4-4 .

2-1

6 1-2-'+-_{...___.,} --~_IIH ~~~---_HH ---~--.__...,-=~4-2-1 PP PP ...__, H II P P

Exercise Sc

II H P P HH HH ,...--.... --... PP PP 1

§-

-

---~_...,--l-3-4--4-3-l----:;;o...,---, 2

t?--'+--1-_

3~~~

~--

--_-

_

-_ -_ -_

~-~--

~_3-_1~:;_---

-

-

--

3

-

-1

·-

~;

~

l-3

~

4

_~----

_--

_---

_--

_---

_--

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4

_+--3-1

_--

_-

_--

_=--l

~~ ~-'d'l---~~--

---

----

--

--

----

--

----

----

-

---4-~l

...___., IIH HI! PP PP II H

Exercise Sd

H H P P ...___., p p Hll HH ,...--.... ,...--.... PP PP 1 ,---~c::__::.:;___~.o---1-3-5--5-3-1--?-,t".o::: ... --. --=--=---, 2

l--

----

----

----

---.-...,-l-3-5

-

-

--

-5

-

3-l---.-/""""'--.---

--

--

----

--l

3 l - - - -- -- - - -- l-3-5- - -- -- -- -- - -- - - 5-3-1--- -- ---i 4 f---- - -- l-3-5- --- --- --- -- --5-3-l- -- - -- ---j 5 f---1-3-5----'-=--- - --- -- -- - --- - - --=----5-3-l ---l 6 l-3-5----,-==:---::---c:-::---::-:-:-::---=-~=::---::5-3-1 -...__, liB HH PP PP ...__,

Here are some advanced rolling exercises. You will have to use hammer ons and pull otis on

each string this time. Remember, only pick once per string.

ExerciseSe

HHPP HHPP HHPP .----...

~ =~=======

=

=====

=

====1==_==2==_3==_==2==_==-1

=

_

1= ___ =_2_

-

_

=

3_=

__ =_2

_

=

_

1=-==

_

1-:--=_2=_-=3

_

-""'

__

2=

_

-~

_

1=-=-=1

_

-:--:

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2=--~_3

_-:_

2:_-~1~-l-=-

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-=-2

-

-_3-=:_

--=_

2-

-_

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6

--

l-2-3-2

_-

-

1

--

~

_HHPP

----

---

---

~

HHPP HHPP PPHH l

₃

~

₃

P P H H P P H H ~

---2 1---

--

-3

-

2-1

-2

-3

---3

3-2-1-2-3---1

4

3

-

2-1-2-3---t

5 -

3-2

-

1-2

-

3---j

6

---

_{PPHH PPHH}

-

3-2-l

_-

-

2-3--PPHH

Exercise 51

HHPP 1 HHPP ~ .----...

~ ~=====

-=

-

--

--

-

-

_

-~-

-

_

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-

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-

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_

1_

-_

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_2

_

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---,

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4 1---1-2-4--2-1 . 5~---1-2-4--2-1---~ 6

~l

_-

-

2-4

-

2-1---____:=---

_HHPP

---'

_HHPP HHPP PPHH l

2-1='2A

P P H H P P H H 2 r---___...A_2-l-2 A. . . . -3 A 2-l-2.-A4---1 4 A. 2-1-2.-A+---~ 5 - A

2

-

1-2

-'-1---A

_______

-1 6 - 4-2-1- 2-4-PPHH PPHH _ _ . . . P PH H

Exercise Sg

HHPP HHPP HHPP . -1 - - 1- 3-4-3-1-21---===--1-3-4-3-1----~ 3~---1-3-4-3-1---4 4 1--- - -- - - -- -1-3-4-3-l- -- - - - -- -- - - ---! 51---1-3-4-3-1---~~---~ 6 1-3-4-3-1 -- HHPP HHPP PPHH HHPP l 3- 1-3 ~A

!

p H ::. p p H H 2 1---- ---LlAi--3-l-3 A _ -3 A 3-l-3,_A4--- -- - -- - ---I 4 A 3-1-3,-4-11 ~---; 5 - A 3-1-3,-11'1--- -6 - A 3-1-3-4-PPHH PPHH -p PH H

Exercise Sh

HHPP HHPP HHPP -1~---~~=--1-3-5- 3-1-2 1 - - - - -- - - ---=-=----=--1-3-5-3-1--- - ----l 3 1---- - - - -- - -- - -- -l-3-5-3-1- - - - -- - -- ---1 41--- - - -- 1-3-5-3-1---- - - -- -- - -- - ---1 5 1---1-3-5-3-1----=====--- - -- -- ---1 6 1-3-531

--

HHPP H H P P HHPP PPHH l

₅

~

₅

P P H H P P H H

-

--21---5-3-1-3-5~_.~ ~-=~

_--.

---~ 3 - - - -5-3-1-3-5-- - - -- -- -- - - i 4 1 - - - -- -- - -- -- -- - -- - 5-3-l-3-5--- - -- -- ---l 5 --- 5-3-1-3-5- - - ----1 6 --- 5-3-1-3-5 -PPHH PPHH

-Exercise #6

Tapping

Tapping has become very popular with today's rock guitarists. It can also be used as an exercise. Even if you never plan on using tapping when playing songs, you might want to give it a try anyway. You'll be surprised at how it can increase left hand strength and accuracy. To perform this technique, you will actually have to combine three exercises, tapping, hammer ons. and pull offs. Here's how it's done.

No picking is required for this exercise. It's okay to keep the pick in your hand however. Hold the pick in the normal fashion, between your thumb and index finger. Now look at the tablature below and follow along closely. Start by placing your first finger on the first fret. Hold that finger there for the entire exercise. Play the note op the fifth fret by placing the middle finger of your picking hand right on the fret. This is indicated by the letter "T' on the tablature. The next note is sounded by pulling off with the same finger. Finally, hammer on to the fourth fret with the fourth finger of your left hand, and repeat the exercise. The finger that does the hammering will get a great workout because of the quick repetitive motion. Of course you will have to practice this exercise quite a bit before you can build up your playing speed. Repeat the exercise

as

much as you like, then move to the next string. This exercise should be done on all six strings.

Exercise 6a

TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH ....--...--...--...--...--...--...--...--...--~ f5-l-4---5-1-4---5-1-4---5-1-4---5-1-4---5-1-4---5-1-4--5-1-4-5--1

-4l

6

.

Note: Some guitarists hold the pick between their thumb and middle finger, and tap with their index finger. Some don't even hold the pick at all. Whatever method you choose to use on this exercise is fine. Also, if you want to get a real1y good sound with this technique, use an electric guitar and distortion.

Exercise 6b

TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH

...---....

...---....

...---....

---....

...---....

...----

----

...---....

...---....

!

r - 1 -3-5-1-3-5-1-3-5-l-3----5-l-3-5-l-3-5-1-3-5-l-3-5-l-3~ 6 ---~

Exercise 6c

TPH _{...---...---...---...---.---...---...---....---....---....} TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH 1 .-5-1-2-5-1-2-5-l-2-5-1-2-5-1-2-5-1-2-5-1-2-5-l-2-.

-5-1-2-2

-3r---~ 4r---~~---~ 5r---~---~ 6~---~----~---~---~---~--~

Exercises 6d and 6e are a little different. You will have to pull off to an open string. Make sure you use your first finger for the hammering part of these exercises.

Exercise 6d

TP H _{...---....---...---...---...---...---....---...---}TP H TP H TP H TP H TP H TP H TP H TP H 1 r-5-0-1- 5-0-J -5-0--1-5-0-1- 5-0-1 -5-0-l-5-0-1-5-0-1-5-0-l-2~--- ---3r---~ 4 -5~---~ 6~---~

Exercise 6e

TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH TPH

---...---...----....---....---...---.---1 ~5-0-1-7 -0-1-5-0-1-7-0-l-5-0-l-7-0-1-5- 0-1-7-0--1-5-0-l-2r---~ 3r---~ 4r---~ 5r---~ 6~---~

These four tapping exercises require you to switch strings after each tap. It takes a lot of practice to perfect this. At first you might have trouble hitting the correct string, or you may hit more than one string at a time. The best way to do these exercises is to start off slowly and work your way up to a fast pace.

Exercise 61

TP H TP H TP H TP H _..._ _..._ TP H TP H 1~---~~~~7-~5-1~5-1-4~~~~~=---~--~

2~---:.

...

-.::-

-

5-l-4---5-1~ ~

3 5-1-4-1_{----------5-lJl} 4 5-1-1_{4 - - - -- 5-1 4} 6 5 ; 5-l-<J--5_-:::::1 ::..._" __ ....__...___________________ ....__... 5-l 4 '-- '---' '---" 5--1 ....__... TP H TP H TP H TP H ....__... TP H TP H

Exercise 6g

TP H TP II - - p 1 TP H TP H ₅_₁_₃_₅_₁_₃_T=-:>P~H--'-T--'-l;;_l - - - ,

21

_{3- 5-1-3}

....---...

s23

f-23

₅7"""' _{-1 - 3 - - - t _}

I

4 5-1-3 5-1-3·---j 5

t

5-1-3 ....__... ....__... 5-1-3---j 6 5-1-3 - ...__.,. 5-1-3____) ____.. TP H TP H TP H TP H ....__... TP H TP H

Exercise 6h

TPII TPH TP H TP H --... _..._ TP H TP II 1 _{,!' ~} 5-1-2-5-l_- -2:--=-:;....;:---"..:...--=----_{~ ... _} ---. 2 1---/~""'~-5-1-2 5-1-2:-.,.7"-,~---

I

3 5-1-2 5-1-2~---. 4 5-1-2 5-l-2.- - - 1 5 5-1-2 ....__... ...__.,. 5-1-2:-- -6 '--5-1-2 ...__.,. ...__.,. 5-1-2=.J ____.. TP H TP H TP II TP!! ....__... TP H TP H

Exercise 6i

TPH TPII l.---T~P-~H~T~P~J~I-5~1--~l-T.::..,P~H--'-T..:...P~H~---. 2r---,_~.5~t---5~t~~~---j 3r---5~1---5~1---t 4~---5~1---5~1---i 5 5-D--1 ...__.,. ....__... 5-D--1--- -6 5~1~....__...~---~~~~--~....__...~~~-5~1 ....__... TP H TP H TP H TP H ...__.,. TP H TP H

These tapping exercises require you to use an extra hammer on and pull off. This will give the hammering finger a great workout.

Exercise 6j

TP H PH TPHPH TPHPH TPHPH TP H P H TP H P H

---

- - - ---

---1 r-5-1-4-1-4-5-l-4-l-4-5-1-4-1-4-5-l-4- l- 4 -5-1-4-l-4----5-1-4-1 2~---~ 3~---~ 4~---~ 5~---~ 6~---~

Exercise 6k

TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H

---

-

-

-

---

-!

w -l-3-!-3- 5-1-3-1-3-5-l-3-l-3- 5-l-3-l-3-5-l-3-l-3- 5-l-3-l-3J 6~---~

Exercise 6/

TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H

-1 r-5-1-2-l-2-5-1-2-1-2-5-l-2-1-2-5-l-2-1-2- 5-1-2- l-2- 5-1-2 -l-2-2r---~ 3r---~ 4r---~ 5r---~ 6

~---Exercise 6m

TP H P H

-

TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H TP H P H

. . - -

-

-

-

---1 r-5-0-1-0-l-5-0-1-0-1-5-0-l-0-1- 5---{}-1-0-1- 5-0-1-0- l- 5-0- l-O-l -2r---~ 3r---~ 4 1 - - - -- - -· -Sr---~ 6~---~--~

Chapter2

Basic Fingering Exercises

In this chapter we introduce you to a variety of different finger combinations. These exercises will greatly improve finger coordination for beginner guitarists. Advanced musicians can use them as warm-up drills.

Chapter 2 contains the following exercises:

SLraight Fingering Reverse Fingering Bi-directional Fingering

Repeated Fingering Multiple Finger Combinations

Complete Fingering

Exercise #1

Straight Fingering

Play the same notes on each string using one of the alternate picking techniques shown earlier.

Start off slowly and evenly, giving each note the same duration. This will make it easier to obtain speed and coordination. Beginners may feel some discomf01t in their hands at first. This will eventually go away as your hands get stronger.

E A D G B E 2 3 4 5 E A D G B E 2 3 4

Exercise Ia

2

11

~·

--

----

---

----

---1

-

2

-

3 4

1-2-~

---l

3~r----1-2

-'

3

4

I

4--

1~~~4~---~·

5

1-2-3~44---~

6

1-2~3~4~---~

~

!1[3-2-t

4

3-2

-

t-:;:;:::z

~

L

--

4

-

-

--

~-

-

-

2_

---

-~

--

-

----jl

_

4

3-2-1 1 '---4-4. 3-2-1~

The next four exercises use three fingers per string. Rem em her to use the correct fingers. The fret numbers are the same as the finger num hers for all of these exercises. When a note is played on the fifth fret, use your fourth finger.

Exercise lb

1 1-2-3-3-2-1- - - - -- - - , 2 1-2-3

3-2-1---

-

~----i!

3 1-2-3~---3-2-1 4 1-2-3 3-2 - 1 - - - ; 5 1-2-3 3-2-1---1 6 -1-2-3 3-2-1

Exercise 1c

1 r- - - 1 - 2 4 4 2-1--- - - ,

~

23 ~~--=====~~~---1

I - · - - - 1 - 2 A

-

2

2

-

1

--

d 2-1 -

---

---1

---j

l

1-2 A d 2-1- - - - ----1 1---1-2 d A 2-1 6 - l - 2 - - 4 - - - -- - - + - -2

-1-Exercise ld

1 ....--- - - - -1-3 4 4 3 - 1 - - - -- - - , 2 1-3 A A

3-1---1~

31---l-3,-+-11 _----~Ar3-l 4~---1-3-11 4---4<1-3-1

5

1-3~11_~----~11_-

₃

_-

₁

6

'-

1

-

3

A A 3-J_j

Exercise te

l . - - - -- 1-3-5- 5-3-1- - - -- - - ,

2l

1-3-5 5-3-1

I

3 1-3-5- - - -5-3-1 - - - ;

4·

1

-

3

-

5

- - - -

---5-

3-1

5 r 1-3-5 5-3-1

:J

6 L J - 3 - 5 - - - -- - - --5-3-l

Exercise If

1 1-2- 2-1

I

2 1 - - - -- - - 1-2 2-1- ---1. 3 1? 2-1- - - i 4 1-2

2-1~

5 1-2 2-1 6 '--1-2 - - 2- 1

Exercise tg

1 ....--- - - -- - - 1 - 3- 3-1-- - -- - - ----, 2

1

-

3--

--

3-1-

-

-

--

-~

3 1-3- - -- - - - 3-1 -- - ---j 41---1-3 - - -- - -- -- - 3-1 5 1-3 3-1 6 ' -1-3 - - -- - - -- - -- - -- -3-1

Exercise

1h

1~---1 4 4 1 -- - -- - -- . 2 1 4 4 1

-3

A 1----~ 4 A 1----~ 5 A 1-~ 6 A

1-Exercise ti

1 . . - - - - -- - - -1-5-5-1- -- -- -

-2~

1-5 5-1 3 1-5 5-1- - - ---t

~

1-5 l-5 5-1 5-1---t 6 1-5 5-1

-Exercise #2

Reverse Fingering

Play the notes in the reverse order that they were played on the previous exercise. The picking direction should stay the same however.

E A D G B E 2 3

Exercise 2a

4 1 4 3-2-1 2! 4 3-2-1

l

3§

4 3-

--

-2

-

1

I 4 - 4 3-2-1- - - ---1· 5 4 3-2-1- - - -- ----l 6 3 - 2 - 1 - - - ---' 5 E A D G B E 2 1~1-2-3 4 2 1-2-3 4

I

3 1

1-2

-3

4

I

4 1-2-3 4 5 1-2-3 4

3004=1

6 1~-3 4 5

Exercise2b

~ ~.---3---2--l-3-2-l-l-2-3-1---2--3---,l 3 3-2-1 1-2-3- - - l -4 3-2-1 1-2-3- ----d---i 5 3 - 2 - 1 - - - 1 - 2 - 3 6 3 - 2 - 1 - - - -- - - -- - - -- 1-2-3

Exercise2c

1 A 2-1- 1-2--"A+--- - -- - - . 2 A 2-1 1-2--'11+ - - - ---i 3 A 2-1 J-2--'.A+---l 4 A 2-1 1-2--'-A+-- - - 1 5 A 2-} 1-2--"11-1---l 6 -4-2-1 1-2

--4-Exercise2d

} A 3-J-l-3--'4+--- - - - , 2 A 3-1 1-3----'4+ - - - ---il 3 A 3 - 1 - - - - -- -- - -1-3--"4+ - - - l 4 A 3-1 1-3~4+---j 5 A 3-1- - - -- - 1 - 3 4

~

6

-4-

3

-

1

--

---

---

1

-

3~

Exercise2e

1 r--- - - - -5-3-1 - 1 - 3 - 5 - - - ---, 2 5-3-1

1

-

3

-

5

--

---~----l

3 1 - - - 5 - 3-1- -- - - 1 - 3 - 5 -- - - 1 41 - - - -5-3-1 - -- - - -1-3-5 -- -51---5-3-1 - - -- - - -- - - 1 - 3 - 5 6 '-5-3-1 1-3-5

Exercise2f

1 2 - l - 1 - 2 . - - - -- - - , 2 2-1 1-2.- - - l 3 2-1 1-2. -- ----1 4 2-1 1-2 - ' 5 2-l 1-2- ----l 6 '--2-1 - ·-·--1-2

Exercise2g

1,--·-.. -·---- -- -·---·---·---·-3-1-1-3---~ 2r - - -- - - - 3 - l -- - -1-3-- -- - --4 3 3-1-- -- - -- 1-3 - - - 1 4 3-1 1-3- -- - 1 5 3-1- - - - -- - -- - -- 1-3---l 6 - 3-1 1-3

Exercise2h

1 A 1-}-4-- - -- ---, 2 A 1- - - - 4 - - -- -- - - l

3

A 1---}~---4 4 A } ~~----4 5 A } ---}~---1 6 ~1 1

Exercise 2i

1 . - - - -- - - - -5-1----1-·-·5- - - -- --. 2§ 5-1 1-5- - - -- --4

~

5-1-5_-_1

=

===

=====

==

=-

1

-_

5

~

~

-

-

-

5

-

-

.

..

.

-

....

-_

-

___

-_

- < 5- 5-1 1-5 ---1 6 5-1 - - - -- - -- - - -- - -

Exercise #3

Bi-directional Fingering

Change direction after you play each string on this exercise. Follow the arrows and the tablature

closely. These bi-directional exercises are great for improving coordination.

2 3 4 5 E A D G B E 2 3 4 5 E A D G B E

Exercise 3a

1.---~A 3-2-1 2 1-2-3 4

l

3 11 3-2-1

I

4 1-2-3 4 5 11 _{3-2-1---------~} 6-1-2-3 4 1.---~ 2-l-2~~~A ____________________________ ~ 3 11 _{3-2-1-------~} 4 f---1-2 '1 11 5 A 3-2-1- - - 1 6 '---1-2 3 A

Exercise3b

1 § - - - -- - -- 3 - 2 - 1 - - -- - -- - -- - ---, 2 1-2-3 1-2-3- - -- -- -- ----l 3 3 - 2 - 1 - - -- - -- 3-2-1 4 1-2-3- - -- - -- - -- -1-2-3- -- - - 1 5 3 - 2 - 1 - - - -- - - - -- - - -- --3-2- l -6 1-2-3 - - - -- -- - -- - -- -- -- 1-2-3

Exercise 3c

1 r - - - -- - - L - 1 ! -_ 2- l- - -- -- - - -- --., 4 2

3 f - - - -- - - --A4-2-1---

1

-

2

-'A!---

- - -

1

-

2

--'-

---'Aq.-2

4'1----

-

--

1 - -

-

- - -

-

--

-~---i

t - - - 1 - 2.-'A'+--- -- - -- -- -- -1-2-'41-- -5 A 2 - 1 - - - -- - -- - -- - - -- -4-A 2-1-6 -1-2 A 1-2-4

Exercise 3d

1 A 3-1- - -- - -- -- -- - , 2 1-3 A l-3-'-11l---- -- - -- -- -1 3 A 3-I A 3-1- -- -- --1 4 1-3 A 1-3-'Al--- - - - - l 5 A 3-1 4 3-}-- --1 fi '--1-3 A

1-3-4-Exercise 3e

1 r - - - -- - -- - - -- 5-3-1 - -- - -- -- - -- - , 2 1-3-5 1-3-5 -- - - -- - - ----l 3 5-3-1 5-3-1- - - 1 4 1-3-5-- - -- -- - - 1-3-5- - ---1 5 5-3-1 5-3-l- - - - i 6 '--l-3-5--- - - -- - - -- - -- -- - -- -- -1-3-5

Exercise3f

1~---2-1---~

2~

1-2-1-2 1 3 2-1 2-1---l·

~

2-1-1_-_2 ________________

1-_2~

6

1-2

~~

Exercise 3g

1 ~---3-1---~

2~

i - 3 -- 1-3

~

3 3 - 1 - -- - -3 1

~

3

-

1

-

1

_

-

_

3====

========

==

-

=--1

-

_3_3-1

6 1-3- - - -- - - -1-3

Exercise 3h

1~---~A~}---~ 2~---1~--J~A~---~ 3 A 1 A 1 - - - ! 4 1 ~--- - - - 1--'-A+---i 5 A

1

A 1--~ 6 -1-'A:~.--_________ __ - - - - 1 4

-Exercise 3i

1 .---

---

5

-

1

---

---,

2~

1-5--1-5

~

~

=

5-1-1

_

-

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5=5=

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=

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1

-_

5

_

5

-

1

6 1 - 5 - - - -- -1-5

Exercise #4

Out Of Sequence

The notes are played in a different order on this exercise. You will be playing 1-3-2-4 instead of the 1-2-3-4 combination used on the previous exercises. Follow the arrows and tablature closely. E A D G 8 E

!'~

I I

v

i\

\,

_~ 2 3

Exercise 4a

~~

5 1 1-3-2~ 2 1-3-2 4

1

3 1-3-2 4

I

4 1-3-2~4~---~· 5 1-3-2~4~---~ 6L-1-3-2~4~---~ 4 E A D G B E

,·~

2~ 1 r-4-2-3-1 4 2-3-1---~ 3J 4 2-3-1 1 4

I

4 2-3-1--- - ---il 2

_•

~

\

~I

4 2 -3-l 4 2-3-lJ 3 4

4"/

5

Exercise 4b

1 1-3-2-2-3-1--- - -- - -- - --, 2 1-3-2 2-3 - 1 - - - -- ---t 3 1-3-2 2-3-1- -- - ---t 4 1-3-2 2-3 - 1 - - ---t 5 1-3-2 2-3-1----l 6 1-3-2 2-3-1

-Exercise 4c

1~---1~2-2~1---~

~ §t---

---

--1-4-_2_1-4--2--=-1

-

-4-

_

2=====

===

==2--4-_1_2~1

2-4-1- -- - - 1 5 - 1-4-2 2-4-1---; 6 1 - 4 - 2 - - - -- -- - - -- -

-2-4-1-Exercise 4d

~

ilr---1~3 1~3 1~3

-

3~1 3~1 3~1---

---t

l

1 - · - - - - -1-4-3 3-4-1- - - l -t - - - -- l - 4 - 3 - - - -- - - -- - - 3 - 4 - l - - - - ; 6L-1 - 4 - 3 - - - -- - - ---3-4-1_j

Exercise 4e

1§ r - -- - - -- - - - -- - - -- 1-5-3- 3-5-1 2 1-5-3

3

-

5

-

1

---

~--l

3 1-5-3--- - - - - -3-5-1- - - ----1 4 1-5-3 3-5-1 5 1-5-3---- - -- -- - - -- - - 3 - 5 - 1 6 1-5-3 3-5-1

Exercise #5

Repeated Fingering

More Finger combinations can be created by repeating notes in the exercises. Notice that every other note is the same in the exercise below.

E A D G B E ~

I I

(

~"

I

2 3

Exercise Sa

\

_I

₄ ~---1-2~2 2

1-2~2

l

3

1-2~2

I

4

1-2~2---~· 5 1-2~2~---~ 6-1-2~2~---~ 5 E A D G B E 2

(0

\

l

1 2~2-1---, 2§

2~2-1

3 L--4-L- 1

I

4 - 2~2-1---4·

51

2~2

-

1

j

6 2~2-1 3 4

\

5

Exercise Sb

I 1-2-3--2- 2-3--2-1- - - -- - - , 2 1-2-3--2 2-3--2-1- - - -- - - - -- ---l 3 1-2-3--2 2-3--2-1- - - ---i 4 l-2-3-2 2-3--2-1---1 5 1-2-3--2 2-3--2-1---l 6 '--l-2-3-2 2-3-2-1

Exercise Sc

1

~

-

-

-

---

--

--1

-

J--.4--:

1-3--4--3---3--4-3--1 3--4-3-1

~

~r---I-3--4-

1

_~--

_----

_---

_---3--4-3-I-

_--

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4 1-- - - ---1-3--4-'l 3--4--3--1- ---l

g

1-3--4-~1-_3_4_· _______________ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ 3_4_3--__ 1-.3--4---3----1~

Exercise Sd

1 1-3--5--3---3--5--3--1.- -- - -- - - -- - - , 21 1-3--5--3 3--5--3--1 3 1-3--5--'l 3--5--3--1---i L1-3

Hl

~

J.-~'

1-~~3

J.-~J.-1 J.-~J.-1 J.-~J.-1

-Exercise Se

1 r - - - --l-4-2-4-4-2-4-1- - -- - - ---,

2~---l-4-2

:-4-

----

---4-

.

2-4-1---

-

--

-

-

--J

3 1--- - - - ---1-4-2 4 4 _{2 - 4 - 1 - - - -- ---i} 4 t--- - - - -J-4-2 A 4 2 - 4 - J - - -- - ---l 5 1-4-2-«"t---- - - -- -- - - ---4--c4 _2-4-1 61-4-2-4-- - - - -- - - -- - - - -- - - -- - ---4-c2-4-1

Exercise #6

Multiple Finger Combinations

Now we will combine some of the exercises that you learned earlier. On exercise 6a, three finger combinations are used, 1-2-4, 1-3-4, and 1-3-5. Make up some of your own multiple finger combinations by playing something different on each string.

E A D G B E 2 3

Exercise 6a

5 1

1

-

3----21

l

-

0~A

----

~

3E

l-2 ....

4--

1-3----·5~---~

5

1-~~4~---4

6

1-2~A~---~ 4 E A D G B E : 1

§5-3-I

4

3----1

-

-

-

-

-

---JII

4 2-1- -- --- ---i· ~---5-3----1---~

~L.._I

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

3-~

-

4---2-l J 2 3 4 5

Exercise 6b

1 ~---1-3-5-5-3-1---, 2 1-3-5 5-3-1- - - -- - - - j 3 1-3 11 _{3-1- - - - -- - - ;} 4 1-3 A 3-1- - - ; 5 1-2-4 A 2-1---l 6 1-2 A

2-J-Exercise 6c

1 r--- - - -- - -- ---1-2-4---4-2-1- -- - - -- ---,

21

1-3 A 11 3 - J - - - ----1 3 1-2-3 3-2-1 4 · 1-2--'t!~---'-AI--2-1---; 5 1-3 A A 3 - } - ---j 6 -1-2-3- - - -- - - -- - -- - -- - - - -- - - -3-2-1

-Exercise 6d

~ :~==

1 .--- - - -

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-

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3-=-

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1-2-3-3

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t-12 3 4 -1-

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11

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4----l==-3--2---1

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Exercise 6e

1 r - -- -- - - - -1-2- 2-1 -- -- -- -- -,

2~

1-3

3

-

1

---

--

--

~

4 3

1

-4

4

-

1

- - - -

--l

t-=- - - 1-2 -2--1- - - 1 5 1-3 3-1 6 1- 4 - - - -- - - 4 1

Exercise 61

1~---1~3-3~1---,l

~~--

--

--~~~~~1~4~~2

=~-1

~~4=_2=~~1~~4~

~

3~~~~~~~~~~~

=

~=~=~=~=~3~=-4=~-1~

2

-

-

~~~-1-~

-

~

--

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---

2-3-l

-

l

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i-3

-2---

--

---

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--

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l

--

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6

1-3

-

2

Exercise 6g

1 A

3

-

i

--

-1 3-4- -- - - -- - - . 2 1-3 A A 3-1

~

3 A

2-1

1-2

4

4 1-2 A l1 2-1 5 3-2-1 1-2-3 6

'---l-2-3

3-2-1

Exercise

6h

1 l-3-2--4-4-2-3-1. -- - -- -- -- - -- - - -- --, 2

§

1-2-3

4 4 1-2-1

I

3- 1-3-2 A - A 2-3--1.--- - -- ---l· 4 1-2-1 4 11 _{1-2-l- - -- - - ----l} 5 l-3-2~A~---~~3-1

j

6 ~~3~4r--- ---~~~1

Exercise 6i

1 1-3-5--3-3-5--3-l,.--- - - -- -- - -- -- -- - - , 2

§

1-3-4--3 3-4--3-1 3 1-2-3--2 2-3-2-1---~ 4 1~3-5-:'l }-5--3-1.--- ---i 5 1-3-4-c1 3-4-3--1--~ 61-2-3-2 2

Exercise #7

Complete Fingering

The list at the bottom of the page shows every possible combination for two, three, and four fingers. There is a slight difference between these exercises and the ones shown earlier in this chapter. Notice that the finger combinations stay the same in both directions. In the example

below, the enlarged num hers arc the fret nwn bers and fingering.

2134

~~

r -,

=====

=======~

~~~~~~2

---

1

--

3

-1

2-1-3

~

1

3

2

-

l

-

3

--<

4:j.---

--

----l·

4 2-1-3~4~---~

5

2-1-3-4~---~ 6 -2-l-3-'4'1--- - - - - --- ---__J 1

§2

-

1

-

3

~

1

I

2-- 2-1-3-4~---~ -3 2-1-3----<4'1--- - - -- -- ---l 4r---2-l-3-4~---~ 5t - - - -- - -- - 2-1-3-4

J

6 '---2-1-3-4

All sixty combinations are shown below. Keep in mind that playing them all will take a long

time. Here are a few suggestions on how to play the exercise.

• Play each combination once and go through all sixty without resting.

• The combinations arc divided into groups of six. Play one group at a time repeating each combination as many tim~s as you like.

• Play all of the four finger combinations first. Do the three finger exercises second, then

play the remaining combinations.

1234

2134

3124

4123

123

213

312

412

12

31

1243

2143

3142

4132

124

214

314

413

13

32

1324

2314

3214

4213

132

231

321

421

14

34

1342

2341

3241

4231

134

234

324

423

21

41

1423

2413

3412

4312

142

241

341

431

23

42

1432

2431

3421

4321

143

243

342

432

24

43

Chapter3

Finger Strengthening Exercises

The exercises in this chapter were designed to improve your finger strength and speed. Constant repetition is important on these exercises.

Chapter 3 contains the following exercises:

Trills Trills II Trills ill Hyper-Extended Fingering Lifting Lifting II

Exercise #1

Trills

Rapidly alternate between the two notes indicated on the diagrams. No picking is necessary for this exercise. Hold one finger down for the entire exercise. Move the other finger up and down

as fast as you can, until your hand gets tired. This is a great drill for strengthening each finger.

The finger numbers arc shown on the diagrams next to the black dots.

Exercise Ia

Exercise lb

Exercise lc

Exercise ld

1 4 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4

_•

5

Exercise le

Exercise If

I

I I I I I

2 2 2 ~ 3

•

3 4 f-+--+--+--+---1 4 5 I 2 3 4 5

•

I

••

2 3 4 5

Exercise lg

I

2 3

••

3 4

•

4 5 I 2 3 A

...

5

Exercise #2

Trills II

These trill exercises will help stretch your finger muscles. Play these just like the previous

exercises. The only difference here is, a greater stretch is required. Once again, the finger numbers are shown next to the dots.

Exercise2a

Exercise2b

Exercise2c

1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 t-t-+-+-+----i 5 5 5

Exercise2d

Exercise2e

Exercise2f

2 2 4 ₂ 4 _{2 2} 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 ~ ₅ 4 5

Exercise #3

Trills HI

These exercises are a combination of the last two. Hold down one finger while alternating back and forth with the other. This is indicated by the arrows on the diagrams. This will improve finger strength and it is a good stretching exercise a..;; well.

Exercise3a

Exercise3b

Exercise3c

4

2 2 2 2 3 3

4r'

3 3 3 4 4~)1 4 4 4 5 5 5

Exercise 3d

Exercise3e

Exercise3f

I I I I I

2 t-t--+-+-+---i 2 1--t--+-+-+--i 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 5 5 4 t~

4~

4 5

Exercise #4

Hyper-Extended Fingering

These finger combinations are a little unusual, but they work well for stretching and strengthening your left hand. Make sure you usc the correct fingers for each note. If you have difficulty with these unusual stretches, t1y playing a little higher up on the fretboard.

E A D G B E 2 3

Exercise 4a

4 1 1-2-3-~ 21 , " 1-2-3-5-

----1

3

E

1

-

2

-

~

.,_5

I

4-- 1-2-3-5~---~

-5

1-2~3-Sr---~ 6 1-2-3-5~---~ 5 E A D G B E 1 cS-3-2-I

I

21 5-3-2-1

~I

5-3-l-l 5-3-2-1

I

2

_~

____ 5-3-2-1 5-3-2-lj 3 4 5

To get the best results from this exercise, it is important to use the correct fingers. Because these exercises are so unusual, the finger numbers have been written under the tablature.

Exercise 4b

1

t

1-~5---5-4--3-1

~

2~---1-~~ ~3-1---~ 3 1-3--4--," 5--4--3-1--- - --l 4 1-~~"---5--4-3-1 5 1-3-4--,~"---~5--4-3-1 6 I-3--4--, 5-4-3-1 ~ing. 2 3 4 ! 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 2 3 4 2 3 4 1 3 2 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 1 4 3 2

Exercise 4c

Fing. 1 2 3 4 I 2 3 4 I 2 3 4 I 2 3 4 I 2 3 4 I 2 3 4 4 3 2 I 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 I 4 3 2 I 4 3 2 1 4 3 2 I

Exercise 4d

1.---l-~3-l---,

2t

1-3--4--6---6-3-1

J

3 l-3--4--6 6 - 4 - 3 - 1 - - - l 4 1-3--4--6 6-4--3-l--- ----1 ~ 1 5--4-{}----~-~~}---~---_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_~~---=---~--~---_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_~'>--~3---l--6-4-3-1 Fi ng. 1 2 3 4 I 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 4 3 2 I 4 1 2 1 4 3 2 I 4 3 2 I 4 3 2 I 4 3 2 1

Exercise #5

Lifting

This is a great exercise for improving finger independence and strength. Begin by placing all four fingers on the sixth string. Each finger should be on a different fret as shown on figure 1. Now, lift each finger as shown on the other diagrams. You should repeat each finger lift many times before moving on to the next finger. This exercise is similar to the trills shown earlier, but remember to hold down the remaining three fingers this time.

1

2

3

4

5

Exercise #6

Lilting

II

Lift two fingers at a time on this exercise. You can perform this exercise by lifting all six finger combinations one after the other, or you can alternate between any two of them . This exercise wali designed to improve finger independence. Start slowly and make sure you only lift the fingers indicated.

Chapter4

Advanced Fingering Exercises

Beginners shouldn't attempt the exercises in this chapter until they feel comfortable with the exercises shown earlier. Even advanced guitarists will find most of these exercises challenging. They will improve both picking and fingering ability.

Chapter 4 contains the following exercises:

Single String Combinations Diagonal Fingering Vertical Fingering String Skipping Pivoting Three Grouping Four Grouping

Exercise #1

Single String Combinations

Here are four fingering groups on a single string. Play slowly and evenly because this exercise re(Juires accuracy before speed. Make sure that you do all four groups on all six strings.

Exercise Ia

1~---~ 2~---~

3t

I

i

b

-

2-3--1-2.

-<

4~

-

l-3-4--

-

l

-

3-5~

Exercise

lb

~I

I

6

L

1-2-3-2-- 1-2-4-2--1 -3-4-3-- 1-3-5-3__, 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 5-3-1-3 ~1-2-3 4

Exercise lc

--·-v ••--~··•·-·-·----·•• A _3-1-3 .1 _{2-1-2- -- -3-}

2-1-2-Exercise

td

4 2-3-1 A 3-2-1--1-3-

2-4---Exercise #2

Diagonal Fingering

Diagonal fingering will improve your picking because of the quick movement from string to string. It will also help your left hand because the fingering is very challenging.

Exercise 2a

Exercise 2b

1

2-1

I

2~---1---2---~·

~~-I

- - - - 1-3--1- 3

I

~

2 I 2

~~2

I 6

--1----

--

--

--~--d

il __

,

3 ,_3 _

_

_

'~

1 2 3 4 5 6

I

G3

Exercise 2c

Exercise 2e

3 2 -2- --3 3 2 2 3

Exercise2d

1 5-l 2 1 - 5 1 3 5 1

~

51

~

6 - -1

~---d

Exercise 21

1

4

2---~

~

l

2- -Ll4 > - - ---l

~I

2 4 2 4

I

~L=2

4

2

--;j

2 3

-Exercise2g

} A 3---~

~

, 3 4 3

I

~

"3 4

3~

6'---3

=t=J

1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 c - 2 '---1 - 2 '----1 A 3 A 3 A 3 2 I 1 5 A 3 2 3

Exercise2h

A A 3 3 A 2 2 3 A 1 2 3 1 2 -

1-Exercise 2i

6 7 8

9-5 6 7 8 -A _{5 6 7} A _{5 6}

lr-

--

----

--

--

--

----

--

--

--

--

---

--

--

--

--

- .

2r---~ 3 '--9~~~-8-~--7-~--6·----5---~A---l 4 .__g 7 6 5 A

3Bl

5 7 6 5 A 3- -

-6

6

5

A

3

2--~

-Exercise2j

1 - ---<+--1

~ ~

4 1

3-

4

-

1

~2----2

-

3

-

-

2

3~1

4 3--2-~--2 3·--1---'-+--t

5

2

3

1---~4~---~ 6 1 1 1 A 2 r---3 2---""11_{1 - - - 1 - -}

=a

~ ~====2=~1

-=

_A:

__

_

3=

-

-==-

-==-

-~=--=--

-3=-2-1-=11:_3=2=~

~~-

-=

:--=--11~~

,

3~2~-3 2~

6

1~-~~

Exercise #3

Vertical Fingering

These exercises are played on one suing at a time (vertically). Starting on the first fret, play a group of notes as shown on the tablature. Then move to the second fret and play the next group of notes. The tablature below shows a few frets, hut you should continue this pattern up and

down the entire frethoard on all six strings.

Exercise 3a

!§

.--1---2-_3_- 4 -___

2--3_-4-_5~~-3--4--5

--

6

----4---

5

--

6

---

7~~

-

6

--

5

-

-4

---

3~~

-

5

-

-4

---

3

--

2

-

---4-

--

3

--

2-

--

l

~---,

Exercise 3b

!

~r--~-

-

-2

-

-3~~-2-

-

-3-4---3--4-_5_

---4-

_ _ ) __

--

6

~~-

5

--

6

---

~

~~-

6

-_

5

_

-4-

_ _ 5_-4-_ 3_---4-_ _ 3_-2 _____

3_--2--1-~-;

Exercise 3c

3~---~

~

tl-2-4--2-3-5-3-4-6--4-5-7-5-6-8- -7-5-4-6-4-3- 5-3-2---4-2-1

J

Exercise 3d

~~

----

.

.

I

~

L

l-3-4-2-4-5- 3-5-6---4-6-7- 5-7-8-7-6-4-6-5-3- 5-4-2---4-3-1

J

Here are four more vertical exercises. These have a slide between each group of notes. If you arc unfamiliar with sliding, simply apply pressure and move to the next fret without lifting your finger. A slide is shown on the tablature by a - - and the letters "sl. "

Fingering is important here. On exercise 3e, play the first four notes, then slide to the fifth fret with your pinkey. Now, play four notes backwards and slide with your index finger. Continue this all the way up and down the frctboard on all six strings.

Exercise 3e

1.--- -- -- --- ---. 2~---~ ·-"'I I

i

E

1-2

-

~5-4-3-2.-<-J-4-

5-Q ••

q.<}-5--4,-LS-&-7~

7-6-5-4>---J-4-5-6"-..-5-4-3-2..._1-2-J d ~ ~ ~ d ~ ~ d

Exercise3f

1.---~ 2r---~ 3~---~ 4~---~ 5r---~ 6~1-2-3~3-2~3-4-5~6-5~5-6-7~6-5~3-4-5~3- 2~1-2-3--1 2 3 4 5 6 s/. st. sl. sl. sl. sl. sl. sl.

Exercise 3g

---- ·-··-··-···-- - - - ··-···----l-2~5-3-2~3-4-6~7 -5~5-6-8~7-5~3-4-6~5-3-2~1-2-4--sl. sl. sl. s/. sl. sl. sl. sl.

Exercise3h

Exercise #4

String Skipping

String skipping is similar to the straight fingering exercises in chapter two. Play these the same way, but play every other string.

Exercise 4a

?I

1-2-3 3-2-1 j ' _3--2-1

ibl+3

1-2 1,

Exercise 4c

~,

4 3-1 1-3 4

i[_

J

4 4 3--1 1-3 4

Exercise 4e

~~

2-1 1-2

2

-

1

41

1-2 5 6 1-2

Exercise 4g

1 1

~~

1 4 d 1

1 4

~[1

4

I

_I

3-2-§

I

4

3-ld

2-1

I

4 _1j

Exercise 4b

if-1 - -- _ -_1-_2

-

4

-

2

--

1

~·

+-

'

·

,

2-1- --

:

~

4

5

-~

c

-

-

1-2 4

~

I--~

-

-

--

-

---

-

--L

4~2-lj

6-1~~4~---~

Exercise 4d

~I

I-3-5 5--3--1

I

~I

1-3--5 5--3-1- - . ...

I

5

t

5-3--1---4

6

1-3--5~---~1

Exercise 41

1 r-- - -- - -3-1- - - --,

~

~

'

_ _____

1

_

-3

_

--=--=--=-

-=-

~

3

--

-~====:

;I

1-3 -- - - -- - i J t--- - -- - - -- -3-1

6

1-3---~

Exerci~·e

4h

~I

5-1

1

-

5

I

5-1

1-5

~[1-5

5-1~

Exercise 4i

1 1-2 2-1---, 2 1-2 2-1-- - - j 3 12 ---2-1- -- - -- ---1 4 l-2 2 - 1 - -- -- - -- 1 5 1-2 2 - 1 - -- ---i 6 ~1-2 2-1

Exercise 4j

1 r - - - -1-3- - - -- - - --- -- - - - --3-1---J 2 1 - - -- - - -1-3 3 - 1 - -- ---i 3 1-3-3-1-- - -- -- - ----; 4 1-3---3-1-- - -- - - - 1 5 f--- - - - I - 3 - -- - -- - - -- - -3-1-- ---i 6 -1-3 -- - -- -- - - -3-1

Exercise 4k

~

]§

1 4 4 1 - - - -- - ---1:

.---t--~-~-4~~---==--A

~

-1

1~~

r<--4---

---

d

- -- - -- - -- - -- - - ----4-lj

Exercise 4/

1 1-5 - - - -- - -- -- - -- - - -.5-l- ---,

"f

1-5- - -- - -- - 5 - 1- - ---jl

3

1-5-5-1- -- -- - - - ----1 4 1-5- -- - - 5- l- -- - - -- - 1 5 1-5- -- -- - -- - -- -5 - 1 - - - 1 6._1-5---5-1~

Exercise 4m

1

~2-1---1-2

2

2-1

1-2---~

3

2

-

1

1-2-

- -

---j

4

1

--

-2-2-

-

1

5 ~ 1 - - 2 2- -1 - - - l

6-1--2

2

-

-1

Exercise 4n

1 r--3-1- - -- - - - -- - -- -- -- -- 1-3 2 3-1 1-3---~ 3 3-1 1-3- - -- ---i 4 1--3-3--1---~ 5 1 - - 3 3 - - 1 - - - l 6-1- -3 3- -1

Exercise 4o

1 A 1 - -- - -- - - -- -- - -- - -1 4 ----,

~~

-

----1=A==}

=-

~A=-=l=;=

-

~-

--

-A

--~--

A

-

-1~~~

·~

_1~=-A~~=1

~~-

4:

~

-1

~-

-=--=

_-=

_

-=

_-~I

6 '-l .A A l_j

Exercise 4p

1 5-1 - - -- -- - - -- -- - - -- - -- 1-5 1

2

1--

- -

-

5

-

1

1

-

5-

I

3 5-1 1-5 4 1 - - 5- 5 -- 1

J

5

1-

-

5

5--1---j~

6

1 - - - 5 - - -- - -- -- -- - - - -- -5 -- 1