Shifting melodically on the guitar | Single String Etude #2

Shifting to Learn

Shifting is a technique that I believe should be taught very early in a guitarist’s studies. Fear of upper positions is created when we get stuck playing chords and arpeggios in first and second position. High frets become foreign territory. Reading is more difficult.

These simple lessons incorporate a basic knowledge of the fingerboard and the logical structure of scales, whole steps and half steps. By focusing on one string at a time, the student can see AND feel the proper, though variable distances between frets. Learning to shift and learning to read become one.

The Basics of Melody

Single String Etudes begin the Sketches series and incorporate shifting from first to twelfth fret. As I said in my previous blog, all six etudes embody the most basic of concepts. This is the second lesson on the subtle techniques of melodic playing. Watch the series as it develops on the YouTube Playlist.

Shifting Mechanics

The physical aspect of shifting comes from high in the body. It involves all joints, bones, muscles and tendons of the finger, hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and even into the chest, neck and back. When young players are taught to shift, the entire body opens and good habits are established. We avoid the rigidity of becoming a one or two position player. I think we even come a little closer to being a sustaining melodic instrument. The body and the mind become more one with the flow of melodic phrasing.

Guitars and Music

The excellent guitars I use are usually for sale at Aaron Green’s Vintage Classical Guitars. Read more about my background on my bio page. Buy my music at www.gyremusic.com. Scores are organized by instrument, ensemble, voice and level of ability. Buy a PDF download of Sketches I here. Ask questions or sign up for online lessons: wallacecomposer[at]gmail.com.

Thanks for watching.