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Mel Bay Study Group
The
Mel Bay Method For Guitar According To
"The Principles"
Checkpoint
8, Pages#28-30...Long,
Long Ago
Checkpoints:1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16
ULTIMATE FOLK CHECKPOINTS
1-2-3-4-5-6-7 |
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In order to really learn, understand, and be able to use
the knowledge and skills presented so far in Mel Bay, we must expand the
field of study.
We need Horizontal Growth now, a volume of material that
will give us the opportunity to integrate and assimilate our new knowledge
and skill in a practical, and musical way.
That is why we have added the following book to the
curriculum. Guidance in this material will, of course, be provided along the
way.
 Ultimate
Folk Guitar Song Collection
You can read
Jamie's review of the
book here........... |
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Long, Long Ago
Nothing new here. This is a chord
melody arrangement with the melody in the bass. Make sure you
follow all the usual guidelines for finger movement (preparation,
leaving fingers in place where appropriate). Sustain fingered melody
notes full value.
Even though there are quarter note
rests after the chords, you will not really be stopping the sound of the
chords. Just let them die a natural death.
Play the bass strong, and the chords
light for the proper balance of sound between melody and accompaniment.
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Measures 1-4 |
Hold 1 on the C note throughout.
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| Measures 5-7 |
Hold 1 on the F note. |
| Measures18 |
Hold 1 on F while playing these notes.
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| STEPS-CHROMATIC NOTES
This vital music theory knowledge should
be reinforced, as mentioned, at
www.musictheory.net. |
| A Daily Scale
Study I have students
do this only alternate picking, not that it is useless to do all downs,
I just don't feel it is worth the time. 8ths are usually done alternate
picking anyway.
Measure your top speed on this, and work to improve it with the Basic
Practice Approach. |
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Measure 1 |
Do not let the 1st finger
rise or get tense when you play the first few notes. It is good training
to hold it lightly on the second string during slow and no tempo
practice.
As you play the last note, make sure 3 is ready for
the D note, and not tense and sticking up.
Hold the 1 on C while playing D, since you go back to
it right away. |
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Measure 2 |
Keep the 2nd finger low and
ready for the A note. |
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Measure 3 |
On the D note on beat 4, hold
3 lightly on the D as you play the next 3 notes. It will be in place
when you need it. |
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Measure 5 |
You have two choices for dealing with the
reach to the high A.
Use 3 on the G and 4 on the A. You will have to reach
with 4 for this, keeping 3 in place. This is difficult for the
undeveloped pinky, and can be used to develop it if you like. Do careful
practice and stay maximally relaxed as you reach. A slight outward
motion of the elbow will help. The pinky, of course, will go down on the
side, not straight on the tip.
The other choice is to play the G with
2, so the pinky doesn't have to spread away from 3 as before.
Try one or the other, or both! |
There is nothing new in the remaining tunes "Running Around", "Home,
Home, Can I Forget Thee", and "Playtime". Do correct practice and master
them.
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