Level 1 · The basics · 10 min
Meet your four plucking fingers
By the end, you can play four open strings with p, i, m and a.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 Find the four strings
Place p, i, m and a on strings 4, 3, 2 and 1.
2 min
Check for · Each finger touches one string. Your ring finger is on the thinnest one.
More detail
p means thumb, i index, m middle and a ring finger. Count from the thinnest string, number 1. An open string has no left finger on it.
2 Your first free stroke
Play string 3 with your index finger, moving it towards your palm.
2 min
Check for · Only string 3 sounds. Your index finger finishes clear of string 4.
More detail
This is a free stroke, or tirando. The movement starts at the large knuckle where your finger meets your hand.
3 Three treble notes
Play i-m-a on strings 3-2-1, one note per click.
3 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · You hear three notes rising, then one click with no new note.
More detail
Each zero in the tab means an open string. The top line is string 1. The last note rings through the fourth click.
4 Add the bass
Play p-i-m-a on strings 4-3-2-1, one note per click.
3 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · Your thumb starts each group. The next three notes are as clear as the first.
More detail
Set all four fingers back on their strings at the start of each group. If a note drops out, try again without the click first.
You can move on when…
You pass when you play p-i-m-a three times with four distinct, equally loud notes each time.
If a movement feels difficult
My index finger lands on the next string.
Aim the stroke towards the hollow of your palm.
The bass overpowers the other three notes.
Use a smaller thumb stroke.