Level 2 · Working with both hands · 15 min
Bring out a note with a rest stroke
By the end, you can play a rest stroke and identify the string your finger rests on.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 The landing point
Play string 1 with i and let it come to rest on string 2.
3 min 45 s
Check for · The tip of i touches string 2 without sounding it.
More detail
This is a rest stroke, or apoyando. In a free stroke, or tirando, the finger ends clear of the strings.
2 Two fingers
Alternate i and m with rest strokes on open string 2.
3 min 45 s · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · Both fingers come to rest on string 3 in turn.
More detail
The finger that just played leaves room for the next one.
3 Compare the strokes
Compare free and rest strokes on the same open string.
3 min 45 s · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · You can show the difference by freezing just after each stroke.
More detail
Using the same string and finger lets you compare just the movement.
4 A tune
Play E-F-G-F with rest strokes on string 1.
3 min 45 s · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · All four pitches are clear and string 2 stays silent.
More detail
Aim for a carrying sound with a supple hand. A gentle landing is enough.
You can move on when…
You pass when eight rest strokes sound equally loud and the string you rest on stays silent.
If a movement feels difficult
You repeat the same finger.
Return to slow i-m alternation and check every stroke before speeding up.
Each finger has a different tone colour.
Compare i, m and a on the same string, at the same place.