Level 3 · Classical technique · 20 min
Three voices on one guitar
By the end you can bring out a melody over a held bass and a middle voice.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 The upper line
Play just the four notes on string 1.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Check for · You hear E, F, G, E, each lasting two clicks.
More detail
The same finger a can play this entire slow line. Sing it before adding the other strings.
2 The bass line
Play only the low A and then the low E with the thumb.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · Each bass lasts a full bar.
More detail
A is on open string 5. E is on open string 6.
3 The middle line
Place the middle notes on beats two and four.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · Two rests frame the attacks in each middle-voice bar.
More detail
Play G on string 3 in the first bar, then B on string 2 in the second.
4 The outer voices
Place the melody over the bass with a light thumb.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · The opening high G and low E of bar two start together.
More detail
Listen for the bass during the second melody note. It keeps ringing.
5 Balance all three voices
Add the middle voice more quietly than the melody.
4 min · Quarter note = 48, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · You can hum the treble for eight clicks without switching to the middle line.
More detail
Record two bars. On a second listening, follow only the bass notes.
You can move on when…
You pass when you can sing the treble line from your recording and follow each bass change.
If a movement feels difficult
The melody disappears under the accompaniment.
Bring out only the melody finger, keeping the others soft.
The bass overpowers the fingers.
Soften the thumb; play the notes together again without forcing the fingers.