Level 4 · Musician · 20 min
Give a phrase a direction
By the end you can shape four bars towards a peak and then release.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 The destination
Sing Sor’s opening phrase, choosing a destination note.
4 min · Quarter note = 44, 1 note per click
Check for · You can point to that note’s fret before playing.
More detail
High E at the end of bar 4 is one possible destination.
2 The crescendo
Increase the volume gradually through the ascent in bar 4.
4 min · Quarter note = 44, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · The third melody attack is louder than the first.
More detail
Three levels are enough here. Keep the thumb quiet so the melody remains audible.
3 The release
Decrease the volume towards the final C of bar 8.
4 min · Quarter note = 44, 1 note per click
Check for · The final C remains audible until the rest.
More detail
A quiet ending still needs a clear attack. Listen to the start and end of the note.
4 The breath
Observe the rest that closes the first section.
4 min · Quarter note = 44, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 3
Check for · No right finger attacks during this eighth rest.
More detail
Imagine a singer taking a breath before the next upbeat.
5 Two possible directions
Record the same phrase with two different destination notes.
4 min · Quarter note = 44, 1 note per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 1
Check for · You can name the peak of each take on playback.
More detail
Keep the same tempo in both takes to hear the differences in volume more clearly.
You can move on when…
You pass when a listener identifies the note you meant to bring out.
If a movement feels difficult
The crescendo speeds up.
Keep the three eighth notes evenly spaced through the ascent.
The bass masks the peak.
Replay the peak with a lighter bass.