Week 4 · 12 min
The descending run in Capricho árabe
By the end, you can distinguish the slurred pairs from the final two attacks in bar 2.
Before this lesson
Lesson steps
1 The release
Brush the string with the ring finger as it leaves, keeping the index down.
3 min · 44 bpm · 1 note per click
Check for · 2 bars at 48 BPM — The destination note stays clear and in time.
More detail
The departing finger may finish against the next string towards the treble, like a left-hand rest stroke; adapt the movement on the first string.
2 The first pair in Capricho
Isolate the 15–12 descent on string 1 with one right-hand stroke.
3 min · 40 bpm · 4 notes per click
Check for · 2 bars at 44 BPM — Fret 12 remains as audible as fret 15.
More detail
The trill used two frets. Here, prepare the left index at fret 12 before plucking fret 15 and restart at 40 BPM for the shift.
3 Five pairs and two single notes
Connect the five slurred pairs and pluck the last two notes separately.
3 min · 40 bpm · 4 notes per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 2
Check for · 2 bars at 44 BPM — All twelve notes fit in three beats with seven right-hand attacks.
More detail
This is bar 2 of the piece. The full piece uses drop D. This excerpt uses strings 1 and 2.
4 Five pairs and two single notes
Connect the five slurred pairs and pluck the last two notes separately.
3 min · 40 bpm · 4 notes per click
Revisit the tablature · Step 2
Check for · 4 bars at 48 BPM — All twelve notes fit in three beats with seven right-hand attacks.
More detail
This is bar 2 of the piece. The full piece uses drop D. This excerpt uses strings 1 and 2.
You can move on when…
You pass when, over 4 bars at 48 BPM, all twelve notes fit in three beats with seven right-hand attacks.
If a movement feels difficult
The pull-off note is muted.
Keep the lower finger down while the other lightly plucks the string.
Your fingers lift too far.
Repeat the piston movement slowly, keeping your fingers hovering close to the string.