Two Small Things to Practice That Can Help Boost Your Musicality
Two Small Things to Practice That Can Help Boost Your Musicality
The following are two things that guitarists don't tend to practice much - a single line melody and cadences. A quick practice through these two things will give you new skills that can boost your musicality.
1 - Melody part of Recuerdos de la Alhambra
2 - A cadence in C Major and A Minor
I encourage you to play the melody part from a piece you're working on, and to also find a cadence. Send me your results if you want - I'd love to know! I'd also be more than happy to help you out if you need tips in how to isolate a melody or find a cadence.
1. Melody of Recuerdos de la Alhambra
- Remember to treat this like it were your part in an ensemble
- Experiment with your own fingerings and their effects (don't just use the most convenient fingerings; think about why you are using them)
- Consider the mood, character, expression, and emotion of the melody. Obviously, the melody contains contrasts of mood, so think about where they are.
- Think about the phrasing: how would you play this on a melody instrument? How would you sing it? You can actually sing it to find out!
- Treat this score like a blank canvas: I recommend you mark in all the above details into the score, plus anything else you can think of!
- I have added a special bonus if you purchase the book: you will receive videos of all the parts of Recuerdos de la Alhambra. If you've already purchased the book then these will come your way shortly.
Click image to download
2. Cadences in C Major and A Minor
Cadences are a crucial part of music's punctuation. They comprise the most basic and fundamental chord progressions of classical music.
- Ensure your tone is intentional across every note of each chord
- How do you want to balance each chord? Less bass and more treble? More bass and less treble? More of the middle notes?
- Add some basic arpeggios to the cadences
Enjoy!
P.S. if you missed the live stream on Pratten's Guitar School and you want some more 19th century action, you can watch it here.
About Daniel Nistico - the Resourceful Guitarist
The Resourceful Guitarist aims to help make you a resourceful guitarist by giving you easy access to free resources, pieces, and information that isn't easily available but can have powerful impacts on your playing.
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Daniel Nistico is available for private guitar instruction in Melbourne.
Please call him on 0455 274 744 for more information and to arrange a free trial lesson, or
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