CHAPTER IV – LEFT-HAND FINGER INDEPENDENCE

This chapter is focused on improving left-hand finger independence.

The intent of the exercises is to equalize the movements of the finger-pairs, and to improve their flexibility, independence, speed and coordination.

Some groups of exercises intended to work with simple and double-note hammer-ons and pull-offs are to be executed only by the left hand.

When practicing, be careful not to force, to press more than necessary or to practice for too long. Take breaks when needed to prevent fatigue.

If some examples prove difficult, they may be moved higher or lower on the fingerboard or the strings, or customized accordingly.

This chapter describes four different ways of using the left hand:
– playing without pressing
– playing by pressing without keeping the pressure
– playing with fingers fixed on the fingerboard
– playing by tapping the strings

Many of the exercises combine these four movements. Recall the essential movement of the left hand which makes the connection between the four movements: the fingers lift in accordance with the principle of simultaneous push-lift movements.