Group 2
Breaking Your Scale Speed Limits with Eduardo Inestal!
Virtuosity and speed go hand in hand when it comes to freeing your musical expressiveness from technical limitations. One key element in classical guitar performance is the ability to play fast scales with ease. Together, we will explore exercises that will enable you to push your speed limits and improve your scale skills while retaining relaxation in both hands and gaining a richer tool set to express your musical ideas.
- Sign-Up Period: August 11 - 14
- Course Period: August 15 - 26
- Class Size: 4 Groups á 10 Participants
- Optional check-In via Zoom: August 23, 11 am PST
Assignment for the first week:
Play the first exercise (Slow) while paying attention to the following:
- Keep the tempo
- Always alternate i-m
- Be "lazy” (move your fingers, both right and left hand, and yourself as less as possible) to keep the relaxation
Do the same with the 2nd exercise (Faster tempo)
Once you control this exercise, you can gradually choose your tempo, increasing the bpm. Pay attention not to lose your relaxation!
Have fun!
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On this longer exercise, I did 3 versions: (1) Slow with accents 4-4-4-6-6, (2) Faster straight thru, (3) Faster- straight with a little dynamics .
The dynamics are barely noticeable on playback, so I guess needs more exaggeration while playing to bring it out.
I can play this scale faster but it would lighter with less intensity. What is the best way to play faster while still keeping it loud?
I look forward to your comments. Thanks!
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Barney As always terrific job!!!
As you said I can barely hear the accent, you can gladly exagerate it much more, same as with the dynamic. Also you can practise this ex till the 1st position. You are going to realice is more dificult since the frets are getting wider. But that is the reality!
Regarding Intensity... you have to play with more power, without stressing you out... it sounds easier as it is...
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Eduardo Inestal Thanks you again Eduardo for your expert advice! I will continue to work on these things, and look forward to the next exercises as well.
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Eduardo Inestal What product do you use on your RH nails to protect them from breaks or tears, especially on Rasgueados?
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Barney Hi Barney, I dont use any product whatsoever. I am lucky to have good, strong nails. Also they grow up quickly. Sorry I can not help in this matter...
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Eduardo Inestal Thanks for your reply Eduardo! Will you be doing the final video for us?
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Barney said:
I wanted to also ask if you feel "preparation" of putting multiple left hand fingers on fret board at same time is important for maximizing speed, or can it hurt "syncronization" between left and right hand "both" moving precisely at same time?It depens how it feels for you... I prefer not to have all but only the 1st. Of course if you are doing descending slurs is mandatory (for ex. paganini 5).
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Eduardo Inestal Thanks Eduardo for your reply on "preparation". I always value your advice!
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Barney
Regarding complementing repertoire to practise scales: I had a lot of fun playing Concierto Andaluz (1st guitar) by Rodrigo... lot of scales.... lot of fun.
(btw, I played it with Mircea several years ago). Both, 1st and 2nd guitar have lot of good scales. Take a look!
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Eduardo Inestal I have the recording of Andualuz by the Romeros. I love this piece and used to play the vinyl record a lot many years ago. I remember it having great long scales. I do not have the guitar score, however. I will try to find it somewhere.
I do have Aranjuez and Gentilhombre scores; and thought that you might select something from Aranjuez , as we mentioned earlier.
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Eduardo Inestal I'm sure Mircea would remember the fun memory of doing this with you. That is so cool!
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End of the Year Challenge: Finish Strong!
