Group 2

Unlock the secret to mastering your right-hand arpeggios in this two-week intensive course with renowned guitarist Arturo Castro Nogueras. Designed for guitarists of all levels, this course focuses on essential techniques to relax your right-hand thumb, enhancing your fluidity and control.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Learn techniques to ease thumb tension while playing arpeggios.
• Improve fluidity and control in your arpeggio patterns.
• Understand the impact of thumb relaxation on overall arpeggio execution.
• Practice a series of arpeggio-focused exercises and etudes.
• Develop a balanced and efficient right-hand position for arpeggios.
• Apply thumb relaxation techniques to various arpeggio patterns and musical excerpts.

Throughout the course, Arturo will provide detailed lessons and hands-on practice to help you refine your arpeggio technique and elevate your playing. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or achieve a more balanced right-hand position, this course offers the tools and insights you need to succeed.

TIMELINE:

• Sign-Up : May 29th - June 2nd
• Course Period: June 3rd - June 14th
• Optional check-In via Zoom: June 10th, 10 am PST

ASSINGMENTS WEEK 1

1. Arpeggio Exercise

   • Instructions: Position your fingers on the first four strings.
   • Pattern: Perform a simple P-I-M-A arpeggio.
   • Detail: Immediately after playing with your thumb (P), take an extra moment to relax.
   • Steps:
     • Play with thumb (P)
     • Relax
     • Play with index (I)
     • Play with middle (M)
     • Play with ring (A)

2. Leo Brouwer's Estudio Sencillo No. 6

   • Instructions: Position your thumb (P) and ring finger (a) into playing position.
   • Detail: After playing with your thumb (P), immediately relax.
   • Focus: Ensure relaxation after each thumb stroke to maintain fluidity.

3. Triple Thumb Exercise

   • Instructions: Place your thumb (P) on the sixth string.
   • Pattern: Play the last three strings in reverse order: 6th, 5th, and 4th, relaxing after playing each string.
   • Steps:
     • Play the 6th string with thumb (P) and relax
     • Play the 5th string with thumb (P) and relax
     • Play the 4th string with thumb (P) and relax

Exercise Instructions:

1. Arpeggio A Major

•     Position your fretting hand to play an A major chord.
•     Place your thumb (right hand) on the 5th string.
•     Strum the 5th string with your thumb and relax your hand.
•     Perform a hammer-on with your pinky on the 4th fret of the 5th string.
•     Quickly place your thumb again on the 4th string.
•     Strum the remaining strings of the chord.
•     Focus on maintaining a relaxed posture and fluid motion throughout the exercise.

2. Carcassi Etude No. 25 (First Bar)

•    Apply the same principles as the Arpeggio A Major exercise.
•    Position your fretting hand according to the notation for the first bar of Carcassi Etude No. 25.
•    Start with your thumb on the designated string.
•    Play the notes as indicated in the etude, focusing on relaxation and precision.
•    Emphasize the hammer-on technique if required by the notation.

3. Maintaining Right Hand Stillness and Relaxation

• Practice playing the thumb strokes of various exercises or pieces slowly.
• Focus on keeping the rest of your hand relaxed and still while playing the thumb.
•  Avoid unnecessary tension in your hand and fingers.
•  Gradually increase speed while maintaining relaxation and stillness.

4. Bonus Practice: Tremolo with Relaxation

•  Position your hand for tremolo technique, typically with the thumb playing bass notes and fingers playing rapid repetitions on higher strings.
•  Start slowly to ensure each finger movement is relaxed and controlled.
•  Concentrate on keeping each finger relaxed as it alternates with the thumb.
•  Increase speed gradually while maintaining relaxation and precision.
•  Focus on a consistent, even tone with each finger stroke.

1. Villa-Lobos Etude No. 2 E7 Arpeggio in Bar 23, using the Triple Thumb Exercise:

   - Start by reviewing the triple thumb exercise demonstrated in the first video.

   - Familiarize yourself with the E7 arpeggio in Villa-Lobos Etude No. 2.

   - Apply the triple thumb technique to the E7 arpeggio. Use your thumb consecutively on different bass strings to play the 6th, 5th, and 4th string of the E7 arpeggio.

   - Practice slowly at first, ensuring accuracy and clarity of each note.

   - Gradually increase speed while maintaining control and precision.

   - Focus on smooth transitions between strings and consistent thumb technique throughout.

2. Luigi Legnani Caprice No. 29 F sharp minor using the Triple Thumb Exercise:

   - Review the triple thumb exercise to ensure familiarity.

   - Study the F sharp minor arpeggio in Legnani Caprice 29 Bar 1.

   - Apply the triple thumb technique to the F sharp minor arpeggio, using your thumb on consecutive bass strings to play the relevant chord tones.

   - Practice slowly and methodically, paying attention to finger placement and coordination.

   - Increase speed gradually, maintaining accuracy and control.

   - Concentrate on achieving smooth transitions between notes and strings.

3. Tremolo Practice with Relaxation After Each Finger:

   - Begin by practicing a basic tremolo pattern (p-a-m-i) on a single string.

   - Focus on relaxing your fingers after each stroke, allowing them to return to a neutral position.

   - Pay attention to the quality of sound produced by each finger and strive for consistency.

   - Practice at a comfortable tempo initially, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.

   - Take short breaks between practice sessions to avoid fatigue and tension buildup.
 

4. Breaking Down Big Arpeggio Sections into Smaller Ones:

   - Identify large arpeggio sections in the pieces you're working on.

   - Divide these sections into smaller, manageable segments based on patterns or hand positions.

   - Practice each smaller segment individually, focusing on precision and fluidity.

   - Gradually integrate these segments back together, ensuring smooth transitions between each part.

   - Repeat this process as needed until you can perform the entire arpeggio section seamlessly.

   - Use a metronome to maintain steady progress and monitor your improvement over time.