Shifting vs Lifting – The use of guide fingers

Hi folks,

 

For this session, I wanted to touch upon a simple idea with profound impact – shifting. I can't say enough about how this simple concept –and how it differs from lifting or 'jumping' on the fingerboard– has changed how I approach guitar-playing and music-making. This goes beyond something merely technical to actually change the quality of the music we make.

 

I will show some examples but would love to look into any musical passages you submit in advance via the forum thread below.

 

See you there!

 

All best,

Emmanuel

 

Shifting is an understated cornerstone of guitar technique. It is one of the most valuable resources we have when navigating the different positions across the fingerboard and can help us build secure and more musical performances by allowing us to connect lines effortlessly.

In this livestream, Emmanuel Sowicz will present a variety of examples that show how shifting or lifting can make or break a musical performance.

Participants are welcome to submit musical excerpts in advance to be reviewed during the livestream.

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  • I have been struggling with the shifting in the coda of this Mazurka-Chôro from the Suite Populaire Bresilienne by Villa-Lobos. Would love to see any insights to make the shift smoother and easier. 

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  • Here is another section with shifting (marked in red) that I need help with. It’s variation 5 from Sor’s famous Op. 9. 

  • Would love to learn how to make the shifting (measures 33-39) easier and with less effort:  Excerpt from Prelude No. 1 by Villa-Lobos

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