Articulation and coordination

Demonstrate to learners ways of minimising the movement of left-hand fingers. Ask them to imitate and to discuss the advantages.

Ask learners to experiment with playing short, simple phrases using different dynamics. Discuss how the different dynamics are achieved.

Demonstrate different kinds of articulation, using some simple phrases. Ask learners to imitate them. Discuss how the different sounds are produced, and their musical effects.

Teach simple exercises and tunes that use rests and staccato. Show learners how to make rests and staccato effects by touching the string with the right-hand thumb or appropriate finger, or a combination of both.

Ask learners to make up some simple variations by using different rhythmic patterns on each note.

Compose bass lines using the open strings and the first five frets. Ask learners to coordinate the right hand with the left.