Right hand
- Develop a satisfying, clear sound at two or more dynamic levels:
- plucking strings with free right-hand and arm movements, using downstrokes
- using the plectrum as appropriate
- strumming patterns using downstrokes over three or more strings
Ask learners to listen to a clear tone, either produced by the teacher or recorded. Encourage them to imitate and discuss what affects tone quality.
Ask learners to play single-string bass notes at a regular pulse while the teacher plays simple chord progressions.
D/Em/G/A, as in ‘Love Is All Around’, or A/D/E/D, as in ‘Wild Thing’, are useful simple chord progressions.
Demonstrate to learners how to achieve a rest by stopping the string with either the left or right hand. Encourage them to experiment using open strings, and to comment on the musical effect created by a rest.
Teach learners to play a 12-bar blues progression in A or D on single open strings, using either downstrokes/upstrokes with the plectrum, or alternate right-hand fingers, while the teacher provides a variety of blues-oriented accompaniments.
This type of activity often stimulates learners to start exploring chord progressions for themselves.
Teach learners some simple strumming patterns, beginning with just three strings. Demonstrate how to strum these using downstokes.
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