Finger patterns and how to play simple 2 octave arpeggios
for Grade 1 and 2
G major
First of all : Play the midi file of this arpeggio so you can hear it. Click
here to listen.
Now look at this rough chart for finger patterns. You need pattern A for the
G and D string and pattern B for the A and E strings. The arpeggios require
exactly the same finger pattern as the scales. This finger pattern will always
be the same if you are in G major and in first position.
To play A major you must use finger pattern C for the lower 2
strings ( G D ) and finger pattern B for the upper 2 strings ( A E ). Which
finger pattern to use will depend on where the semitones need to be placed. Here
is the score of A major. Listen to it here.
It should sound quite similar to G major !
These are the 3 most common finger patterns. For instance ; to
play B flat major on the A and E strings you would use pattern C, albeit
starting a semitone lower.
Below : A nicer ( more
realistic !) drawing of finger pattern A.
Below
: A better drawing of finger pattern B, but I would have liked a more accurate
impression of how 1st and 2nd fingers touch. In this drawing, although close
there seems to be almost a gap between them. In true semitone playing there are
no gaps between the fingers. Until I get better drawings done these will have to
do !
