FINGER GYMNASTICS-4-3-2-1

For System 8 Finger Gymnastics, we are going to look at an exercise that is similar to the first two systems of Finger Gymnastics, but with a twist. The first Finger Gymnastics used 4-on-a-string picking patterns. This was extremely useful for synchronization of left and right hands, strengthening of fingers and finger independence. But, it is fairly uncommon to play consistent 4-note-per-string patterns as an improviser.

Rather, guitarists most commonly use a mix of all finger patterns in melodic playing. So, they may play a phrase that uses four notes per string attached to a 2-note-per-string pattern, finishing with a 3-note-per-string pattern. Rarely would we encounter phrases that were matched in their patterns for very long.

This particular Finger Gymnastic exercise mixes all finger patterns, using 4 notes per string, then 3, then 2, then 1. Though this would also be unrealistic in using a consistent pattern, it does force us to change our picking for each iteration, thus training our hands to play inconsistent picking patterns. As in all Finger Gymnastic exercises, they are non-musical exercises that will help us to better make music by developing left and right hand synchronization.