Monday, September 20, 2010

Double Helix Pattern (Tritones and Major 3rds)



The C and E at the 5th fret comprise a major 3rd. B on the 4th fret combines with F on the 6th fret to form a tritone. Study the diagram and notation above. Think of the 5th fret as the starting point, notice the symmetry.

This is an essential exercise in Fretography. The fingering of the pattern is indicated by the italic numbers above and below the notes. The first double-stop, C-E, is played at the 5th fret with the 2nd and 3rd fingers, the second double-stop , F-B, requires the 1st finger on F and the 4th finger on B, 4th and 6th frets respectively.

In each of the double-stops, the right hand thumb plucks the lower string and the index finger plucks the higher.

Play it slowly and be careful to follow the indicated fingering. 

Also, study the symmetry of the pattern carefully. Notice its relationship to the surrounding note positions within the upper four strings, particularly the two BC/EF clusters in the upper left and lower right of that part of the diagram. Then study positions of the remaining three tones: ADG. You'll see that the all the positions of the A's and the G's are exactly opposite, and the Ds form their own rotational symmetry.


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