Fingering for Exercise 15?

[Curtis Olson]

What fingering are you most comfortable with when playing exercise 15 - Rhythm Using Half-Note Bass Runs beginning on the third beat of measure 5 through the first beat of measure 6? I've been playing the first two beats of measure 5 with a normal D form, then taking my second (middle) finger off the first string, and pressing the 3rd fret of the fifth string, holding what's left of the D chord with my remaining first (index) and third (ring) fingers. So far so good, but I run into trouble playing the first beat of measure 6. I've been moving my second finger down to the second fret from the 3rd fret. This tends to pull my other fingers still holding the D chord back, and I'm having some trouble keeping them between the frets where they belong.

I think part of the issue is that I may not be spreading my fingers far enough when playing a D chord - my index finger is not positioned close behind the third fret, but more close in front of the second fret of the second string. If I play very slowly, and force a good finger spread, I note that it is less of an issue when I move my index finger to the fifth string and walk back from 3 to 2. But at speed the issue returns, and I find that I have to squeeze the remaining fingers of the D chord really hard to keep them in place, and that of course tires my hand more quickly.

Whew! That was more words than I meant to use to paint the picture - next time I'll try to have the patience to write less.

[Peter Lucas]

Curtis,

Try fretting the D chord with your 2nd 3rd and 4th fingers (2nd on the 3rd string, 4th on the 2nd and 3rd on the 1st). Begin the run down with your 3rd finger to grab the C note on the fifth string, keeping the A and D notes down with your 2nd and 4th fingers. Your first finger is free for the B note (and several others as well!) and you still have 2 notes of the D chord (the A and D on the 3rd and 2nd strings).

It takes some practice but I think it's worth for learning and alternate fingering for the D chord, finger independence and a cleaner sounding run.

That's my work-around, hope that helps.

Peter

[Curtis Olson]

OK, I hadn't considered that. I confess that I have not tried that alternate fingering for D in a couple of years. Because I don't have the muscle memory for it, it feels a bit odd, but I will continue to practice it. I did immediately see that my hand was not pulled down the fretboard as previously, but I've got to train my pinky to stay still while moving the third finger from the first string to the fifth. I'll work on it and get back to you.

Thanks Peter!

[Dan Miller]

Curtis,

Here is how I do it: