The universal scale fingering thingie
My teacher showed me this set of fingerings that works on any major scale. It goes something like:
1 x2 4, 1 x2 4, 1 2 4, 1 2 4, 1 3 4.
On each set move back a position on the next string up, unless you would need an open string, in that case move down to fourth position on the same string.
It makes my brain hurt a bit as I figure it out - but it makes me really think about my positions as I go along. I'm currently working on my D major two octaves in this pattern. Because I am very aware how the whole thing sounds when it's correct, and it's easier for me to hear when I've got it wrong.
I'm working with these fingerings on my non-open string scales as well. It is great to have instant gratification to know if the scale is in tune or not. I've tried one minor scale and it's not quite as easy. It really helps with learning the geography of the fingerboard and shifting. Best of luck with your scales.
Posted by: Celloluv | February 05, 2008 at 01:51 AM
Definitely does make you learn the geography of the fingerboard - I was struggling with second and third positions a bit and this was the plan to help me learn them.
Posted by: Erin | February 05, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I remember the day my teacher showed me that fingering -- I was vaguely suspicious, because a fingering that applied to any major scale seemed too easy. And of course it isn't easy in practice, because your intonation really shows where you're uncertain about your position shifts.
Posted by: Owldaughter | February 05, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Yes, initially there was an element of 'why the hell didn't you show me this thing before?' but upon trying it I wasn't nearly so keen...
Posted by: Erin | February 05, 2008 at 05:09 PM