Feelin Slurry?
Here are some slur scales that I came up with that really give a good work out to the left hand and also are quite fun to play!
You will notice that the scale takes on a pattern (except in first position) that can be repeated. Once you have completed one slur scale, shift the pattern up one fret and repeat the process. Be careful not to wear your hand out because slurs can be very tiring on those weenie left hand muscles and tendons. If you only want to do a few light repetitions you can start the patterns higher up the fretboard, around the seventh fret, as it will be easier than playing down in first position.
Focus on making a clean, crisp slur with a consistent snapping motion. After a while you will find that these scales start to flow nicely, at that point go and impress your girlfriend/boyfriend/attentive pet with your snappy slurry scales.
If you have some scales or exercises you like to do, let me know and we can share it with everyone.
Have fun!
Simon
Click on the image to see a larger copy.
an extension of the first shape…
a new pattern, you may recognize me from such books as “every scale book ever written“
Simon, could you tell me which notation software you used for those snippets ?
Sure! I use Sibelius. I am lucky to have access to the program at my university.
This is an excellent slur workout. I like the combination of stopped as well as slurred notes. I would like to comment on tone production of the descending slurs. To produce the the best sounding slur I find that a scooping motion , down towards the wood and then up to the string below in a somewhat circular motion, works best. Be sure to really have a feeling of taking the string with you and releasig it when it won’t go any further. You can have perfect technique and your slurs still may not sound great. This is because the technique required to get a great sounding slur is so subtle, that only your ear in conjunction with your fingers can perfect the sound. Be sure not to bend the string while your slurring and a very small downward hand movement generated from the elbow joint, will assist in the descending slurs. I hope this is helpful. John Johnstone