• RT1f • Along A
See Finding Notes for a lesson/tutorial about this test.
Procedure
Set a metronome to 60 BPM. We will be playing half notes (two clicks per note).
Progress through every natural note in fourths, finding and playing each note on the A string.
First you will find the note B, then the note E, and so on, finishing with the note F.
It’s okay to play rubato (out of time, without a metronome) for your first several attempts at this exercise, but start using a metronome as soon as possible, starting with whole notes (four clicks per note) then moving to half notes and perhaps even quarter notes (a new note every click).
Pass criteria
Successfully work through all seven natural notes while keeping time and without any flubs or misses. It’s okay to pause up to a full bar before moving onto the next note, but you must play each note on all six strings in half note time without missing a beat (both ascending and descending).
Extra credit (but recommended)
Complete the exercise with all 12 notes in the cycle of fourths, not just the natural notes.
Extra credit #2
Repeat the exercise with quarter notes rather than half notes. If you can accomplish this you definitely KNOW the A string!