Coordinate fingers 1–4 without squeezing or lifting them far from the fretboard.
Today's tempo ladder
Slow50BPMWorking60BPMGoal100BPM
Loop this measure
1–2–3–4 and back
Use fingers 1–4 on frets 1–4. Keep all movement close to the G course.
Target100 BPM
1 measure · repeats
Explanation
What this develops
This compact 1–2–3–4 pattern teaches each finger to arrive just behind its fret. The return trip is equally important: lift only the finger that needs to move.
The fourth finger may feel weak at first. Use less pressure and a slower tempo rather than twisting the wrist to reach.
Coach's tip
Stop if the base of the thumb clamps the neck. A clean note needs surprisingly little fretting pressure.
Practice plan
Take it to the instrument
1
Play the pattern once without the metronome and check each note for buzz.
2
Loop at 60 BPM with one eighth note per half-click.
3
Move the same shape to the D, A, and E courses.
Finish this lesson
Mark it complete when you can play three relaxed, clean loops.