D Major Half Scale

This is an exercise aimed at getting three fingers down on the D string.

To set up, place three fingers on their marks on the D string. Make sure the fingers are curved and the tips (not the pads) are in contact with the string.

Once everything looks correct, gently lift the fingers away from the string and keep the fingers curved.

• Pluck open D four times
• Add first finger and pluck ‘E’ four times
• Add second finger and pluck ‘Fis’ (F#) four times
• Add third finger and pluck ‘G’ four times

Now go backwards

• Lift third finger off to play Fis (2 fingers down)
• Lift second finger off to play E (1 finger down)
• Lift first finger off to play open D (no fingers down)

D Major half scale by sk22spf8xn

How about a little challenge?

Try playing along with the accompaniment below. There is a two-bar introduction then you’ll play the scale to the rhythm of “busy busy stop stop”.

Note that the G is played twice in this one — once on the way up and again on the way down.

There is a rest between each note, so you have time to get ready for the next. Use your ears!