KEVIN LAWTON wrote: > Having an instrument tuned to an open chord in one key but > with one string just a step or two lower than the root can > actually make it easier to play once you get used to it ! > Can't explain it very well - I think you would have to try > it to see what I mean.
I think it has something to do with the mind intuitively expecting both hands to be involved all the time. I have noticed that my students when asked to play a scale tend to leave out the open string notes. Also I often teach them some simple open-string pull-off/hammer-on tricks to spice up their solos. They absolue love those tricks but when they're actually asked to improvise a solo they always forget to use them. Of course, having the lead note on an open strings makes it much easier to play a dominant chord and doesn't really make the tonic any harder. Anybody can mange a one finger chord. Frank Nordberg http://www.musicaviva.com To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
