A. What are string crossings?
- String crossings occur when you must change from one string to another while playing a piece of music
- For instance, if you are playing a note on the A string and then must change to the D string to play the next note, you must cross strings.
- String crossings can complicate our ability to play the music we want to play.
- You must learn to identify string crossings in the music you play.
- In this song, string crossings occur in measures 1-2 and 5-6.
B. Let’s play Frere Jacques
- This song is in the key of G major. It has one sharp: F#.
- This song is in 4/4. That means that there are 4 beats in each measure and the quarter note receives the beat.
- This song can be played as a round. After you practice it by yourself, play it with the recording in a round! Enter when the music gets to the asterisk.
- Remember to identify your string crossings: In this song, string crossings occur in measures 1-2 and 5-6.
- PRACTICE TIP: the string crossings in measures 5-6 are especially challenging. You can maximize your practice time by practising these measures or even small parts of these measures by themselves. Start slowly and then build your speed up until you reach the ideal tempo.
- Don’t get frustrated! You’re doing a great job!!
