Vertical Exercises

The Vertical Exercises are exercises for the left hand, and so named because they are designed to train the fingers in a movement vertical to the strings and the fret-board; to train signifies to help achieve:
1. Complete independence of each finger.
2. Strengthening of the fingers.
3. Facility in stretching (always in reference to a vertical position).
4. Acquisition of ease, precision and, mainly, absolute control in any change of note or chord what so ever.

How to study these exercises:

1. Each exercise is self-contained and consists of a series of shorter patterns. This autonomy allows the student to study the exercises in whatever order he wishes.
2. Latin numerals (I, II, etc.) indicate left hand position.
3. All the exercises begin in the 1st position. They should ascend chromatically to the 7th position at least, and descend again chromatically to the initial one.
4. Study the exercises very slowly at first; when an exercise is mastered, speed may be gradually increased up to the limit one can reach without losing control.
5. Check the left hand fingers frequently during each and every exercise, as they might easily slip off their proper positioning.
6. Keep note values exactly; lift fingers only at the moment when they should change note or position.
7. Never raise the fingers high above the strings.
8. Many of the Vertical Exercises are difficult, but not unreasonably so. Every one of them is within reach of an advanced student, since the fingers always move in natural positions.
9. The Vertical Exercises are fatiguing. They aren't meant for practising for hours, but for patiens and longterm study.

Contents

EXERCISE I      (12 Formulas)
EXERCISE II     (6 Formulas)
EXERCISE III    (4 Formulas)
EXERCISE IV    (8 Formulas)
EXERCISE V     (11 Formulas)
EXERCISE VI    (12 Formulas)
EXERCISE VII   (6 Formulas)
EXERCISE VIII  (4 Formulas)
EXERCISE IX    (2 Formulas)
EXERCISE X     (6 Formulas)
EXERCISE XI    (80 Formulas)

Pages: 56
Language: Greek, English
Editions: Papagrigoriou-Nakas