Chopsticks

So, you want to learn a new song? Let's learn a classic that you can digest in parts - "Chopstick"s. With this tune, you will develop the syncopation of your left and right hands. Download the sheet music and we'll get started.

chopsticks.pdf
chopsticks.mp3

In the first section, the left-hand will hold notes for a measure at a time, while the right-hand plays the melody. Watch your fingering in the first three measures and especially the fourth. The fingering in the fourth measure will set you up for the measure that follows. The melody played in section one is repeated throughout the next two sections. Once you can play the first part smoothly, it will be time to move on to the second section.

In the second section, the left-hand will pulse the same note twice in each measure. Here, your left-hand will alternate fingers - keep it steady. Your right-hand will play the same melody as before. When you have this section figured out, you're on your way to the third.

The right-hand continues to play the same melody in the third section, as it has before. However, this time your left-hand is going to keep up with your right. Keep those fingers alternating. Your left-hand fingers are a "motor".

You're ready for the last section when you don't need to look at the sheet. Are you ready?

At the end of section three, you get to rest for a moment, before starting the last section. Note the time signature change. This is going to establish different feel. The left-hand arpegiates notes across three strings. Look at the groups of three left-hand notes and see how they lay out on the Touchboard. Learn to recognize these shapes/patterns on your instrument.

After you get the last part down, you are ready to combine all the parts into one piece. Work the song until it becomes your own. Something I like to do is take the last section and improvise over the left-hand changes.

Next time, we'll take syncopation to new heights and learn another tune.

Chris
stickmusic@earthlink.net
www.ChrisCrain.com