Malaguena

I trust you had fun working on last issue's "Theme to Mission Impossible". Now you're ready to play like Bob Culbertson, so we will tackle "Malaguena". I know. you don't feel ready. No problem, I will simplify the song for you and when you do feel ready - just add more notes. Download the sheet music and audio and we'll get started.

StaffTab: malaguena.pdf
Audio: malaguena.mp3

Measure 1 starts off with three notes. Look at these notes on your instrument and notice how they lay out. If you don't recognize this shape, it is a root position major triad. This one happens to be an E Major. Now arpeggiate the notes, low to high, two times. You just got the first two measures under your belt.

Try the next two measures (2 & 4) on your own. Measures 5-8 are a repetition of 1-4, so just repeat what you know so far and you've got 20% of this song down.

In measures 9-16, your LH is going to play what your RH was playing, but an octave lower. However, as you know, the bass side of your Stick is not tuned the same as the melody. So, the patterns you were playing with your RH will not work for the LH. Map out where you will be playing and notice how different the patterns are than before. I'll forewarn that you will need to stretch your fingers.

At measure 19, the bass line is going to move another octave lower. This time, the LH will play a basic pattern and move around. a lot! If you start cramping up - take a break. Your RH will try to play a simple melody over the bass figures. You'll try this several times before succeeding, but you will get it. If it helps, realize that your RH will remain in the same position to play the entire melody line and you are only tapping your fingers on the beats.

We're bringing it on home at measure 39. Your RH has nothing to do for now and your LH is going to play, yet another octave lower. Measures 39-43 will play the same pattern we used on measures 5-9, just on different strings.

You've seen the next measure before, at measure 18. The last two measures are simple enough. Look at the shapes your RH makes, as it progresses through the changes.

Well, I think you have enough to keep you busy for a while. Until next time - see ya.

Chris
www.ChrisCrain.com