One of the most effective ways that you can add interest and expression to your playing is through the use of dynamics. In this lesson I will show you how to practice dynamics by using some exercises designed for both single note and strumming techniques. (You can also see me demonstrate the use of dynamic variation in the section on rhythm in my comprehensive video)
Let’s begin by playing the warm-up exercise. Set the metronome to a tempo at which you are able to play without tension in your body. Begin by striking the string with the lightest touch possible, producing a sound that is barely audible. Very gradually increase the volume as you move up to each new position on the fretboard, without pressing harder with your left hand. Make it your goal to reach full volume at the sixth fret. As you continue past the sixth fret, gradually decrease your volume until you reach the twelfth fret, where you will be playing at the same barely audible volume that you played when you began the exercise.
Next, use variations on this exercise as you work through all six strings. Try playing all of your down strokes very loud (ff) and all of your up strokes very soft (pp). Then reverse, so that the upstrokes are the loudest strokes you play. Mix it up: loud, loud, soft, loud or loud, soft, soft, loud. When you create and learn a dynamic pattern, be sure to stick with it until you feel that you can play it with ease. By varying the patterns of eighth notes in this way, you will be experimenting not only with dynamics, but also with syncopation!
The following examples can be played using either single notes (as in the exercise above), or by using a chord progression of your choice. The notes are all eighth notes and should be counted “one and two and three and four and.” The part of the beat that you will play loudly is notated in bold. (The first example should be counted “one and two and three and four and”.) It may help you to write the counts under the down ( / ) up ( v ) symbols, underlining the the number or “&” that is strong. (1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & ).
In order to gain sensitivity and an ability to produce a broad dynamic range, practice varying the degree of loudness on the strong notes. Take a little time each day this week to create your own loud/soft exercises – and don’t forget all of the subtle in-betweens, as illustrated in the last example.
/ v / v / v / v I / v / v / v / v :II
/ v / v / v / v I / v / v / v / v :II
/ v / v / v / v I/ v / v / v / v :II
/ v / v / v / v I / v / v / v / v :II