Talking Technique: The “Alternator” Right Hand Exercise

In this episode, I’m giving you the ultimate challenge for your right hand. Can you alternate your index and middle fingers throughout this demanding right-hand plucking exercise? It incorporates pedaling, permutations and string jumps; at times you will go with the grain of the hand just to go against it for the next few beats.

If you do it correctly you will start with the opposite finger on repetition so you cover all options with both fingers. Can you alternate throughout? I call this exercise “The Alternator” for a reason!

Download the exercise transcription and follow along.

Austrian-gone-Californian Ariane Cap is a bassist, educator, blogger and author. In her book Music Theory for the Bass Player and corresponding 20-week online course, she teaches music theory, bass technique, bass line creation and fretboard fitness in a systematic, practical and experiential way. She just released a brand new course on ear training for the bass player: Ear Confidence - 6 Paths to Fearless Ears. Contact her via her blog or website.

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  1. Len Mongeau

    Ari, you are a technical monster. Thanks for your videos.