Open String Workout with the Bum-Ditty

Now We're Getting Somewhere

In this lesson we apply the bum-ditty pattern to the same open string workout from the previous lesson. Remember to prepare your hand before striking, and plant your thumb as you complete your strike. Use the focus feature as needed. Don't push for faster tempos until you can play this exercise cleanly and consistently. Beware of excess tension in your striking hand. You need some muscle tension to maintain the claw shape, but too much can cause you to tire too easily or even lead to injury. Sometimes, purposefully tensing your hand up into a tight fist and then releasing that tension into the claw shape can help you find that sweet spot.

Next up, we'll keep working out on the open strings. We'll switch strings halfway through each measure.