1 Bass exercise
Play all the bass notes with the right thumb. Players with swan-necked lutes should maintain an even sound when changing from the
courses on the fingerboard to those of the extended neck; normally, the tension of the longer courses is lower than that of the basses
on the fingerboard.
References: Burwell 1, Mace 1 & 2
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a a2 Octave skips in the bass
After having sounded the first bass note, the thumb should move to anticipate the bass note on the 4* course which means that it
should move whilst the fingers are playing the other notes. Before the fourth quaver of the first bar has ended, the thumb should be
in position to play the 4" course.
References: Burwell 5, Mace 2
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AlN3 Use of the index finger for chords
This technique is often found in 17-century French music and is perhaps used less frequently today than historical sources would
imply. Aim to ensure that the notes of the chords sound as close together as possible.
References: Burwell 2 & 3. Mace, p101, uses three fingers of the right hand to play chords like that on the second beat of the first bar.
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