12 More Notes, Repetition & Fingerings
INTRODUCTION
In this unit you will learn more fretted notes on the third string, symbols for small-scale repetition and fingerings.
NOTATIONS
Notes
The Notes ‘G♯’ & ‘A♭’
‘G♯’ and ‘A♭’ are enharmonics. To play ‘G♯’ or ‘A♭’, fret the first fret on the third string.
The Notes ‘A♯’ & ‘B♭’
‘A♯’ and ‘B♭’ are enharmonics. To play ‘A♯’ or ‘B♭’, fret the third fret on the third string.
Small-Scale Repetition
Simile
The simile means “in a similar way.” Sometimes it is seen in notation as the abbreviation sim. It directs you to continue playing in the manner previously marked. In the example below, the simile refers to the tenuto articulations.
One-Beat Repeat
The one-beat repeat is a diagonal line placed in the middle of the staff. It directs you to repeat the music from the preceding beat. It is important to mention that this symbol is often employed in jazz and popular music and suggests that you strum according to style or personal taste.
One-Measure Repeat
The one-measure repeat consists of a diagonal line with a dot on either side that is placed in the middle of an empty measure. It directs you to repeat the music from the preceding measure.
Two-Measure Repeat
The two-measure repeat consists of two diagonal lines with dots on either side that is placed on the barline between two empty measures. It directs you to play the music from the two preceding measures.
Four-Measure Repeat
The four-measure repeat consists of four diagonal lines with dots on either side that is placed on the barline between four empty measures. It directs you to play the music from the four preceding measures.
Fingerings
Fingerings specify which fingers to use and where to place them. The plucking-hand and fretting-hand each have a unique set of symbols.
Plucking-Hand Fingering
The plucking-hand fingering convention is universal. Each italicized letter corresponds with a Spanish word for a specific finger (with the exception of the pinky finger). See the example below.
| Symbol | Spanish | English |
| p | pulgar | thumb |
| i | indicio | index |
| m | medio | middle |
| a |
annular | ring |
| e or x | pinky |
Fretting-Hand Fingering
The fretting-hand fingering convention is more complicated because it can involve up to three extra symbols per note. Fingerings can easily clutter the score with too much visual information, which is why I recommend playing from scores in which composers or editors apply fingering notations sparingly. Two fretting-hand fingering conventions are explained in this unit: the standard method and Norman method (named for its inventor, Theodore Norman). Both methods use Arabic numerals to represent fretting-fingers.
| Symbol | Finger |
| 1 | index |
| 2 | middle |
| 3 | ring |
| 4 | pinky |
The Standard Method
In the standard method, Arabic numbers (without circles) represent fretting fingers; circled Arabic numbers represent string numbers; and Roman numerals represent fret numbers. See the example of the standard me