Right-Hand Preparation

"Spider Crawl Jam" uses the first 12 frets on the fretboard. Throughout this exercise, you will be using all four of your left-hand fingers to play a pattern up and down the fretboard. You will be using a guitar pick to sound the strings with your right hand.

For this lesson you will hold the guitar using the classical position. Begin by using your guitar pick to play downstrokes on the open first string:

• Keep a steady beat as you play each downstroke.
• Maintain the natural alignment of your right hand, wrist, and forearm.
• Strive for a consistent and pleasant sound. Excess tension can cause you to produce a harsh sound, so be sure to relax your wrist, arm and shoulder.
• Try holding the pick at a slight angle to help produce a smoother sound. You may want to experiment with the angle of the pick relative to the string.

When you are comfortable playing the downstrokes, you may begin working on the left-hand pattern.