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Example 3:

The third and last example is a small “Etude” I wrote, putting together some of my favorite Diminished ideas. It starts with a Diminished arpeggio position I really love and I feel comfortable with (measure 1-7) moving chromatically down a half step in measure 2 and again in measure 4. The second idea (measure 8-12) is a more traditional 3 notes per string in minor-thirds, with some string skipping and some slides/slurs. The third idea is still based on 3 notes per string fingerings, but it uses different intervals and has more extreme string skipping in it. The groups of notes I play are 11 and 17, with some slides/slurs and some chromatic (up a half step) motion.

This idea is connected with the next one in measure 21 where I go back to the minor-third-intervals concept and it continues with a more traditional slide/arpeggio line that ends on measure 25. Measure 26 is based on the same arpeggio idea I used in the beginning, but it is expanded throughout the whole fret board with a huge slide. In this case I tend to keep the rhythm very free, quasi-rubato, trying not to sound rigid awhile attempting to make it as musical as possible (let it breathe!). I played this example with a clean tone to get a “cleaner” sound and to make every note come out with more definition, attempting to articulate everything as well as I could.

This small “Etude” definitely does not represent a great piece of music, but it serves as a great Diminished workout; including many ideas which lead to the further development of one’s technique, dexterity, and confidence in regards to tricky fingerings. I hope you enjoyed it and stay tuned for part #2!

Diminished Etude - by Francesco Artusato

Audio: