Left Hand Shifting Styles
Articulated Shifts and Expressive Shifts
There are different approaches to the precise left hand motions performed during shifts.
How to Perform Articulated Shifts: The primary shift motion is most often driven by the index finger. Glide on 1st finger, relocate the hand to the new position and then place the finger needed to perform the targeted new pitch.
The two main shifting style families are Articulated Shifts and Expressive Shifts.
How to Perform Expressive Shifts: Striving to simulate the expressive qualities of the human voice, the primary shift motion is performed on the arrival pitch finger. Expressive shifts are also called lyric shifts or vocal shifts.
SLIDE ON THE OLD FINGER = ARTICULATED SHIFT
SLIDE ON THE NEW FINGER = EXPRESSIVE SHIFT
Isolating individual shifting patterns, require slow and patient practice.
When shifting, you can imagine that you are staking claim to new string region territories. Always consider the fingertip angle, the corresponding thumb location and the most efficient way to travel each position transition.
Inspired by Cal and Constance’s collaboration, ARC and ANGLE have decided to join creative forces too.
Let’s learn, practice and enjoy:
Shifting Studies.
The goal is to achieve confident and fluid motions, while creating accurate pitch at all locations.
