It is important to keep your chops up if you have already worked to reach a certain level, or are trying to improve your technique. Sometimes it can be tough to fit in practice if you have a lot of distractions, from bringing the cats or dogs to the vet to waiting at the garage while your car is being serviced -- the list can go on and on. This month I will be showing you an excerpt from Paganini's "Moto Perpetuo." If you want to maintain your playing, pieces like this one are great to play. They sound real cool on guitar and are fun to play; I have always liked transcribing violin pieces to guitar.
"Moto Perpetuo," or "Perpetual Motion" should be played continuously and evenly sustained. You should play the notes evenly, with equal value. This piece is played with continuous sixteenth notes throughout, which is great for your endurance and your technique as you get farther though the music without stopping. Be sure to play this at a slow tempo and then gradually build up speed; I suggest mastering one bar at a time and then moving on. Also, I have included the chords throughout the piece, so you can think harmonically. This composition is put together so well that the harmonies are nicely outlined and you will hear the chords even if you don't play them. I suggest following the fingerings, or feel free to experiment with your own.
