Playing In Different Registers   You have to get your left hand used to playing in all areas of the guitar neck. Your hand feels completely different playing at the 1st fret on the low E string than playing at the 12th fret on the B string.

Apply the pattern used in the pictures on the previous page to all frets on all strings. Use one finger per fret, on the same string. It will be easiest to begin in the middle of the neck, between the 5th and 10th frets. Then, move this one-finger-per-fret hand posture to the lower frets, and then later, move to the higher frets.

Use these holds for a few minutes a day to develop flexibility and stamina in your left hand. This serious exercise, so don't overdo it. If your hands get sore or cramped, then stop. You've done enough for one day. Use these exercises for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

Use the Left Hand Conditioning Worksheets on the pages that follow to track your progress.

Chords and Scales   Ninety percent of popular music in all styles uses only about 5 scales and about 20 chord shapes. Use the same 'still approach' to get your hands used to making chord shapes. **Don't worry about how your open chords sound for the first 3 weeks.** Give your fingers a few weeks to get used to making the shapes. Don't worry too much about your form at first. You can fine tune your technique later. Once you have 4 or 5 chords and one scale, you can start to interact with real music.

Print the next five worksheet pages. Check each box as you complete the exercise. The following 5 pages are not centered in order to make the pages easier to print.