Cross-String Ornaments
I suggest you read a few articles on cross string ornamentation by two people way smarter than I:
David Russell: Two String Trills
Stanley Yates: Everything You Wanted to Know about Cross String Ornaments
Russell and Yates give two different fingerings to use for cross-string ornaments. Russell’s method is to use aimp:
Yates uses imam, which is a bit harder to get down. However, he offers practice advice that works very well in the article linked above.
There’s also the option of raking a finger across two strings, which can work really well, but it’s hard to get in time and rhythmic.
The advantage of miam and mimm is that the thumb is free to do it’s thing. This can be a big advantage in more complex pieces.
Personal Preference
Your personal preference and strengths are going to determine which fingering pattern works best. My go-to cross string trill is aimp. However, I’m working on nailing miam because it frees up the thumb.
Joe
Hi, Chris! I follow you to your blog from twitter. Nice blog!
I like this kind of articles, short and clear, with references.
Thanks for sharing!
Mark
It seems like everyone has a different preference on this! My guitar teacher recently recommended aimi and mimp.
kuan
The problem with Yates’ fingering is if you want to play, say, six notes. DR’s fingering just comes back around.
Christopher Davis
I agree. I use Russell’s fingering more often, but Yates’ is useful at times.
Ken Brown
For cross string trills my guitar teacher likes
to use combinations that are taken out of the right to left direction
of ami tremolo. mia or iam.
so I use m i a (m being the longer finger) and p
by the way, I’m my own teacher now. 😉 LOL