Classical Guitar Polyphonic Control Trainer

Training Mode

Reference Patterns

About & Tips

Melody Tone: Melody Volume: Melody Frequency (Hz):

440 Hz (A4)

Bass Tone: Bass Volume: Bass Frequency (Hz):

110 Hz (A2)

Training Exercise

Practice bringing out the melody while keeping the bass line in the background:

Set the melody volume higher than the bass
Play both sounds and listen to the balance
Now try to replicate this balance on your guitar
Record yourself playing and compare the balance

Try different combinations of frequencies to match common guitar voicings.

Common Classical Guitar Polyphonic Patterns

Melody-Bass-Harmony Pattern (Typical Arpeggio)

This is a common pattern where the thumb plays the bass while the fingers handle melody and harmony.

e|------0-------0-------0-------0----| (melody - i finger)
B|----0-------0-------0-------0------| (harmony - m finger)
G|--0-------0-------0-------0--------| (harmony - a finger)
D|-----------------------------------|
A|-----------------------------------|
E|0-------3-------2-------0----------| (bass - thumb)

Counterpoint Pattern

Two independent melody lines moving simultaneously:

e|--0-------0-------0-------3----| (top melody - i finger)
B|--------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------|
E|0-------2-------3-------0------| (bass melody - thumb)

Tremolo Pattern

Rapid melody notes with bass foundation:

e|--0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0--| (melody - a,m,i fingers)
B|--------------------------------------|
G|--------------------------------------|
D|--------------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------|
E|0---------3---------2---------0-------| (bass - thumb)

Tips for Polyphonic Control

Right Hand Position: Position your hand so that the thumb operates independently from the fingers
Dynamic Control: Practice varying the attack strength between thumb and fingers
Listening Skills: Record yourself and analyze which voice is most prominent
Nail Technique: Different nail shapes and attack angles can help differentiate voices
Slow Practice: Always begin slowly with polyphonic exercises to develop control

About This Tool

This training tool helps classical guitarists develop the critical skill of polyphonic control - the ability to manage multiple independent voices simultaneously. By providing auditory feedback of separated melody and bass lines, you can train your ear to recognize proper voice balance and replicate it on your instrument.

Classical guitar technique differs from folk or pop styles by emphasizing the simultaneous control of melody, harmony, and bass lines within a single hand, rather than relying on pre-formed chord shapes.