Mind the Gap 4 is the last of the basic Mind the Gap exercises - the 'gap' is now in its highest possible location: RH4-5, LH1-2.

You are playing both versions - two hands and right-hand intensive - from the shorthand MS.

 Combined patterns

Next (MTG5), we play all four basic MTG patterns on each note, rising. Study the first line of the full workbook MS.

You see that we play the patterns in reverse order, starting with the gap at the top. (We do this so the pattern-that-rises is at the end, where we want it.)

Before playing, check that you understand how the shorthand MS below represents the pattern.

The shorthand minims/half notes clearly show the gap descending from top to bottom of the six notes each pattern covers. As before, the last pattern is given in full.

This is quite a long sequence, so exercise MTG5 is split into 5A - ascending, and 5B, descending.

Here are both, presented as you would expect to find-and-play them.

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The next two patterns - MTG6 and MTG7 - alternate gaps within the hand position.

Study the first line of MTG6 carefully.

You see that, within each hand position, you alternate RH1-2 and 5-4 gaps - you don't go up and down the same notes.

(The last four notes in the bar are the regular together connecting notes.)

Descending, you will start with the RH5-4, then 1-2 and 5-4 again.

Have a look-and-listen to the shorthand MS before starting to learn, or use the full MS from the workbook if you find the shorthand confusing.

MTG7 practices the 2-3 and 3-4 gaps in the same way. Essentially, fingers 1, 2 and 4, 5 (both hands) stay over the same notes, and the middle finger moves between next-to-2 and next-to-4 (the two vacant keys). A very precise and exacting exercise!

These are quite long exercises and sufficient for any one practice session.

Listen closely for any 'fudged' notes. These are exercises for precise side-ti-side finger placement. Listen also to make sure the hands play at exactly the same time.

Now go on to the final page of Mind the Gap exercises.