Scissors Exercise for I and M Alternation

Check out this exercise and learn how to play better scales and melodies.

This classical guitar exercise aims to help your right hand i and m alternation. Using opposing resistance, it both strengthens and trains the hand to deliver more “snap” when alternating fingers. This helps in both scale passages and arpeggios, and increases speed and preparation time for the individual right hand fingers.

You can use the rhythm below, or make up your own.

guitar scale exercise

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews.

I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.

I appreciate the organized, well thought out progression of each level, as well as a measurable means to determine when to proceed to the next level. I had burned myself out by pushing too hard and playing beyond where I was comfortable. This course is just what I needed, and I am happy to be back on the road to playing again.

~ Susan Kidney

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Allen Mathews was recommended to me as somebody who could help me expand my guitar vocabulary. Allen started me on a really fun cycle of lessons and practice. He is a very good and very enthusiastic teacher, and I feel that I'm on the road to learning. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.

~ Peter Buck (r.e.m.)

-Peter Buck, R.E.M.

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