Low Tide and Rising Tide are contrasting companion pieces that begin the exploration of left-hand notes in 2nd (II) and 3rd (III) positions. A position on guitar is defined by the fret that the 1st finger is aligned with. In 2nd (II) position, the 1st finger is aligned with the 2nd fret, and in 3rd position (III), the 1st finger is aligned with the 3rd fret. All fingerings included in the literacy sequence and score utilize a ‘one finger per fret’ approach. Each position starting with 2nd will have access to 4 frets (2nd position – frets 2-5, 3rd position – frets 3-6).

Reading in higher positions can be challenging, as it not only expands the reading range, but introduces the idea that a single pitch can be played in multiple different locations on the guitar. Although this can be confusing, the literacy sequence included with Low Tide and Rising Tide provides multiple opportunities to refine these reading skills. This piece also introduces the ½ Bar in 2nd (½C II) and 3rd (½C III) positions. This use of the left-hand 1st finger to hold down strings 1, 2 and 3 at the same fret opens opportunities to play efficiently in ‘closed’ (no open strings) higher positions on guitar.

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