We've seen it a million times, but there's a lot to be said for simply cutting a measure (or two or four) into 16 even parts and reordering the parts as you wish.  Many moderns DJs are even using this trick to control trigger points in their tracks.*  For lack of a better word, we'll call this concept, "Rows."  In the next few days, there will be a few installments using Rows which will focus on techniques to build up individual finger strength and independence.  In the first installment, the spotlight will be on the various combinations of fingers of one hand that can be used to play through the rows of pads.  The next installments will include use of two hands and multiple finger combinations to play throughout the rows.  The final installment will cover concepts of using only certain pads and finding a few sweet spots to build new ideas on.  You don't need to wait for that Tip, though.  Feel free to get all creative with it at any time.  There are no rules...

For now, let's concentrate on just one hand and try out a ton of variations, really getting every finger involved.  Remember, your thumb is the strongest finger.  Don't leave it out just because it seems to get in the way when using two hands.  Another reminder; I use the piano style naming of the fingers.  Thumb is 1, pinky is 5.  Right is R, left is L.  Makes perfect sense, right?

Start by playing across and up the rows to play the section of music in it's proper order.  Try out the following finger combinations, found in this video lesson:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vq3OA6CxnE

1.  One finger of each hand: 1-1-1-1 or 2-2-2-2 or 3-3-3-3

2.  Two fingers of each hand: 1-2-1-2 or 2-3-2-3 or 3-4-3-4

3.  Three fingers of each hand 1-1-2-3 or 1-2-2-3 or 1-2-3-3 or 2-2-3-4 or 2-3-3-4 or 

4.  Four fingers of each hand 1-2-3-4 or 2-3-4-5

5.  Go back and practice with the other hand.  Finger numbering will obviously be opposite.

6.  Wait with wild anticipation for tomorrow's Tip.  

*Check out a great video on playing trigger points (on the Midi Fighter!), check out DJ Tech Tools' youtube page:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y1a41SQlGI&feature=feedu