Let’s create more complex words using pictographs!
In order to perform the words in this section correctly without finger-spinning, you must be familiar with negative space and body turns.
If you finger-spin instead of using negative space, you’ll lose precision and the ability to check your thumb orientation on each step to see if you’re still on track.
We’ll use the word AABB as an example. Here are three variations on AABB, starting from different thumb orientations. Use staves or red/blue pens to follow along.
AABB: thumbs in | in
Start
1
2
3
4
Letter α, alpha (hands opposite). Blue hand static hold at south; Red hand static hold at north.Letter A, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand pro-spin shift south to west; Red hand pro-spin shift north to east.Letter A, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand pro-spin shift west to north; Red hand pro-spin shift east to south.Letter B, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand anti-spin shift north to west; Red hand anti-spin shift south to east.Letter B, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand anti-spin shift west to south; Red hand anti-spin shift east to north.
AABB: thumbs out | out
Start
1
2
3
4
Letter α, alpha (hands opposite). Blue hand static hold at south; Red hand static hold at north.Letter A, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand pro-spin shift south to west; Red hand pro-spin shift north to east.Letter A, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand pro-spin shift west to north; Red hand pro-spin shift east to south.Letter B, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand anti-spin shift north to west; Red hand anti-spin shift south to east.Letter B, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand anti-spin shift west to south; Red hand anti-spin shift east to north.
AABB: thumbs in | out
Start
1
2
3
4
Letter α, alpha (hands opposite). Blue hand static hold at south; Red hand static hold at north.Letter A, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand pro-spin shift south to west; Red hand pro-spin shift north to east.Letter A, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand pro-spin shift west to north; Red hand pro-spin shift east to south.Letter B, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand anti-spin shift north to west; Red hand anti-spin shift south to east.Letter B, alpha (hands opposite), Split-Same timing. Blue hand anti-spin shift west to south; Red hand anti-spin shift east to north.
As you execute these with staves, notice that each of these sequences requires a different type of negative space, either above/below the shoulder or behind the elbow.
The execution of the same word can feel completely different depending on factors like the start position, rotation direction, and thumb orientation. That’s why it’s necessary to draw the full sequence with pictographs for complete clarity.
The Alphabet is primarily a system of pictographs, organized by letters for convenient communication.
The letters do not give all of the information, and are merely intended to separate motion combinations into categories which can be further clarified with detailed pictographs.
