Happy Birthday Mina

Today is my niece's first birthday.  I composed a compilation as a gift to Mina, and it can be heard here:

http://soundcloud.com/greenemusic/happy-birthday-mina

This tune has two parts, A and B.  In part A, it begins with an FMajor7 chord and uses two different finger picking techniques. 

The first technique is called a "Forwards Roll".   Translation: we use our thumb to pluck the bass note of the chord (either D(4)string or A(5)string or E(6)string), next we use our index finger on the G(3)string, next we use our middle finger on the B(2)string, next, we use our ring finger on the Hi-E(1) string.  You pluck one after another, in a forwards motion.

The second technique is called a "Backwards Roll" and is essentially the exact opposite of the Forwards Roll.  Translation:  we start with our third finger on the Hi-E(1)string, followed by the middle finger on the B(2)string, followed by the index finger on the G(3)string in a backwards motion.

RHYTHM
This part plays six eighth notes in each measure, also known as 6/8 timing (or time signature).  Translation:  Six Eighth Notes Per Measure.  Each chord is played for a value of six eighth notes (a single eighth note has a value of 1/2 a beat).  This adds up to 3 beats in total for each measure.  When counting in your head, try saying "ONE AND A" followed by "TWO AND A" and so on...

HARMONY
This chord breaks down the notes in the FMAJOR7 chord, which are:  F A C E.  Provided the 6/8 time signature, the notes we pluck are as follows: F A C E C A.  Note: we are playing a Forwards Roll when we play F A C E and then we switch to the Backwards roll during the reverse notes C A.

The chord then descends down, lowering the bass note to an open D, so we pluck as follows: D A C E C A.

The chord then descends further, lowering the bass note to a C on the third position of the A(5)string, and so we pluck: C A C E C A

Finally, the chord descends to an open A, and so we pluck: A A C E C A.

After playing all these notes, you will have completed 4 measures and a total of 24 eighth notes (12 beats total).  Repeat this as many times as you wish and have fun singing along if you so choose.