video: introduction to fingerstyle guitar
- Jonathan
- Feb 6, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 16, 2024
Today, we’re diving into an exciting and expressive way of playing: fingerstyle guitar. In this lesson, we’ll focus on your picking hand—its movement, efficiency, and the techniques you can use to create beautiful fingerstyle patterns with open chord shapes.
Developing Efficient Picking Hand Movements
The first step in fingerstyle playing is minimizing unnecessary movement. Avoid lifting your fingers too far away from the strings after plucking them, as this can waste energy and disrupt your timing. Instead, keep your movements small and efficient, allowing your fingers to stay close to the strings for quick and precise picking.
For example, using a C major chord as your base:
1. Alternate the bass notes between the A and D strings using your thumb.
2. Use your index and middle fingers to pick the G and B strings.
3. Count the rhythm as “1, 2, 3, 4,” alternating bass and treble notes to maintain a steady flow.
Sped up, this pattern creates a fluid and rhythmic fingerpicking line that’s both musical and practical.
Creating Dynamic Fingerstyle Patterns
Once you’ve mastered the basics, experiment with variations to add dynamics and interest to your playing. For instance:
- Add pauses for rhythmic tension.
- Play two notes simultaneously to create fuller harmonies.
- Introduce a bouncing bass line by alternating the root and fifth notes of the chord.
These techniques can transform simple chord progressions into engaging fingerstyle pieces. Players like Paul Simon, Nick Drake, and Mark Knopfler are excellent examples of how creative fingerstyle patterns can elevate a song.
Adapting Patterns to Different Chords
When switching to other chords, start by identifying the root note and adjusting your picking pattern accordingly. Here are a few examples:
- A Major: The root note is on the A string. Use a similar pattern as C major, alternating between the A and D strings for the bass.
- G Major: The root note is on the low E string. Adapt your pattern to include the E string as the bass note.
- D Major: The root note is on the D string. Focus your picking pattern on the higher strings, using the D string as the foundation.
Tips for Acoustic and Electric Guitars
When playing acoustic guitar, avoid planting your fingers on the guitar’s body, as it can dampen the instrument’s resonance. Instead, hover your hand above the strings for a clean and natural tone. On electric guitars, resting your fingers lightly on the body for stability is fine and often helps with control.
Putting It All Together
To practice, take a chord progression you already know and apply a fingerstyle pattern to it. Start slow, focusing on timing and clarity, and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence. Use this lesson as a starting point and explore the styles of your favorite fingerstyle players to inspire your creativity.
For more resources, including tabs and chord diagrams to accompany this lesson, visit my website. While you’re there, leave a comment to let me know how you’re finding these lessons and what you’d like to see next. Happy playing, and I’ll see you in the next lesson!
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