Fingerstyle guitar playing, also known as fingerpicking, is a technique that involves using the fingers of the right hand (instead of a pick) to pluck the strings of the guitar. This technique has a long history, with roots dating back to the 16th century and the lute. In the 19th century, fingerstyle guitar playing became popular in the United States, with players such as Stephen Foster and Blind Blake using it to create a distinct sound.
In the 20th century, fingerstyle guitar playing became even more popular and diverse. Players like Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Tommy Emmanuel developed unique styles and techniques. Gareth Pearson’s 30 DIY Fingerpicking Patterns You Must Know brings some of the best and brightest patterns to the forefront for anyone to adapt to their playing and make their own.
Are you just starting out? To improve your own fingerstyle guitar playing, there are a few key things to focus on:
- Proper technique: Make sure you are using the correct fingerings and hand positioning to ensure your playing is clean and accurate.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your fingerstyle guitar playing. Start with simple exercises and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve.
- Learn different styles: Experiment with different fingerstyle techniques, such as Travis and alternate picking, to broaden your playing vocabulary.
- Listen to other players: Listen to fingerstyle guitar players and try to replicate their techniques and styles. This is a great way to learn new ideas and concepts.
- Get feedback: Take lessons from a guitar teacher or get feedback from other players to help identify areas where you need to improve.
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy learning and improving. With enough dedication and practice, you’ll be able to play fingerstyle guitar with skill and confidence. See the whole playlist here, or take a dive right now into these free lessons from 30 DIY Fingerpicking Patterns You Must Know.
Get the tab and use TrueFire’s learning tools! >
Free Lesson #2: Gospel Truth – Pattern 6
Get the tab and use TrueFire’s learning tools >
Free Lesson #3: Classic Five – Pattern 16
Get the tab and use TrueFire’s learning tools >
Free Lesson #4:Thumb Waltz – Pattern 22
Get the tab and use TrueFire’s learning tools >
Free Lesson #5: Funky See, Funky Do Pattern 29
Get the tab and use TrueFire’s learning tools >
Free Lesson #6:The Reed Rumble – Pattern 30
Get the tab and use TrueFire’s learning tools >
In Conclusion
Fingerpicking can be fun to learn for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that it allows you to create a wide range of sounds and textures on the guitar. With fingerpicking, you can play melody, harmony, and rhythm all at the same time, giving your music a rich and complex character. Overall, fingerpicking is a fun and versatile technique that opens up a world of musical possibilities and allows you to express yourself in new and exciting ways.
If you dig these free boogie guitar lessons, Join TrueFire for free for 14 days of All Access to over 55,000 video guitar lessons across every style and skill level. You can dial in your profile, follow a Learning Path, and get personalized recommendations. Learn from the best artists and educators in the world!