Fingerpicking, also known as fingerstyle guitar, is a technique where the guitarist plucks the strings directly with their fingertips, fingernails, or picks attached to the fingers, rather than using a single flat pick. This approach unlocks a world of musical possibilities, allowing the guitarist to play bass lines, chords, and melodies simultaneously, creating a rich and full sound that can rival that of a small ensemble.
From the delicate classical pieces of Fernando Sor to the driving rhythms of Merle Travis, fingerpicking has been a cornerstone of guitar music across genres. This guide will introduce you to the essential fingerpicking techniques, starting with the fundamentals and progressing to the iconic Travis Picking style.
The Foundation: Hand Position and Finger Assignment
Before you can start picking, you need to establish a solid and comfortable hand position.
Right Hand Position (for right-handed players)
Rest your right forearm lightly on the upper edge of the guitar body, near the bridge. Your wrist should be relaxed and slightly arched, allowing your fingers to approach the strings at a natural angle. Your hand should float above the strings, not resting on the guitar top.
Finger Assignment
In fingerpicking, each finger of the right hand is typically assigned to specific strings:
Thumb (p): Plays the bass strings (E, A, and D – the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings).
Index Finger (i): Plays the G string (3rd string).
Middle Finger (m): Plays the B string (2nd string).
Ring Finger (a): Plays the high E string (1st string).
The letters in parentheses (p, i, m, a) are abbreviations from the Spanish names for the fingers (pulgar, índice, medio, anular) and are commonly used in fingerpicking notation.
Basic Fingerpicking Patterns
Once you have your hand position and finger assignment down, you can start practicing basic patterns. These patterns are the building blocks of fingerpicking.
Pattern 1: The Arpeggio (p-i-m-a)
This is the most fundamental fingerpicking pattern. Play the notes one at a time in succession: Thumb (bass note), Index, Middle, Ring. Practice this pattern on a simple chord like C major, making sure each note rings out clearly and evenly.
Pattern 2: Alternating Bass (p-i-p-m or p-m-p-i)
In this pattern, the thumb alternates between two bass notes while the fingers play the higher strings. For example, on a C chord, your thumb might alternate between the A string (root) and the D string (fifth), while your index and middle fingers play a simple melody or pattern on the higher strings.
Pattern 3: Pinch and Roll
This pattern involves playing a bass note and a treble note simultaneously (the “pinch”), followed by the remaining fingers in succession (the “roll”). For example: Thumb and Ring together, then Middle, then Index.
Developing Independence and Coordination
The key to good fingerpicking is developing independence between your thumb and your fingers. Your thumb should maintain a steady, reliable bass line, while your fingers are free to play more complex melodies and rhythms. This takes time and practice. Start slowly, focus on accuracy, and gradually increase your speed.
Travis Picking: The Alternating Bass Style
Travis Picking, named after the legendary country guitarist Merle Travis, is one of the most popular and recognizable fingerpicking styles. It is characterized by a steady, syncopated alternating bass line played by the thumb, while the fingers play melody notes and chords on the off-beats.
The Basic Travis Picking Pattern
The fundamental Travis Picking pattern is based on a steady, alternating bass:
Beat 1: Thumb plays a bass note (usually the root of the chord).
Beat 2: Fingers play a treble note or chord (often the index or middle finger).
Beat 3: Thumb plays a different bass note (usually the fifth of the chord).
Beat 4: Fingers play another treble note or chord.
The key is that the thumb is always playing on the beat (1, 2, 3, 4), while the fingers are playing on the off-beats (the “&s” between the beats). This creates a driving, syncopated rhythm.
Adding Melody and Variation
Once you have the basic alternating bass pattern down, you can start adding melody notes with your fingers. The beauty of Travis Picking is that you can play a bass line, chords, and a melody all at the same time, creating a complete and self-sufficient sound.
Practice Tips for Fingerpicking
Start Slowly: Speed will come with time. Focus on accuracy and clean execution first.
Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you develop a steady sense of time and will highlight any rhythmic inconsistencies.
Practice Chord Changes: Practice your fingerpicking patterns while changing between different chords. This is where the real challenge lies.
Listen to the Masters: Listen to fingerstyle guitarists like Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Merle Travis, Mississippi John Hurt, and Elizabeth Cotten to hear what’s possible and to get inspired.
Conclusion
Fingerpicking is a beautiful and expressive way to play the guitar. It opens up a world of musical possibilities and allows you to create rich, complex arrangements on a single instrument. By mastering the fundamentals of hand position, finger assignment, and basic patterns, and by dedicating time to developing the independence and coordination required for Travis Picking, you will unlock a new dimension of your guitar playing. Be patient, practice consistently, and enjoy the journey of discovering the magic of fingerstyle guitar.