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FINGERSTYLE
Introduction: The fingerstyle (a.k.a. fingerpicking) method of playing the guitar is primarily used to sound out notes in a chord one-at-a-time (arpeggio), as opposed to strumming the chord. Use the thumb and fingers of your pick-hand to play the individual strings. For example, the thumb plays the bass strings (low E, A, and D) while the middle finger plays the G string, the ring finger plays the B string, and the pinky finger plays the high E string. The index finger is usually idle or can be used to hold your pick.
Keep the thumb relaxed and the fingers in a curled position. Notice that the index finger is kept relatively straight so it does not get in the way of the thumb as shown in Figure 1. It is also important to keep the wrist in the proper alignment when implementing the fingerstyle technique as shown in Figure 2. Maintaining a neutral wrist position allows for optimal comfort and finger velocity.
Practice your scales and fingering exercises with a metronome set at a comfortable rate (e.g., 60 bpm for beginners) to build finger dexterity. |
 Figure 1 |
 Figure 2 |
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Tips
- Keep your palm floating over the soundhole (i.e., do not rest your palm on the bridge or body of the guitar).
- Pull, or pluck, the treble strings with your fingers in an upward direction.
- Push the bass strings downward with your thumb.
Put your new skills to work by learning these classical guitar pieces:
- Cavatina by John Williams (Directed by Stanley Myers for The Deer Hunter).
- Prelude in D minor by Johann Sebastian Bach (BWV 999).
- Pie Jesu by Gabriel Faure. Transcribed for 2 guitars.
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