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Questions on fingerpicking
I’ve started to learn fingerpicking from a Skill Course and enjoyed it more than using a pick. I have two questions: 1. Can we use the ring finger to pick the High E string (the index finger for G string and the middle finger for B string – it seems easier for me) instead of using the index finger to pick both G and B strings? 2. All the lessons and challenges I’ve taken so far are taught to use a pick. I’m wondering if there are more lessons or ways that I can practice fingerpicking on a daily basis – for example, 10 minutes to practice using a pick and 10 minutes to practice fingerpicking every day. Thanks.
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8 Replies
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Many people use the method you describe: Thumb on E,A,D index on G, middle on B, ring on high E. I think it is the best way to learn, but it is challenging. When I first started fingerpicking I used only thumb and index, later adding middle and finally using the ring as well. This is a great basis and covers most situations. Ultimately you may want to implement use of fingers on base strings as well. But, I definitely think you do well to focus on the thumb and three fingers to start.
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+1 for an excellent summary. It’s hard, well it’s hard, so Hard.
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@David_Leo Thank you so much for your inputs. It really helps.
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@Ping that’s so awesome that you are starting to learn fingerpicking!!! I must agree with @David_Leo, that a general rule of thumb is to designate your thumb for Low E, A and D strings, then index covers G, middle takes B, and index has the high e strings. There are, of course always exceptions both in the artist, and the arrangement. I would say that whatever works best for you and for the piece you are playing.
Tony P’s Daily Challenge lessons are 100% fingerstyle every other week, so don’t miss those weeks!! Also there are quite a few fingerstyle skill courses, so check them all out, you’ll be glad that you did so!!
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@Carol-3M-Stillhand @Cadgirl Thank you so much for your inputs. It really helps.
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@Ping , I like fingerpicking the most, but I have just started getting the hang of strumming. I agree with the other posts on what fingers for what strings. @Carol-3M-Stillhand , i didn’t realize that every other week was finger picking, thanks.
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I believe that using the ring finger is the better option. Tony says we can use the ring finger. Using just the 2 fingers is very common in folk style finger picking. But using all three fingers helped me a lot and I’m very grateful that I stuck to it.
Tony has many warm ups, and half of them are for finger picking. Also, every single lesson and warm up using a pick can be done finger picking instead. After about 2 years, I stopped using a pick for the lessons altogether and just used my fingers.
Start with a pattern, then just play it slow enough to be accurate everyday for 10 to 20 minutes for a few weeks. Play the pattern without making chords or even sounds, mute the strings, while you’re watching TV. Start playing chord progressions. Just like we do on Fridays, practice being able to play your pattern over one chord, and then change to another chord in time with the beat. Add more chords. Start playing a song. Play more songs. Add more patterns. That’s how I got to where I’m at right now.
MG 😀
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@MikeGaurnier Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is very helpful. Have a good weekend.
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