Kirk's fingerstyle lessons.

doveland · #1 January 23rd, 2009

In Kirk's first fingerstyle lesson he recommends using the middle finger for the melody line. I was practicing using the classical method ie Index finger : 3rd string
Middle finger : 2nd string
Ring finger : 1st string.
Which is best?

allthumbs · #2 January 23rd, 2009

What ever works for you and is most comfortable is best.

doveland · #3 January 23rd, 2009

Thanks AT. I will try that but I am a methodical kind of bloke and need discipline in my life. However I will have a go!

Kirk Lorange · #4 January 23rd, 2009

I'm with allthumbs: whatever works best for you is the way to go. I find that most of the time the classical method works best but not always, for me anyway, but I do recommend that you use what feels best for you, especially if you've been doing it for a while.

doveland · #5 January 24th, 2009

Thanks Kirk - duly noted.

Fretsource · #6 January 24th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by doveland

I was practicing using the classical method ie Index finger : 3rd string
Middle finger : 2nd string
Ring finger : 1st string.

Actually, that's not the classical method. It often works out that way in classical and fingerstyle pieces but only in certain chord arpeggios. The classical method stresses using the thumb on bass lines even as high as the second string (e.g., Malaguena) while the melody and/or harmony are played with whichever fingers are most conveniently placed at the time to give the best phrasing. Insisting on a set finger per string approach all the time would be very inefficient.

doveland · #7 January 27th, 2009

Thanks Fretsource - seems I was on the wrong road. All that sdvice calls for a donation. Just reaching for my credit card!

lorispencer · #8 January 27th, 2009

the best fingerstyle for me (classically trained) is just to not use the same finger twice in a row so that you can move faster. typically the thumb on the bass but if playing many base notes in a row i switch to my fingers even on the lowest strings. thumb can move up to the top strings if the top strings are actually carrying the rhythmic bottom of the song.

Krissee · #9 August 13th, 2009

Hi,
I actually think I'm improving after practicing Kirk's lessons. It is the easiest and most straight forward way of learning guitar that I've come across. I'm especially interested in the classical lessons and have almost mastered Jeux Interdits.

I would love to be able to play a tune I heard on John William's CD called Portrait. The track is Romanza by Myers. It is really beautiful. I've looked everywhere for that one. Has anyone else heard of it or could tell me where I could find the tab for it?

Thanks again for a great site.

Krissee

carol m · #10 August 13th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krissee

Hi,
I and have almost mastered Jeux Interdits.

I would love to be able to play a tune I heard on John William's CD called Portrait. The track is Romanza by Myers.
Krissee

Hi Krissee - I'm a little confused because as far as I know Kirk's Jeux Interdits is also known as Romanza i.e. it's what you are looking for. I could be wrong - it's happened before.

Kirk Lorange · #11 August 13th, 2009

I was thinking the same thing, carol_m ... is there another Romanza?

Krissee · #12 August 13th, 2009

Thankyou Carol_m and Kirk,

I feel such an idiot! I've just put the John Williams CD on and played that track again and it IS the same music! I don't know how I missed that.

I just have to master playing it as well as Kirk ....and John Williams! They make it seem soooo easy.....