Concerning fingerpicking

Stephan · #1 July 24th, 2004

Well I can play some fingerpicking. But I'm not sure what fingers you are suppose to use. Do you ever use the pinky? Can you fingerpick with any fingers? Thanks in advance.

Kirk Lorange · #2 July 25th, 2004

http://guitarforbeginners.com/fingerpick.html is where you can read a little bit about fingerpicking. Pinkies are rarely used because they're usually too short and weak and uncooperative, but there's no reason why you shouldn't use it if you can get it working.

Kirk

Stephan · #3 July 27th, 2004

Can you pick the same string with the same finger right after you just did?

Shabbadoo · #4 July 27th, 2004

Assuming that you mean can you pick the same string twice in succession...
yes.

6string · #5 July 31st, 2004

The end justifies the means

adamlong · #6 September 5th, 2004

Fingerpicking or fingerstyle is awesome. There are a few things to take into consideration when trying to learn how to fingerpick or play fingerstyle:

First: starting out you should learn how to stay relaxed while you play, this will help you keep your fingers loose and. This will allow you to be more fluid and actually faster in the long run. It'll also help reduce the risk of problems with your wrist later on.

Second: Realize that you have 5 fingers with which to work. And they can go in both directions. So you have to work and PRACTICE towards finger independence. Now your ring finger and your pinky share the same muscle so they will never be completely independent of each other but you can develop them in that direction. Regarding the practice, it's all fine and good, especially at the beginning to learn tunes and stuff because you want to be able to play something. But in your practice make sure you do exercises that don't take into account melody. Practice mechanics. This site has some great articles and lessons to help you with that. I have written some stuff on my site as well, I'll put a link below to it.

Third: As far as right hand mechanics, think about right hand position (try to keep your wrist straight, not crooked or clawlike) and right hand attack, practice alternate picking between your thumb and index, then thmb and middle, then thumb and ring, then index and middle, then index and ring, and so on and so forth. Try to strike through the string with movement from the large joint of the finger and the hand, not the middle finger joint.

If you want a lot more info on this go to my site:

Stephan · #7 November 19th, 2004

Which way does the wrist bend in fingerpicking?

adamlong · #8 November 19th, 2004

Actually, when you practice if you can think about it, try to keep your wrist straight in all directions...but RELAXED. your index finger could roughly align with your bone in your forearm. But , again, don't do this to the point of stiffening your arm. The most important thing in fingerpicking is to stay relaxed...in your fingers, in your arm and in your wrist. When you pick, bend your fingers at the largest knuckles (at the hand, not the middle of your fingers) This provides more control and strength over the long run. As far as the wrist, try not to hyperextend it, other than that...just stay relaxed. Hope this helps. Look at these pics and maybe they'll help you out. But remember, tension is bad.

http://www.theguitarsuite.com/rthandposition.html

Adam