Technique
Fingerstyle
Pluck strings with thumb and fingers instead of a pick. Bass, chord and melody can sound together.
Why it matters
Pluck strings with thumb and fingers instead of a pick. Bass, chord and melody can sound together.
- Thumb plays low E A D, index plays G, middle plays B, ring plays high E.
- Anchor the pinky lightly on the body or float the hand.
- Start with simple Travis picking patterns.
Common mistakes
- Uneven thumb timing
- Tense fingers
Build up
Three tempos to grow into it
- Slow
60bpm
Make every note speak before you raise the click.
- Medium
90bpm
Lock in with the metronome on two and four.
- Fast
120bpm
Only after the medium tempo feels effortless.
Step by step
- 1.Thumb plays low E A D, index plays G, middle plays B, ring plays high E.
- 2.Anchor the pinky lightly on the body or float the hand.
- 3.Start with simple Travis picking patterns.
Did you master this
- Clean tone at the target tempo
- Steady rhythm with a metronome on two and four
- Smooth dynamics across all six strings
- Applied inside a real song or solo
- Recorded once and listened back without flinching
Related techniques
- right-hand
Alternate picking
Strict down up motion of the pick. The foundation of speed and clarity on guitar.
Open - right-hand
Economy picking
When changing strings, continue in the direction that takes the pick toward the next string.
Open - right-hand
Sweep picking
A single pick stroke flows across multiple strings, like a slow strum, with each note articulated by the left hand.
Open - left-hand
Legato (hammer ons and pull offs)
Notes articulated by the left hand alone. Smooth, flowing, and faster than alternate picking at extreme tempos.
Open - right-hand
Two hand tapping
The picking hand taps notes directly onto the fretboard, often combined with left hand hammer ons and pull offs.
Open - expressive
String bending
Pushing or pulling the string sideways to raise its pitch. The most vocal technique on guitar.
Open