Fingerstyle Guitar: Understanding Tips & Techniques

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 12 min read

So you want to know "what is fingerstyle guitar" and how to master this popular technique? Well, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the ins, outs, and everything in between of playing a guitar fingerstyle. Get ready to join the ranks of legendary fingerstyle guitarists like Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, as we dive into the world of fingerstyle guitar.

1. Get to Know Your Guitar

Before we even pluck a string, it's important to know your guitar inside and out. Understanding its parts, how to tune it, and how to care for it are all part of becoming a great fingerstyle guitarist. Let's get started.

Parts of the Guitar

A guitar is more than just a pretty piece of wood. It's an instrument crafted with precision and purpose. Here are the main parts you should be familiar with:

Headstock: This is where your tuning pegs live.
Neck: The long part of the guitar where you'll be pressing down on the strings to create different notes.
Frets: Metal strips running across the neck. The space between each fret represents a half step in the musical scale.
Body: The large, usually hollow part of the guitar that amplifies the sound.

Once you're familiar with these parts, you're already a step closer to understanding what is fingerstyle guitar.

Tuning Your Guitar

Tuning is the first step to sounding good on any guitar—fingerstyle or otherwise. A well-tuned guitar can make even the simplest songs sound beautiful. Here's a quick guide:

Start with the sixth (lowest) string. It should be an E.
Next is the fifth string, which should be an A.
And so on, until your first (highest) string, which should also be an E.

Pro tip: There are many free online tuners and tuner apps available that can help you get your guitar sounding just right.

Guitar Care Tips

Lastly, let's talk about guitar care. A well-cared-for guitar not only sounds better, but it also makes playing easier and more enjoyable. Here are a few tips:

Clean your guitar: Dust and grime can affect your guitar's sound. Use a soft cloth to wipe it down after each session.
Change your strings: Old strings can lose their tone. Change them regularly (about every 3 months or so) to keep your guitar sounding fresh.
Store it properly: Changes in temperature and humidity can warp your guitar. Keep it in a case when not in use and avoid extreme temperatures.

Now that you're familiar with your guitar, we can start exploring the world of fingerstyle guitar playing. Stay tuned!

2. Basic Fingerstyle Techniques

Now that we're familiar with the guitar itself, let's dive into the heart of what is fingerstyle guitar: the playing techniques. We'll start with the basics—thumb technique, fingering technique, and strumming technique. These foundational skills are the building blocks of any great fingerstyle guitarist.

Thumb Technique

Your thumb is the powerhouse of your fingerstyle technique. It's primarily responsible for playing the bass notes on the lower strings of your guitar. Here's how to get it right:

Position your thumb on the back of the guitar neck.
Press the string down with the side of your thumb, not the tip. This gives you more control and a fuller sound.
Practice playing the bass notes of a chord with your thumb while keeping the rest of your hand still. This will help you develop independence in your thumb, a key aspect of fingerstyle playing.

Remember: It's all about control, not strength. Your thumb should be relaxed, not tense.

Fingering Technique

Now, let's talk about your fingers. In fingerstyle guitar, your index, middle, and ring fingers are typically used to play the higher strings. Here's how to get started:

Rest your fingers lightly on the strings, with each finger assigned to a specific string. This is known as the "home position".
When you pluck a string, do so by moving your finger from the big knuckle, not the smaller ones. This gives you more power and precision.
Practice moving each finger independently from the others. This might feel a bit like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at first, but with time, it'll become second nature.

Just like with your thumb, remember to keep your fingers relaxed. Tension is the enemy of good technique.

Strumming Technique

Finally, let's talk about strumming. Even though fingerstyle is often associated with picking individual notes, strumming chords is still an important part of the style. Here's how to do it right:

Go with the flow: Strumming should be a smooth, flowing motion, like brushing your hand through water.
Use the right part of your hand: When strumming down, use the backs of your nails. When strumming up, use your thumb.
Practice different patterns: Mix and match different rhythms and patterns to add variety to your playing.

And there you have it—the basics of fingerstyle guitar. But don't stop here! With these skills under your belt, you're ready to move on to more advanced techniques. And who knows? You might just be the next Tommy Emmanuel or Sungha Jung.

3. Advanced Fingerstyle Techniques

As you continue your journey into the world of fingerstyle guitar, you'll soon discover there's a wealth of advanced techniques you can learn to take your playing to the next level. We'll cover three of the most popular ones: tapping, harmonics, and percussive techniques. Ready? Let's get started.

Tapping Technique

Tapping is a technique where you use your fretting hand to 'tap' notes onto the fretboard, creating rapid fire sequences that would be difficult (if not impossible) to play with traditional picking. Here are some tips to get you started:

Start slow: Like any new skill, it's best to start slow and build up speed gradually.
Keep it clean: Make sure to mute the strings you're not playing to avoid any unwanted noise.
Practice with a metronome: This will help you keep your timing tight and consistent.

Harmonics Technique

Harmonics are a beautiful way to add color and texture to your fingerstyle playing. They create a bell-like sound that can be used for melodic lines or just to add a touch of magic to your music. Here's how:

Light touch: To play a harmonic, lightly touch the string at the 12th, 7th, or 5th fret (these are the most common harmonic points), and pluck the string with your picking hand.
Instant release: As soon as you've plucked the string, lift your fretting finger off the string. The note should ring out with a clear, bell-like tone.
Experiment: Try playing harmonics on different strings and at different points on the neck to see what sounds you can create.

Percussive Technique

In fingerstyle guitar, your guitar isn't just a musical instrument—it's also a percussion instrument. By tapping, slapping, or knocking on the body of the guitar, you can add rhythmic elements to your playing. Here's how:

Start simple: Start by adding a simple tap on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar. This mimics the snare drum in a drum kit and adds a nice rhythmic drive to your playing.
Explore different sounds: Different parts of the guitar will produce different sounds. The body has a deep, resonant sound, while the neck and headstock have a sharper, more percussive sound. Experiment to find the sounds you like best.
Stay in control: Make sure your percussive elements enhance your music, not overpower it. Keep your taps and slaps in time and at a volume that blends well with your playing.

And that's it for advanced fingerstyle techniques! By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you'll add depth and complexity to your music, and open up a whole new world of expressive possibilities. Happy playing!

4. Practice Patterns and Exercises

Now that you've got a grip on the basics of what fingerstyle guitar is and the techniques involved, it's time to put them into practice. Practice is key in developing and refining your skills. Let's dive into some common fingerstyle patterns, daily exercises, and how to set up a solid practice schedule.

Common Fingerstyle Patterns

One of the first steps in mastering fingerstyle guitar is learning some common picking patterns. These are sequences of notes that you'll come across time and time again in fingerstyle music. Here are a few to get you started:

Alternating thumb pattern: This is where your thumb alternates between two or three bass strings, while your fingers pick out the melody on the higher strings.
Travis picking pattern: Named after country guitarist Merle Travis, this pattern is a more complex version of the alternating thumb pattern. It involves a steady rhythm on the lower strings, with syncopated melodies on the higher strings.
Arpeggio pattern: An arpeggio is a chord broken down into its individual notes and played in a sequence. This pattern can create a beautiful, flowing sound.

Daily Exercises

Incorporating daily exercises into your routine can significantly improve your fingerstyle technique. Here are some exercises you can do:

Scale practice: Playing scales isn't just for warming up—it can help you improve your finger independence and coordination.
Chord transitions: Practice switching between different chords smoothly and quickly. This can really help when you're playing a song with rapid chord changes.
Picking patterns: Practice the picking patterns we discussed earlier. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Setting Up a Practice Schedule

Establishing a regular practice schedule can greatly accelerate your progress. Here are some tips:

Consistency is key: Try to practice at the same time each day. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference if you're consistent.
Set clear goals: What do you want to achieve in each practice session? Having clear goals can keep you focused and motivated.
Take breaks: Don't forget to rest. Your fingers and your brain need time to recover and absorb what they've learned.

By incorporating these practice patterns and exercises into your routine, you'll soon see improvements in your fingerstyle technique. Remember, the key to mastery is consistent, focused practice. So, pick up that guitar and let's get practicing!

5. Exploring Different Genres

So, you've got the basics down, you're practicing daily, and you're starting to feel more comfortable with your fingerstyle guitar techniques. Now comes one of the most exciting parts of your musical journey—exploring different genres. The beauty of fingerstyle guitar is that it's not confined to one genre. From the soulful sounds of folk and country to the complex rhythms of blues and jazz, and even the energetic beats of rock and pop, fingerstyle guitar can do it all. Let's take a closer look at these genres.

Folk and Country

When it comes to fingerstyle guitar, folk and country are the genres that probably come to mind first. They're known for their storytelling lyrics and complex fingerpicking patterns. Here are a few notable fingerstyle players in these genres:

Bob Dylan: A legend in the folk music world, Dylan often uses fingerstyle techniques in his songs.
Chet Atkins: This country star is known for his unique fingerpicking style which he called "Travis picking."

Blues and Jazz

Blues and jazz are genres where fingerstyle guitar truly shines. The intricate fingerpicking patterns and soulful melodies are a perfect match for these genres. Notable artists include:

Robert Johnson: Often referred to as the "Grandfather of the Blues," Johnson was known for his fingerstyle playing.
Wes Montgomery: A jazz guitarist who often used his thumb instead of a pick to achieve a distinctive sound.

Rock and Pop

Believe it or not, fingerstyle guitar has found its way into rock and pop music as well. Artists from The Beatles to John Mayer have used fingerstyle techniques to add depth and complexity to their songs. Here are a couple of examples:

Paul McCartney: The Beatles' bassist often used fingerpicking in his songs, most notably in "Blackbird."
John Mayer: Mayer's fingerstyle techniques are evident in many of his songs, like "Stop This Train."

Exploring different genres not only broadens your musical repertoire but also helps you develop a unique fingerstyle of your own. So why not give it a shot? You might just discover a new favorite genre along the way!

6. Tips for Performing Live

So, you’ve been practicing your fingerstyle guitar techniques and exploring different genres, and now you're ready to take your talents to the stage. Performing live can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be a bit nerve-wracking. Here are some tips to help you prepare and shine on stage.

Building Your Stage Presence

Stage presence is more than just standing on a stage and playing your songs. It's about connecting with your audience and delivering an engaging performance. Here's how you can build your stage presence:

Practice performing: This may sound obvious, but practicing your performance as you would on stage helps. Try to mimic the stage environment at home. Stand while playing, move around, and even practice speaking between songs.
Engage with your audience: Make eye contact, smile, and interact with your audience. This helps create a connection and makes your performance more memorable.

Handling Nerves

Feeling nervous before a performance is completely normal. Even professional musicians get butterflies in their stomachs from time to time. Here are some strategies to help manage those nerves:

Deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm your nerves and steady your hands.
Visualize success: Imagine yourself performing perfectly and the positive response you'll get from the audience. Positive visualization can boost your confidence.

Interacting with the Audience

Remember, a live performance is a two-way interaction. Engaging your audience makes the performance more fun and memorable. Here are a couple of tips:

Talk to your audience: Share a story about the song you're about to play or ask the audience how they're doing. This transforms your performance into a conversation.
Encourage audience participation: This could be clapping along, singing a chorus, or even requesting a song. It makes the audience feel part of the show.

Performing live is a big step in your musical journey, but with these tips, you'll be ready to take the stage with confidence and truly enjoy the experience.

7. Finding Inspiration

Now that we've tackled live performances, let's dive into something a bit more abstract, yet equally important—finding inspiration. When it comes to playing fingerstyle guitar, or any instrument for that matter, inspiration is the fuel that keeps the fire burning. So, where do you find it? Let's explore.

Listening to Other Artists

One of the best ways to find inspiration is by listening to other artists. Here's how:

Explore widely: Don't limit yourself to one genre or style. Listen to folk, blues, jazz, pop, and rock. The more diverse your listening habits, the more ideas you'll gather.
Study the greats: Pay attention to renowned fingerstyle guitarists like Chet Atkins or Tommy Emmanuel. Understand their techniques, their unique style, and how they interpret music.

Experimenting with Sounds

Another great way to find inspiration is by experimenting with sounds. Here are a couple of tips:

Try different tunings: Standard tuning is just the beginning. Try open tunings, or even create your own. This can lead to unique chord voicings and open up new musical possibilities.
Use effects pedals: Effects pedals can alter your guitar's sound in various ways, which can spark new ideas. A reverb pedal can add depth, while a delay pedal can create echoing sounds.

Using Life Experiences

Lastly, your own life experiences can be a rich source of inspiration. Whether it's a joyful event or a difficult change, these experiences can bring depth and authenticity to your music. Here's how:

Reflect on your experiences: Take time to think about your experiences and emotions. This introspection can lead to expressive and meaningful music.
Translate emotions into music: Try to express your feelings through your guitar. This can be a cathartic experience and can lead to some beautiful compositions.

Finding inspiration can sometimes be challenging, but remember, it's all around you. You just need to be open and receptive to it.

8. Maintaining Motivation

Let's now touch on another important aspect in mastering fingerstyle guitar—maintaining motivation. It's easy to feel pumped when you first start learning, but how do you keep that excitement alive down the line? Let's look at some strategies.

Setting Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals can be a powerful motivation booster. Here's how you can set effective goals:

Be Specific: Instead of having a vague goal like "I want to get better at fingerstyle guitar," try something more specific, such as "I want to learn to play 'Blackbird' by The Beatles in two weeks."
Make it Achievable: It's important to set goals that stretch you, but make sure they're still within your reach. If your goal feels impossible, it can lead to frustration rather than motivation.

Celebrating Small Wins

Trust me, every achievement, no matter how small, deserves a pat on the back. Here's why:

Boosts Confidence: Every time you nail a difficult chord or master a new song, it's a testament to your progress. Acknowledge these wins to boost your confidence and motivation.
Encourages Persistence: By celebrating small wins, you're more likely to stick with your practice routines and continue learning.

Finding a Community

Finding a group of like-minded individuals can be a game-changer. Here's how:

Learning and Sharing: A community provides a platform to learn from others and share your own experiences. This can be incredibly motivating.
Accountability: Being part of a community often means you'll have people who hold you accountable for your goals, which can keep you motivated to practice and improve.

Remember, all the tips and techniques in the world won't help if you lack motivation. So, take time to keep your motivation levels high—it's a key component in mastering what fingerstyle guitar is all about.

If you're looking to further develop your fingerstyle guitar skills and explore new techniques, be sure to check out Gianna Adams' workshop, 'Technique in Songwriting'. This workshop will not only help you understand tips and techniques for fingerstyle guitar, but also enhance your songwriting abilities by incorporating these techniques into your own music.