Fingerpicking is a should-know technique for all guitarists; it’s relevant to most genres and styles. It can span basic picking patterns for song accompaniment to full, self-contained fingerstyle performance. In this session, we’ll look at the playing techniques and the dos/don’ts involved using of three classic, diverse tunes as our reference pieces. This is a longer lesson than normal at 90 mins and is mostly suitable for intermediate fingerpickers but high beginners would definitely get lots from this one.
Fingerstyle spans all genres. It can be used for basic rhythmic picking accommpaniment or as a fully fledged self-contained solo performance piece. Here we’re looking at the techniques and know-how needed for the latter.
We’ll go over the basics very quickly: set-up, dos and don’ts, plucking strings, finger nails, picking hand placement and orientation and plucking options, etc. But then delve into simultaneously playing a rhythmic bass line, partial chords and a melody over the top.
For solo fingerstyle we have a number of aspects to cover: thumb independence to build a bass line, how to move between chords while staying in time (sometimes using modified fingerings), fretting hand techniques to avoid dead or buzzing notes, how to practise the techniques, making the whole thing seem serene and flowing, dynamics and whole host of other things.
We might also delve into the wonderfulworld of dropped D tuning.
Our three reference pieces will be:
This is a longer session than usual (90 mins) as we have lots to go through with specific parts of the three tunes.
As ever, it’s not just about what you play but how you play it – techniques, hints and tips, guidance will abound in this lesson. The session is recorded and so you’ll be able to go through the detail over and over again.
Beginner + and Intermediate and above.
The easy sections are suitable for beginner+ but most of it is for intermediate with some high-intermediate areas.
You should already be comfortable with finger-picking.
Something for everyone in this one and lots of materials to practise with.
If you’re relatively new to fingerpicking, we have materials for sale from our earlier Beginner Fingerstyle courses.
Even with this being an extended session don’t expect to master everything during the session. The tutor will go through all the key parts, demonstrating them and discussing the associated techniques and know-how.
The real work is done by you afterwards. Armed with the materials (PDFs and video recording), you’ll have all the tools to work on things at your own pace.
When you book you’ll have two options:
1. You want to join the live Zoom session.
You’ll receive the joining instructions on the day. Being live, you’ll be able to put your own questions directly to the tutor during the session. Choose option 1, Lesson and materials.
2. Maybe you’d like to attend but can’t make it on this occasion?
You can buy the materials and receive them after the session (as described above). Choose option 2, Materials only.
These sessions are most suitable for intermediate players (i.e. maybe some barre chords, a tad of music theory/knowledge, etc.). But lightbulbs will be flashing for players of all standards as you pick up some great ideas and approaches.