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Fingerpicking Essence
by Steve Eckels
One of the advantages of fingerpicking is the ability to play solo,
without the need for singing or other musicians. Being able to play
fingerpicking solos will allow you to perform for many kinds of special
events.
As a guitar teacher I have pondered the essence of fingerpicking.
My conclusions are based on numbers:
- THREE fingers (pinky not included)
- ONE thumb
- SIX strings
- TWO sections - the treble (strings 1,2,3) and bass (strings 4,5,6).
PRACTICE SUGGESTIONS
HAND POSITION - Generally, your point of contact with the string starts on the left side of your fingertip and slides towards the right side as you pick. Growing and using fingernails is optional but in any case avoid friction from rough edges.
ATTITUDE - Treat practicing like a game, or puzzle, or as an exercise for improving mental concentration and physical dexterity.
HOW TO PRACTICE - To conserve space I have presented only one example of each concept. You will need to EXPAND THE BASIC IDEA by trying it on different groups of strings and using different fingerings.
THE ESSENTIALS (EXAMPLES 1 - 3)
1. REPETITION - Consists of repeated picking on one string. This can be done with a variety of fingerings. Experiment with fingerings that seem logical and comfortable for you. Also practice it with small segments of scales.
2. PINCH - Makes use of the "grasping" motion of the hand.
2A. HOOK - Same as the pinch, but with one string plucked at a time.
3. CHORALE - Picking more than one string at a time with the fingers.
3A. CHORALE PLUS PINCH - Same as the chorale, but with the addition of the thumb.
3B. SWEEP (ARPEGGIO) - Same as the chorale, but with one string plucked at a time. Experiment picking with different finger sequences.
3C. SWEEP PLUS PINCH (DOUBLE ARPEGGIO) Same as the sweep, but with the thumb playing simultaneously with the fingers. This technique is excellent for developing your sense of location on the strings.
SPECIAL FOCUS (EXAMPLES 4 AND 5)
SCALE SEGMENTS IN THE TREBLE PLAYED OVER BASS NOTES
An excellent preparation for all kinds of solo fingerpicking guitar is the ability to play scale segments in the treble simultaneously with bass notes. It is also the main technique used in my book "Gregorian Chant for Acoustic Guitar." Learning the Gregorian Chants would improve your skill with this valuable technique.
4. TWO FINGERS AND ONE THUMB (BASIC)
4A. TWO FINGERS AND ONE THUMB, WITH MOVING TREBLE AND OPEN BASS
4B. TWO FINGERS AND ONE THUMB, WITH MOVING TREBLE AND FRETTED BASS
5. THREE FINGERS AND ONE THUMB (BASIC)
5A. THREE FINGERS AND ONE THUMB, WITH MOVING TREBLE AND OPEN BASS
5B. THREE FINGERS AND ONE THUMB, WITH MOVING TREBLE AND FRETTED BASS
Now you are prepared to play the following example from "Gregorian Chant for Acoustic Guitar." Play the notes as if you were singing syllables. Keep the music flowing. The comma indicates a pause. The short horizontal line over a note tells you to hold it a little longer.
I hope you enjoy this piece of music and that we get to explore more essentials in the future.
Sincerely, Steve Eckels
OTHER BOOKS BY STEVE ECKELS
- American Love Songs and Ballads
- Stephen Foster for Acoustic Guitar
- Gospel Classics for Acoustic Guitar
- Blues Classics for Acoustic Guitar
- Cowboy Classics for Acoustic Guitar
- Music of the North American Indians for Acoustic Guitar
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