Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar with Steve Krenz

Fingerstyle Basics
Fingerstyle guitar is a very expressive and enjoyable way to play guitar,
requiring some new dexterity in the picking hand. Its a hands-on approach
to playing guitar. So, put your pick away for this lesson and let your fingers
start to make music.

GUITAR STYLES

intermediate

If playing fingerstyle is new to you, then take these exercises very slow, in order to correctly develop your
coordination. While it may be frustrating and slow learning at the start, with a little consistent effort, your
hand will develop the coordination to play fingerstyle effectively in a few short weeks. Be patient and the
results are sure to take your playing to another level.

Hand Position

Proper hand position is important to play fingerstyle guitar correctly.

Here are some keys to developing a good hand position.

Lower your fingering arm all the way to your side and let
it hang completely relaxed.

Let your fingers completely relax until they naturally form

a C shape.

Bring this still-relaxed hand over your guitar.

Slightly angle the wrist down toward the strings and twist the
wrist just a bit to bring the thumb forward about a half inch in
front of the index finger when looking down at the guitar.

Wrist is angled
down slightly
toward the strings.

Thumb is forward,
not directly above
the index finger.

Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar with Steve Krenz

Fingerstyle Pattern 1: T 1 2 3

Begin by playing this pattern using only open strings. Play slowly and evenly so that you are in control of the
movements. Resist the urge to play these exercises fast. Control is the goal, not speed.

Now, use the same finger pattern while playing a G, C, and D chord. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fingers continue
playing the same strings, but the thumb adjusts between the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings.

Fingerstyle Pattern 2: T 3 2 1

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Guitar Styles: Fingerstyle Basics

Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar with Steve Krenz

Fingerstyle Pattern 3: T 2 1 3

It takes time to develop the control needed for fingerstyle guitar, so dont rush through these exercises. Take
them slow. Train your muscles to do the movements correctly and then gradually speed them up. Once you
have the finger movements under control, begin working with a metronome to develop the speed you desire.
For more ideas and instruction check out the award-winning Gibsons Learn & Master Guitar course at
www.LearnAndMaster.com and the lessons section at www.gibson.com for all the help you need to become
the player you want to be!

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Guitar Styles: Fingerstyle Basics