How to Practice Finger Picking on Guitar

Finger picking is the classic style of guitar playing that allows you to achieve a level of sound beyond that of using a guitar pick. Many guitar players opt to use a pick because it's seemingly easier, but finger picking becomes second nature with enough practice.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Hold the guitar in a comfortable position with the curved part of the body resting on your right thigh. Elevate your right leg slightly to make it comfortable for your fingers and wrists.

2. Position your right hand comfortably over the strings. It must be sitting just over the sound hole.

3. Place your thumb, index, middle and ring finger each on a separate string. This helps you get used to alternating fingers without having to look at your hands while you play.

4. Begin by slowly picking each string, one finger at a time. Go in order starting with your thumb. When you reach your ring finger, move back down to your thumb, one string at a time.

5. Develop different patterns to play. After you get comfortable moving your fingers in order, alternating finger patterns helps to increase finger independence.

6. Increase your speed. Begin playing slowly and gradually pick your fingers faster. Your finger independence will develop the faster you can pick and alternate your fingers.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your hand steady over the strings. Let your fingers do the moving.
• Reverse the right and left directions depending on which hand you play guitar with. These directions are written for right-handed players.
• Keep from resting your hand on the guitar as you play. You want your hand to hover over the strings, not sitting directly on top of them.
• Avoid repeating a finger when picking. Getting used to continually alternating fingers makes you a faster, more accurate player. It's ok to repeat your thumb, though.