How to Play an Electric Guitar with Fingers

Playing electric guitar with fingers instead of a pick might seem unusual, especially in the realm of metal and its subgenres. But once you get the hang of it, this technique opens up a whole new world of textures and dynamics. Whether you’re aiming for the intricate nuances or simply want to have more control over your sound, fingerstyle technique can be a game-changer for your playing. This article explores how you can master fingerstyle on electric guitar, particularly for heavier styles.

Why Ditch the Pick?

First off, you might wonder, “Why should I even consider playing without a pick?” Great question! Using your fingers instead of a pick can provide a unique tonal quality, giving you access to a broader range of dynamics and expression. Fingerstyle playing offers:

• Control and Precision: Your fingers can pluck strings with varying intensity, allowing for more expressive nuances.
• Multiple Voices: You can play several notes simultaneously, which is great for complex chord voicings or polyphonic textures.
• Instant Access to Harmonics: With your fingers, you can easily switch between standard notes and harmonics.

Fingers can create a fuller and more rounded sound, which can be particularly effective in genres like progressive metal, where dynamics and texture are key.

Building Finger Strength and Independence

Playing with fingers requires a bit of physical conditioning. What’s crucial here is developing strength and independence in each finger, something that doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few exercises to help build these skills:

• Finger Lifts: Place your hand on a flat surface and lift each finger individually, as high as possible, without moving the others.
• Spider Exercise: On the guitar, place your fingers on different frets and strings, moving them in a spider-like motion across the fretboard.
• Scales and Arpeggios: Practice simple scales and arpeggios using just your fingers to pluck the strings, focusing on evenness and clarity.

As you practice, focus on each finger’s movement to avoid unnecessary tension. It may feel awkward initially, but consistency is key. Interestingly enough, many instructors on Riffhard emphasize the importance of finger independence, especially when tackling complex metal pieces.

Developing a Fingerstyle Technique

Let’s talk technique. Just like with a pick, there are various fingerstyle techniques you can use to create different sounds and effects:

• Alternating Thumb and Fingers: Often used for bass lines and melodies, this technique involves the thumb playing the bass strings while the fingers handle the higher strings.
• Rasgueado: A flamenco technique where your fingers strum the strings in quick succession, creating a rapid-fire sound.
• Travis Picking: While more common in folk, this can be adapted for metal by using a thumb-and-finger alternation to create complex rhythmic patterns.

Each technique has its own learning curve and can add distinct flavors to your playing. Don’t rush it; take time to explore how each one feels and sounds to you. On Riffhard, we’ve got lessons that break down these techniques with the help of top-notch metal guitarists to help you internalize them faster.

Incorporating Fingerstyle in Metal

Metal guitar isn’t typically associated with fingerstyle, but don’t let that deter you. This approach can add a new dimension to your music. Here’s how you can make it work:

• Hybrid Picking: A combination of pick and fingers, where you hold the pick between your thumb and index finger while using your other fingers to pluck strings.
• Arpeggiated Chords: Use your fingers to play arpeggios smoothly, which can add an ethereal quality to your riffs.
• Slap and Pop: Borrowed from bass playing, this involves slapping the strings with your thumb and popping them with your fingers for a percussive sound.

Think of these techniques as spices in your musical cuisine; too much can overpower the dish, but just the right amount can make it pop. Experimentation is your best friend here.

Practicing with Purpose

As with any skill, deliberate practice is crucial. Set aside dedicated time to work on fingerstyle techniques. Here’s a structured approach:

• Warm-Up: Spend 5-10 minutes on finger exercises to get your muscles engaged.
• Technique Drills: Focus on a specific technique for 15 minutes, using a metronome to keep your timing sharp.
• Application: Spend another 15 minutes applying what you’ve practiced to a song or riff.

Consistency is key, and varying your practice routine helps keep things fresh. If you ever find yourself stuck, our Riffhard community offers a wealth of structured lessons to keep you on track.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Switching to fingerstyle on an electric guitar can feel like a daunting task initially. Here are some common challenges you might face and how to tackle them:

• Lack of Speed: Focus on slow, deliberate practice to build up speed gradually.
• Uneven Dynamics: Practice with a metronome and record yourself to notice inconsistencies.
• Fatigue: Take regular breaks during practice sessions to avoid overworking your fingers.

Remember, every guitarist struggles with different aspects of their playing. The key is persistence and patience. Over time, what seemed difficult will become second nature.

Recording Fingerstyle Guitar

Once you’ve honed your fingerstyle skills, recording them is the next step. Here are a few tips to capture that sound:

• Microphone Placement: If you’re miking an amp, experiment with mic placement to capture the nuances of fingerstyle playing.
• Direct Input: Use a good DI box to maintain the clarity of your fingerstyle playing.
• Post-Production: Use EQ and compression to balance the dynamics and enhance the tonal quality.

Recording fingerstyle can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll find the right combination of techniques to bring out your best sound.

Getting Inspired

Inspiration is never far away if you know where to look. Many famous guitarists are known for their fingerstyle prowess, even in the metal genre. Watch videos, listen to tracks, and analyze what makes their style unique:

• Listen: Pay attention to how guitarists incorporate fingerstyle into their solos and riffs.
• Watch: Observe their hand positioning and finger movements.
• Learn: Attempt to mimic their style, then add your own twist.

Riffhard features lessons from the likes of Dean Lamb and Aaron Marshall, who can provide you with insights into advanced fingerstyle techniques.

Final Thoughts

Playing electric guitar with fingers opens up a new world of musical possibilities, offering you greater control, dynamic range, and expression. While it might take some time to get comfortable with fingerstyle, we at Riffhard are here to help you with structured lessons and insights from some of the best in the metal world. Dive in, keep practicing, and enjoy the journey of discovery!