How to Play Guitar with Fingers for Beginners

If you've ever been captivated by the soulful sounds a guitarist can create just with their fingers, you've come to the right place. Playing guitar with your fingers, also known as fingerstyle, is a beautiful technique that opens up a world of musical possibilities. Whether you're strumming a soothing melody or picking out a rapid-fire riff, using your fingers can add depth and emotion to your playing. Let's unravel the secrets to fingerstyle guitar for beginners, breaking it down in a way that’s easy to understand and even easier to put into practice.

Understanding Fingerstyle Basics

Before diving into complex riffs and patterns, it's crucial to get comfortable with the basic mechanics of fingerstyle playing. The idea here is to use your fingers in place of a pick, allowing each finger to pluck its own string. Generally, your thumb handles the bass strings (E, A, and D), while your index, middle, and ring fingers take care of the G, B, and high E strings, respectively.

Start by practicing a simple pattern: place your thumb on the low E string, your index finger on the G string, your middle finger on the B string, and your ring finger on the high E string. Pluck each string in sequence, letting each note ring out clearly. This basic exercise will help you build the coordination needed for more advanced fingerstyle techniques.

If you're feeling adventurous, try alternating your thumb between the E, A, and D strings while your other fingers continue their pattern on the G, B, and E strings. This adds a bassline to your playing, making it sound fuller and more complex.

Developing Finger Independence

Finger independence is the ability to move each finger separately from the others, a skill that's essential for fingerstyle guitar. It might seem challenging at first, but with regular practice, it will become second nature. One effective exercise for building finger independence is the "spider walk."

• Place your index finger on the first fret of the low E string and your middle finger on the second fret of the A string.
• Pluck the low E string with your thumb and the A string with your index finger.
• Move your index finger to the first fret of the A string and your middle finger to the second fret of the D string, repeating the plucking motion.
• Continue this pattern up and down the fretboard, moving to different strings and frets as you progress.

This exercise not only enhances finger independence but also helps with finger strength and agility, which are crucial for clean and precise playing. Remember, patience is key. Don't rush through the exercises—focus on clarity and accuracy.

Mastering Basic Fingerstyle Patterns

Once you're comfortable with the basics, it's time to explore some fundamental fingerstyle patterns. These patterns form the backbone of many fingerstyle pieces, from folk and classical to modern metal. Here are a few to get you started:

Travis Picking

Travis picking is a popular pattern used in various genres, known for its alternating bassline and syncopated rhythm. Start by assigning your thumb to the bass strings (E, A, D) and your index, middle, and ring fingers to the G, B, and high E strings.

• Pluck the low E string with your thumb.
• Pluck the G string with your index finger.
• Pluck the D string with your thumb.
• Pluck the B string with your middle finger.

Repeat this sequence and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. This pattern can be adapted to countless songs and styles, making it a versatile tool in your guitar arsenal.

Arpeggio Patterns

Arpeggios involve playing the notes of a chord in sequence rather than strumming them all at once. This creates a flowing, melodic sound that's perfect for fingerstyle guitar. Try the following basic arpeggio pattern:

• Place your thumb on the A string, your index finger on the D string, your middle finger on the G string, and your ring finger on the B string.
• Pluck each string in order from the A string to the B string and then back to the A string.

Practice this pattern with different chords, such as C, G, and D, to get used to moving your fingers across the strings. Arpeggios are fantastic for adding a touch of elegance to your playing, whether you're composing your own pieces or covering your favorite songs.

Incorporating Percussive Elements

Fingerstyle guitar isn't just about plucking strings; it can also incorporate percussive elements to create a rhythm section on the guitar itself. This technique involves tapping or slapping the body of the guitar with your fingers, hand, or nails to add a percussive sound to your playing.

Begin by experimenting with different percussive sounds. Use the heel of your palm to tap the body of the guitar near the bridge, or use your fingers to flick the strings near the fretboard. Combine these percussive elements with your fingerstyle patterns to create dynamic and engaging music.

For example, try plucking a simple arpeggio pattern as described earlier, but add a percussive tap on the body of the guitar between each plucked string. This adds an extra layer of complexity and rhythm to your playing, making it more engaging for both you and your audience.

Exploring Open Tunings

Open tunings can transform your guitar, offering new sonic landscapes to explore with your fingers. By tuning the strings to form a chord when played open, you can create rich, resonant sounds without complex finger placements. Common open tunings include Open D (D A D F# A D) and Open G (D G D G B D).

Start by tuning your guitar to Open D. This tuning is particularly popular for fingerstyle guitar because it allows for beautiful, ringing chords with minimal finger pressure. Once in Open D, try experimenting with basic fingerstyle patterns or creating your own melodies. The open strings will provide a harmonic backdrop, making your playing sound fuller and more expressive.

Open tunings can be particularly useful in metal and alternative genres, where unconventional sounds are often sought after. They allow you to create unique textures and expand your musical vocabulary, offering endless possibilities for creativity.

Practicing with Metronomes and Backing Tracks

Consistency and timing are crucial aspects of fingerstyle guitar. Practicing with a metronome or backing track can help you develop a solid sense of rhythm and ensure your playing is tight and precise.

Start by setting your metronome to a slow tempo, around 60 beats per minute. Play through your fingerstyle patterns, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable, aiming for both accuracy and speed.

Backing tracks are another great tool for practice, as they simulate playing with a band. Search for fingerstyle guitar backing tracks online or create your own using recording software. This will help you get used to playing in different musical contexts and improve your ability to lock in with other instruments.

At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome designed specifically for guitar practice. It’s perfect for honing your rhythm skills and ensuring your playing stays in the pocket.

Recording Your Progress

Recording your practice sessions is a valuable tool for tracking your progress and identifying areas for improvement. Listening to recordings of your playing allows you to hear how you sound objectively and pinpoint any issues with timing or technique.

Use a smartphone or a basic recording device to capture your practice sessions. Play back the recordings and listen critically, taking note of any areas where your playing could be improved. Are your notes clear and even? Is your timing consistent? Are there any unwanted noises or string buzzes?

Recording can also be a source of motivation, as you’ll be able to hear how much you’ve improved over time. Share your recordings with friends or fellow guitarists for feedback and encouragement. It’s a great way to stay accountable and motivated on your fingerstyle journey.

Learning from the Pros

One of the best ways to learn fingerstyle guitar is by studying the techniques of professional guitarists. Watch videos, attend concerts, and analyze recordings to absorb the nuances of their playing. Pay attention to how they use their fingers, the dynamics they create, and the musical choices they make.

At Riffhard, we have lessons from some of the world’s top metal guitarists. Our instructors, including Dean Lamb of Archspire and Aaron Marshall of Intervals, share their insights and techniques, providing a firsthand look at how the pros approach fingerstyle guitar.

Learning from experienced musicians can inspire new ideas and approaches in your playing, helping you break out of creative ruts and expand your musical horizons. Don’t be afraid to experiment and incorporate what you learn into your own style.

Staying Motivated and Consistent

Learning fingerstyle guitar, like any skill, requires time and dedication. To stay motivated, set achievable goals and celebrate your progress along the way. Whether it’s mastering a new pattern or playing a favorite song, each milestone is a step forward in your musical journey.

Consistency is key. Make practice a regular part of your routine, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Over time, these small sessions will add up, leading to significant improvement. Keep a practice journal to track your progress and set new goals.

Finally, remember to have fun. Fingerstyle guitar is a rewarding and expressive way to play, and it’s important to enjoy the process. Play songs you love, experiment with new techniques, and share your music with others. This will keep you inspired and eager to continue learning.

Final Thoughts

Fingerstyle guitar is a fascinating and rewarding technique to learn, offering endless possibilities for creativity and expression. As you practice and develop your skills, remember that progress takes time and patience. At Riffhard, we’re here to support your journey with lessons from the world’s best metal guitarists. Dive in, explore the possibilities, and enjoy every step of your musical adventure.