Acoustic Beginners Fingerstyle
Author: Leon Lewington
Introduction
In this level we will be exploring the techniques and theory of guitar playing that will enable you to go beyond those three chord 'pop' songs. Although some aspects of finger-style playing can appear daunting to a beginner hard work and perseverance will reap its own rewards. If at any time you feel like giving up remember why you wanted to play guitar in the first place, take a break and listen to some music that inspires you. Always set yourself realistic targets and play within your own limitations. Attempting to play like Eric Roche in your first couple of weeks will probably result in broken fingers and a hole in your guitar. Always enjoy what you are doing. The following exercises aim to improve technique; this does not mean that you should not continue exploring the guitar in your own way. Discovering things for yourself is part of the enjoyment of learning.
Getting Started
Any form of exercise, whether it is weight training or guitar playing, requires a good warm up routine before the real work starts. Hands that are warmed up respond far more efficiently when you ask them to do something, look after your hands!! Before you start, warm up with the following examples:
Section 1: Introduction and warm up
If you have just picked up a guitar for the first time then use the following examples to get started. Once you feel comfortable with the introductory exercises use them as a warm-up routine.
Use a metronome
In the early stages a metronome will help you to improve accuracy and timing. Start at a tempo that is comfortable and gradually increase speed until you reach the recommended tempo. Always listen to what you are doing, if you continually make the same mistake then slow down to a tempo where you can complete an exercise accurately.
Note If you get confused with some of the terminology then go to our Guitar Glossary and Music Glossary.
We will start with some basic exercises to get you comfortable with the guitar.
Right hand exercises:
The right hand needs to be relaxed at all times. Any tension in the hand or arm will transfer to your fingers, and therefore your playing. Start by letting your right arm fall towards the ground, shake out any tension. Now close your hand into a relaxed fist, as if you are carrying sports bag. This is how your hand should feel when playing. If at any time you feel tension; stop playing and go through the same routine.
Example 1: Open string arpeggio
Using only the open strings of the guitar follow the simple arpeggio patterns. Your left hand should be nowhere near the fretboard at this stage. The three bass strings (EAD) are played by the thumb (p) only. Your index (i) finger will play only the G string, the middle (m) finger plays the B string and your anular (a) finger plays the High E string. Start by placing the tip of the thumb on the first 6th string. Squeeze the thumb, it should move through the string towards the palm of your hand. Use the same process for the Index, middle and anular fingers, they should move upwards towards the palm of your hand. Follow the suggested fingerings and you will get results quicker than making up your own!
Example 2: Free stroke
Only the open strings are needed for this exercise. Making sure your right hand is relaxed place the index finger, lightly, on the first string. Now squeeze the tip of your finger towards the palm of your hand, being careful not to strike the adjacent string. Repeat the procedure for your middle finger. You should make sure that your fingers remain curved and do not straighten. Continue alternating (i) and (m) on the first string (top line of fingering suggestion). Follow the fingering for each string. Aim to have an equal amount of attack from both fingers. Experiment with the angle of attack, noticing the difference in the quality of sound depending on how you strike the strings. Your alternating fingers should give the impression of walking. When you feel comfortable alternating i and m try starting with m (the second line of fingering suggestion). Remember to start slow and gradually increase tempo.
The left hand:
Example 3: Introducing the left hand
Initially this exercise will be for the left hand only.
Assign each left hand finger to a fret: first finger (1) to the first fret, second finger (2) to the second fret etc. Place your 1st finger just behind the 1st fret on the 1st string (the one closest to the floor). Now place the 2nd finger just behind the 2nd fret of the same string. Continue for your 3rd and 4th fingers. Initially your left hand fingers will hurt after some playing, don't worry!! This is natural and after a few weeks the tips of your fingers will harden, enabling you to play for longer periods. Remember not to carry on playing if anything is causing you pain, if you continue, long-term damage can result. If your hand starts to experience fatigue stop playing and put your hand out flat on your leg, this will help to relax your hand quickly.
Practice without the right hand to start with. When you get used to placing your fingers in the right order try incorporating the right hand free stroke idea in example 2.
Have patience: this is not a competition. Work at a pace that suits you. When you feel comfortable with all the variations move on to the next section.
