Ten essential finger picking patterns
One of the most rewarding ways of playing guitar is finger style. Basic finger picking can be used in a variety of styles as rhythm guitar, and is the foundation for more advanced chord melody.
On these ten basic patterns remember that the thumb will pluck the bass note of the chord, this could be string six, five, or four depending on the chord and voicing that you are using. With fingers one, two, three, or index, middle, and ring respectively, you will keep each of these fingers locked into position. The first string will be plucked by the ring finger, the second string will be plucked by the middle finger and the index finger will pluck the third string. These fingers will not move from their assigned strings for any of the patterns on the page.
The first five patterns are shown using a G a C and a D chord, it is important to be aware that you can use any chord for any of the patterns. The G chord would represent any six string chord, while the C chord would represent any five string chord and of course the D represents any four string chord. By the time you get to pattern six the last five patterns are only shown over a G chord, but they can be applied to any chord.
Learning these patterns will improve your finger picking skills and you will have a variety of patterns to play in different situations. These are great as an accompaniment to a singer or soloist.
Once you get some of the patterns down try playing a simple song with chords that you are comfortable with, play the song with different patterns and hear how each pattern creates a slightly different feel. You can play the patterns straight time, or as a swing to create a completely different feel.
Remember to practice with a metronome, play clean notes, count your rhythms as you play, make sure you play each note with the appropriate finger, use good posture, and be relaxed. Practice in slow repetitions, and in no time at all you will be on your way to finger picking paradise.