Fingerpicking patterns are systematic methods of plucking the guitar strings with the fingers, typically involving the thumb and one or more fingers to play separate strings simultaneously or in sequence. These patterns create a rich, textured sound that can function as both harmonic accompaniment and melodic interest, making them essential in folk music and other acoustic styles.
- Use thumb for bass strings and fingers for treble strings.
- Create independent rhythms for bass and melody.
- Provide a fuller sound compared to strumming.
Fingerpicking patterns use the fingers to pluck strings in a specific order, creating both rhythm and melody.
Fingerpicking patterns are especially important in folk music.
Basic Fingerpicking Pattern
The classic fingerpicking pattern for a six-string guitar often uses the thumb (p) for the lowest three strings (E, A, D) and the index (i), middle (m), and ring (a) fingers for the G, B, and high E strings, respectively. A common pattern in 4/4 time is:
- Thumb on the bass string (E, A, or D, depending on the chord)
- Index on G
- Middle on B
- Ring on high E
- Middle on B
- Index on G
This pattern repeats, allowing the thumb to maintain a steady bass rhythm while the fingers play a rolling melody.
- Thumb (p): E, A, D strings (bass)
- Index (i): G string
- Middle (m): B string
- Ring (a): High E string
- Creates a flowing, arpeggiated sound
The thumb controls the bass strings (E, A, D) in a basic fingerpicking pattern.
Index, middle, and ring fingers are used for the treble strings.
Example in C Major
For the C major chord, a common fingerpicking pattern using p, i, m, a would be:
| Beat | String (Note) | Finger | Note Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A (Bass) | p | C |
| 2 | G | i | E |
| 3 | B | m | C |
| 4 | High E | a | E |
| & | B | m | C |
| & | G | i | E |
This creates a flowing pattern of C (bass), E, C, E, C, E, which outlines the C major chord arpeggiation.
- Maintains chord tone continuity
- Provides rhythmic stability (bass) and melodic movement (treble)
The bass note for C major in this context is C.
The treble strings emphasize E and C, which are part of the C major chord.
Altering Patterns for Different Moods
- Syncopation: Shift finger hits off the main beats to add groove.
- Thumb Walk: Move the thumb between bass strings (E, A, D) for movement.
- Ostinato: Repeat a bass pattern while varying the treble fingers.
- Double-Strikes: Finger pairs pluck strings simultaneously for emphasis.
Adding syncopation (off-beat rhythms) gives the pattern more groove.
A 'thumb walk' means the thumb moves across the bass strings to create a bassline.
Conclusion
Fingerpicking patterns provide a flexible, melodically rich approach to guitar accompaniment, essential in folk and other acoustic styles. By mastering basic patterns and their variations, players can add depth and interest to simple chords.
- Use thumb for bass and fingers for melody to create independent rhythms.
- Basic pattern: thumb on bass, then fingers pluck G, B, high E strings in sequence.
- Variations like syncopation and thumb walking adapt patterns for different moods.
Fingerpicking creates rhythmic and melodic independence between bass and treble.
Fernando Sor and Francisco Tárrega are classical composers known for right-hand techniques akin to folk fingerpicking.
In standard fingerpicking, the thumb provides bass while the fingers handle melody and arpeggios.
The ring finger typically plucks the high E string.
For minor chords, change the bass note and pick treble strings that reflect the minor tonality.
Elizabeth Cotten and John Fahey are folk pioneers in fingerpicking.