A Fingerstyle Guitar Primer
Introduction to Fingerstyle Technique and Pattern-Picking
Introduction to Fingerstyle Technique and Pattern-Picking, 4-Finger 4-Note Patterns, 6/8 Rhythms and 6-Note Patterns, 4-Note “Double-Thumbing” Patterns, Introduction to Tablature, Chord Alterations, Eighth Note Patterns, 3/4 Patterns and “Travis-Picking Style Patterns: the Appendix includes 5 pages of basic chords diagrams and their alterations, 12 pages of basic picking patterns. (66 pages)
Welcome players who want to start fingerpicking. Here you learn fingerstyle, and using the thumb and fingers independently, in contrast to flatpicking which uses a pick. Learning fingerstyle also requires understanding the guitar fundamentals: where the notes are, how to count time, basic chords, and introductory music theory. Fingerstyle can be challenging for beginners because the picking hand and fretting hand coordinate several musical parts at once; We teach how to build a reliable “autopilot” through steady practice. The primer is intended for beginners who know a few simple chords and can keep a steady beat, especially folk, country, blues, rock, and jazz players; the Notation edition assumes prior guitar notation experience, with a Tablature edition also available.
Table of Contents
- Forward
- Introduction
- Parts of the Guitar
- Tuning the Guitar
- Basic Technique
- Part I: Pattern Picking
- Chords
- Picking Hand Technique
- Four-Note Patterns
- Forward Rolls
- Alternate Bass Rolls
- Back Rolls
- Alternating Forward and Backward Rolls
- Six-Note Patterns
- 6/8 Rhythms
- Forward-Backward Rolls
- "House of the Rising Sun – I"
- "House of the Rising Sun – II"
- Backward-Forward Rolls
- Four-Note Double-Thumbing Patterns
- Introduction to Tablature
- Chord Alterations
- Add9 Chords
- Sus4 Chords
- 6th Chords
- Maj7th Chords
- Eight-Note Patterns
- "6-2" Patterns
- "3-3-2" Patterns
- 3/4 Patterns
- Rhythm and Counting Review
- "Travis Style" Picking
- 3/4 "Travis Style" Patterns
What's Inside
Advanced Techniques
Master sweep picking, tapping, legato, and other professional guitar techniques.
Complex Rhythms
Learn odd time signatures, polyrhythms, and advanced rhythmic concepts.
Practice Exercises
Hundreds of exercises designed to build speed, accuracy, and musical expression.
Available Formats
Physical Book
High-quality printed book with premium paper and binding. Perfect for practice sessions with Skip!.
Digital PDF
Instant download PDF version compatible with all devices. Great for travel and quick reference.
Note: Available by special arrangement only