Guitar Lesson - Relaxed Fingerpicking

[UKToneHunter]

I use my thumb for the bass line, my index, midex and ring finger for the melody, is that still classed as travis picking, I used to just use my thumb, index and midex like mark knopfler does for a long time, but I got to thinking if I use my ring finger as well it would be less work moving my hand up and down the strings, I am a dire strates fan, but my playing has to come first, and using all 3 fingers seems like the best way ?

[lucasprust1]

Thank you for this video, was exatly what i need (:

[ottou22]

1) Don't plant your hand on the bridge... You become limited in where you can place your right hand, you'll only be able to play very near the bridge and not closer to the neck. Plant your pinkie or go with a floating hand, but make sure you can move your picking position to get more mellow or bright tone. 2) A better technique and more speed can be achieved by having the fingers on a more parallel angle to the strings, not all the way parallel, but more than you show in this video.

[DrakaChan]

Thanks I am starting to play again now that I'm retired and you are JUST what I've been looking for. Don't leave us please and keep them coming. Off to practice what you've taught me and thanks again.

[Gyggesakka666]

19 pplz cant play guitar

[mytbp26]

well yeah! but you have short arms.

[rustik13]

she not have a guitar school :D

[rusle1]

thanks

[albi7]

This is what I was looking for. Now my right hand doesn't hurt!

There is one problem however. The picking is so close to the bridge that I can barely hear the sound. So I try to pick very hard, and my fingertips started to hurt :/

How about doing a video about other techniques of relaxed fingerpicking? Please :)

[Lowdenjim]

This is an excellent video explaining sound guitar technique. If folks follow this then they won't end up with arthritic fingers after 40 years of playing. Why it's not a full 5 star average is a travesty!

[howdydoo2007]

Love your teaching..but I giggle at the way you say finger..you have a little accent and it comes out FEENGER> :)..Thanks for all the good lessons!!

[juggy84]

Nice style....however, it moves the fingers alittle behind the soundhole. I prefer the sound when played directly over the soundhole

[Mikeytron6000]

this is one of the best finger picking how to's i have ever seen on youtube. keep up the great work

[nirvanachick05]

dang im a lefty

[bhabooshka]

there are left handers' guitars available too

just fyi

[chileanamericana]

Thank U!

[ukchris64]

Thats a great educational video, are you a teacher or something as you get the message across very well. I sort of knew the basics to fingerpicking but so far have not managed to correspond it with a chord change yet, ah well keep trying I guess.

[theuppercut]

that's a beautiful taylor..

[blastww]

OMG .. this is a mericle .. i used to play with only my first finger and my thumb .. lol .. thanx man u helped alot

[johnconnatty]

The stability from having the heel down feels good, thanks. But that makes my thumb parrallel with the strings which feels slightly awkward, particularly on the D string. Is that how it should be? Maybe I just need to get used to it. Don't get a day job - you're needed here!

[goldhat3]

OK, no day job for me! I like the sound of that. You are right, the thumb is parallel, so many people use a thumbpick when playing this style, I have gotten used to using the side of my thumb or a thumbpick. Keep practicing and you will get it.

[melodyman24]

Thanks for this. It has helped alot.

[mmoncur]

Thanks! I've been struggling with "Blackbird" and switching to your technique a week ago has made it much easier.

[jordanthecat]

Nicely, patiently explained. And quite right about the thumb rhythm being the main thing- I think it's the only thing that really matters.

[jibhoombaah]

Thanks! When you present a topic, its like you read the mind of a rookie. You're a good teacher.