Description

An Introduction to Fingerstyle Guitar

The term 'Fingerstyle' as it is applies to the guitar, covers an immense range of genres and styles. Instead of holding a plectrum and extracting one note at a time, or only being able to strum across the strings, a fingerstyle player employs the use of the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers of the strumming hand to extract multiple notes at the same time. Using a combination of melody, bass, rhythm and even percussion, an excellent fingerstyle player can make it seem like they have the entire band or orchestra at play under their fingers.

Influenced largely by his environment and where he grew up on the planet, Tony developed his own unique South African approach to fingerstyle guitar playing after years of studying and performing all the traditional genres of Folk, Classics, Blues, Rock and Jazz. Built on a solid foundation, Tony's singular approach to his own music has inspired many an upcoming young guitarist and garnered him three SAMA awards (South African Music Award) for three highly acclaimed instrumental albums. 

Taught to you by a master of the craft and guaranteed to get you out of that guitar rut you've been stuck in, Tony's course of 9 videos covering 2 songs will have you amazed and delighted at what you can do. Although basic guitar chord skills are required to get the full measure from the videos, the first 3 videos are designed specifically for beginners. A starter-pack if you will.

All material taught is backed up with PDF files and Tony is available to answer all questions related to the work in the videos via email.
tonycoxguitarlessons@gmail.com
See a sample video lesson

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Foundations for Beginners: The first three videos cater specifically to absolute beginners. Tony breaks down the basics, ensuring that even if you’re new to guitar playing, you’ll find your footing. While basic chord skills are essential, Tony’s guidance will help you quickly grasp the fundamentals of fingerstyle technique.

Unlocking Creative Doors: Fingerstyle guitar opens up a whole new dimension of musical expression and all that you learn within these nine videos will open up thousands of songs. Tony introduces you to the magic of using your thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers to create intricate picking patterns.

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Fingerstyle Guitar Playing: A Melodic Journey

Introduction

Fingerstyle guitar playing is a captivating art form that transcends mere strumming and chord progressions. It’s a technique that allows guitarists to create intricate melodies, harmonies, and rhythms using their fingers—each note plucked with precision. We will explore the history, techniques, and the magic behind fingerstyle guitar playing.

Origins and Historical Context

The roots of fingerstyle guitar can be traced back centuries. Early guitarists in Europe and beyond experimented with different ways of producing sound. However, it was during the Renaissance period that fingerstyle playing gained prominence. Musicians like Francesco da Milano and John Dowland composed beautiful pieces for the lute, an ancestor of the modern guitar. These compositions showcased the expressive potential of fingerstyle techniques.

The Technique

1. Right Hand Fingers

Fingerstyle guitarists primarily use their thumb (p), index finger (i), middle finger (m), and ring finger (a) to pluck the strings. Each finger has a specific role:

• Thumb (p): Responsible for playing bass notes and maintaining a steady rhythm.
• Index (i): Used for melody lines and single-note passages.
• Middle (m): Adds depth by playing inner strings.
• Ring (a): Often used for harmonics and embellishments.

2. Patterns and Styles

Fingerstyle patterns vary widely, from simple arpeggios to intricate Travis picking. Some popular styles include:

• Classical Fingerstyle: Rooted in classical music, this style emphasizes precise finger movements and dynamic control. Maestros like Andrés Segovia and Julian Bream elevated fingerstyle guitar to an art form.

• Folk Fingerpicking: Folk guitarists, such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, use fingerpicking to accompany their lyrics. The alternating bass technique creates a rhythmic backdrop.

• Blues Fingerstyle: Legends like Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Blake influenced blues fingerstyle. Their syncopated rhythms and slide techniques added soul to the genre.

• Contemporary Fingerstyle: Artists like Tommy Emmanuel and Sungha Jung blend various styles, incorporating percussive elements, harmonics, and tapping.

3. Tone and Expression

Fingerstyle allows for nuanced expression. By adjusting finger placement and pressure, guitarists evoke different emotions. The warmth of nylon strings contrasts with the brightness of steel strings, creating a rich palette.

Fingerstyle guitar playing is more than a skill; it’s an intimate conversation between musician and instrument. As you explore fingerstyle, and you practise consistently, your skills will grow exponentially and you will have a fantastic new world of harmony to explore.

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