Picking with Your Right Hand Fingers
Without allowing your other fingers to touch the strings, start by picking the first string with your index finger (i) using an upward motion (do not pull the string outwards). Your finger should move from the first finger joint below the knuckle, as shown below.
The sound is produced by the fingertip and the nail striking the string simultaneously. Move only your fingers, not your hand. The i, m and a fingers usually pick the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings.
The best way of learning how to pick with the fingers is to practice on the open strings. Rest the thumb on the 6th string and remember that only the individual fingers should move as you pick a note, not the whole hand. Play this example ·slowly at first, counting out loud and using a metronome to help you keep time. This example is in * time (four quarter note beats per bar). If you are not familiar with * time, see Progressive Beginner Guitar.
