Picking Patterns
A picking pattern is when the right hand picks the strings in a set order and repeats that order of strings over and over again. The pattern is often played throughout a chord progression, i.e., the right hand maintains a strict right hand pattern as the left hand changes through different chord shapes. Learning basic picking patterns is an excellent way to begin fingerpicking.
Alternating Thumb Style - Fingerpicking Pattern One
The order of strings to play for the first fingerpicking pattern is as follows. This pattern consists of four movements. The thumb (p) first picks the root bass note. The i finger then picks the second string.
The thumb then plays the alternative bass note. Finally the m finger picks the first string.
It is important to understand that each note in this pattern is valued as an eighth note (half a beat). It is necessary therefore to play the pattern twice to complete one bar of * time (four beats to every bar). Most of the fingerpicking patterns in this book will be in * time. Once again, the most important aspect of this type of fingerpicking pattern is the thumb strikes a bass string on every beat of the bar.
The following chart highlights the first fingerpicking pattern, which strings are played and on which beat of the bar. The symbol R in the circle is used to indicate the root bass note. The symbol A in the circle is used to indicate the alternating bass note The number in the circle indicates the string.
Alternative Chord Fingerings
G(alternative fingering)
Alternative chord fingerings are commonly used in fingerpicking guitar styles. Most alternative chord fingerings use less fretting fingers to allow a left hand fretting finger to hold down other notes within the chord.
Sometimes it is not necessary to fret all of the notes that usually make up a chord because the right hand fingers may not pick all the strings within that chord. When using the first alternating thumb style pattern to a basic G chord the fifth string is not played so it is not necessary to hold the note on the second fret of that string that is normally fretted for the G chord. The chord can then be fingered as shown in the following diagram.
The alternating thumb style pattern is applied to a G chord in the following example. Practice this pattern slowly at first, then gradually increase the tempo until you can play it more comfortably.
E(alternative fingering)
The basic E chord is another chord that is often fretted using an alternative fingering. Once again the fifth string is not played so it is not necessary to hold the note on the second fret of that string that is normally fretted for the E chord. The chord can then be fingered as shown in the following diagram.
