Lesson #3 - Finger/Thumb Combinations
In this third video in the 5 minute fingerstyle series, we’re going to look at some different thumb and interf combinations. Fingerstyle guitar requires us to use all four fingers in our right hand (we don’t use the pinky, I didn’t count wrong!) independently and in combinations that seem unnatural to our hand.
Remember the terms used for the fingers in our right hand: P-Thumb I-Index M-Middle A-Ring We’re going to start in our home position with our thumb on the 5th string and our three fingers on the top three strings. Its very important to keep the unused fingers on their strings while playing these combinations, as it builds the independent movement needed.
Play each of these open string combinations at least ten times before moving on to the next one. Reember to go slowly and control the motion of the fingers both playing and not playing.
P and I
P and M
P and A
I and M
I and A
P, I, and M
P, I, and A
P, I, M, and A
Start with the focus on the right hand and use only open strings, though you can add chords with the left hand later on as you develop the technique. You should be comfortable with all of these combinations before moving on.