Lesson #2 - Reverse Arpeggios

 In this second video in the 5 minute fingestyle series, we’re going to take a look at the reverse arpeggio technique. This technique is very similar to the forward arpeggio technique, but differs in that the fingers follow each other independently rather than in two separate groups (Thumb and fingers) as in the Forward technique.

Make sure that your ring finger “A” is planted at the same time your thumb “P” plays the bass string. This coordination can take a while to learn, but is vital to the proper technique. Spend some quality time learning this trade-off between the thumb and ring finger (or whichever finger is the top note of the arpeggio) and then try this same alternation between the ring and middle fingers, middle and index, and index and thumb again.

Just like with the forward arpeggio technique, the idea is to not have the fingers ever leave the guitar completely, but at least one finger is always pre-planted on the string that is next played.

Next lesson, we’ll take a look at some thumb and finger combinations where the strings are played simultaneously.