Beginner question about finger picking

[JonPR]

Originally Posted by why2

Hi Dad,

Hey, we don't need to eavesdrop on your family conversations.

[why2]

Originally Posted by JonPR

Hey, we don't need to eavesdrop on your family conversations.

Made me laugh.

However, my very musical father (great tenor) isn't on this physical plane anymore. In addition to the guitar that started me down a musical path he supplied me with a saxophone. I gave him a Uke to back up his piano. I got off cheap. And he loved it.

Finger style comment.
I have played with some very musical folks and I'm envious of their abilities. Sometimes in a break of the raucous fun we are having I'll just go into a diddy of finger picking of some short piece and it usually brings a bit of quiet and smiles. And then we are off again.

So Dad, et. al., I believe that playing finger style is a very worthy goal.

why2

[TBman]

Generally it's a good idea to use the index on 3rd, middle on 2nd and ring on 1st while the thumb handles the 3 bass, but not always as the "treble" fingers can get shifted up a string (4, 3, 2) very easily.

You won't really have to figure it out though as the tab will more or less tell you what to do in a way.

I also recommend Mark Hanson's two Travis picking books. I learned finger style from them.

When you are reading here or just with spare time strike the d g b e strings using thumb, index, middle, ring and back up again. Relax and let your speed increase naturally.

[Frostie]

Originally Posted by jklotz

Hi Rick. My advice would be to find a local teacher who you can work with for a while. He/she can help you develop proper habits, which is far easier than having to go back and "unlearn" bad habits down the road.

I whole-heartedly agree with this, based on personal experience. Another benefit, in addition to proper habits from the start, is when you mess up, you get positive, corrective feedback in real time. Much less frustrating than rewatching a video to figure it out yourself.

[DadOfThree]

Thank you everyone for the great thoughts here. It's really appreciated for a older beginner.

[SprintBob]

Another vote for Mark Hanson’s Contemporary Travis Picking. Great structure, exercises, and songs.