fingerpicking

Fingerpicking is a guitar technique in which strings are plucked with the fingers rather than with a pick. It is widely used on acoustic and classical guitars, and to a lesser extent on other plucked instruments such as mandolin or banjo. The method enables a performer to produce bass lines, chords, and melodies simultaneously, yielding rich textures suited to folk, blues, country, pop, and classical repertoire.

Typically the right hand uses designated fingers—thumb (p) for the bass strings and the index (i), middle (m), and ring (a) for melody and inner voices. Many patterns begin with a steady bass alternating between two or more strings, while the fingers pluck treble strings in arpeggios or syncopated figures. Travis picking, named after Merle Travis, is a famous approach that maintains a continuous bass pattern while a melody or inner voice plays over it. Classical fingerstyle emphasizes tone production, using rest strokes and precise articulation.

Historically, fingerpicking developed in 20th-century folk and popular guitar scenes, drawing on classical plucking technique and regional styles. It gained prominence during the American folk revival and in country and blues circles, with players adapting patterns to accompany singing or instrumental lines. In classical guitar, fingerpicking is integral to polyphonic repertoire, with composers writing for independent voices executed by the right hand. The broader term also covers varied personal approaches that blend technique, repertoire, and rhythm.

Practice and technique: Many players use nails or fingertip extensions, and may employ fingernails or soft plastics to shape tone. Some use fingerpicks. Good practice focuses on independence of thumb and fingers, even tempo, and control of dynamics and muting. Modern fingerpicking ranges from traditional patterns to percussive, tapping-inspired styles that incorporate body percussion and rhythmic slaps, while maintaining melodic clarity.