Fundamentals of Right Hand Technique

Fundamentals of Right Hand Technique

by | Mar 7, 2023 | Fingerstyle | 0 comments

It’s essential to have the correct RH technique in order to improve in your playing. First we must focus on the right hand and the proper technique associated with it.

Having proper technique will make playing much easier and allow you to play more challenging repertoire and exercises.


Fingers and Strings

Thumb should be on the sixth, fifth, and fourth strings while the index middle ring will be on the third, second and first strings.

P = 6, 5, 4

I = 3

M = 2

A = 1



 


Right hand positioning

The right hand should be hovering over the sound hole in the middle. You can also place it back slightly as well for a different timbre. Make sure the right hand is relaxed while hanging over the strings.

 

Attack motion

The attack should be a motion of the fingers coming in towards the palm. Prevent yourself from plucking up, or a clawing attack, which will cause the strings to be bright and thin. 

Here is a video on beginner finger picking patterns I recommend:

Practice this with your own songs, or solely to work on your technique in order to improve your playing.

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Guitar Fingerstyle Patterns

Guitar Fingerstyle Patterns

Fingerstyle guitar involves plucking the strings with your fingertips or fingernails, allowing you to play melodies, chords, and basslines simultaneously. Fingerstyle patterns come in a variety of styles, from classical to folk to contemporary, and can add depth and richness to your playing.

To get started with guitar fingerstyle patterns, it’s essential to develop proper fingerpicking technique. Start by placing your thumb on the lower strings and your fingers on the higher strings, and practice alternating between them to create a steady rhythm. Focus on maintaining a relaxed hand and wrist, and experiment with different finger combinations to find what works best for you.

Once you’ve mastered the basics of fingerpicking technique, start exploring different fingerstyle patterns and exercises. Begin with simple patterns like Travis picking or arpeggios, and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable. Experiment with incorporating basslines, melodies, and chord embellishments into your fingerstyle playing to add depth and texture to your sound.

In addition to practicing fingerstyle patterns on your own, try learning songs and arrangements by your favorite fingerstyle guitarists. This will help you develop an ear for recognizing different patterns and techniques in music and inspire you to incorporate them into your own playing.

In conclusion, mastering guitar fingerstyle patterns is a rewarding journey that can greatly enhance your playing and musical creativity. By exploring different patterns and techniques, you can create music that is expressive, dynamic, and truly captivating. So grab your guitar and start experimenting with fingerstyle patterns today!

Guitar Capo Techniques

Guitar Capo Techniques

Whether you’re a beginner eager to expand your repertoire or an advanced player looking to add depth and dimension to your playing, mastering capo techniques can open up a whole new universe of possibilities on the fretboard.

A capo is a small device that clamps onto the neck of the guitar, effectively raising the pitch of the strings. This allows you to play open chords and scales in different keys without having to change your fingerings. Capos are commonly used in various styles of music, from folk and pop to country and beyond.

One of the main advantages of using a capo is its ability to transpose chords and melodies to different keys on the fly. This makes it easier to play songs in keys that are more comfortable for singing or to match the key of another instrument.

To get started with guitar capo techniques, simply place the capo on the desired fret of the guitar and tune the strings as usual. Experiment with playing open chords, barre chords, and scales in different keys using the capo to see how it affects the sound and feel of the music.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of using a capo, challenge yourself to explore different chord voicings, melodies, and improvisations on the fretboard. Since capos allow you to play in a wide range of keys with the same fingerings, don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional chord progressions and melodic ideas.

In addition to experimenting with capo techniques on your own, try listening to recordings of guitarists who use capos creatively in their playing. This will help you develop an ear for recognizing capo techniques in music and inspire you to incorporate them into your own playing.

In conclusion, mastering guitar capo techniques is a valuable skill that can greatly enhance your playing and musical creativity. By exploring the endless possibilities of capo techniques, you can create music that’s unique, expressive, and truly captivating. So grab your guitar and start exploring the world of capo techniques today!

Guitar Drop Tunings

Guitar Drop Tunings

Today, we’re going to explore this versatile tuning technique that has been embraced by guitarists across various genres, from rock and metal to alternative and beyond.

Drop tunings involve lowering the pitch of one or more strings to create a deeper, heavier sound. The most common drop tuning is Drop D (DADGBE), where the low E string is tuned down a whole step to D. Other popular drop tunings include Drop C (CGCFAD) and Drop B (BF#BEG#C#).

One of the main advantages of drop tunings is the ease of playing power chords and barre chords, as the lower tuning allows for wider intervals between the strings. This creates a heavier, more aggressive sound that’s perfect for riff-based music and heavy rhythm playing.

To get started with guitar drop tunings, simply tune your guitar to the desired tuning using a tuner or by ear. Experiment with playing power chords, barre chords, and open chords in the drop tuning to get a feel for the different sounds and possibilities it offers.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of drop tunings, challenge yourself to explore different chord voicings, melodies, and improvisations on the fretboard. Since drop tunings create unique harmonic possibilities, don’t be afraid to experiment with unconventional chord progressions and melodic ideas.

In addition to experimenting with drop tunings on your own, try listening to recordings of guitarists who use drop tunings creatively in their playing. This will help you develop an ear for recognizing drop tunings in music and inspire you to incorporate them into your own playing.

In conclusion, mastering guitar drop tunings is a rewarding journey that can greatly expand your sonic palette and musical creativity. By exploring the heavy, aggressive sound of drop tunings, you can create music that’s bold, powerful, and truly captivating. So grab your guitar and start exploring the world of drop tunings today!

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