Expand Your Skills with Fingerstyle Guitar

For intermediate guitar players looking to challenge themselves and improve their fingerstyle technique, learning new songs can be a great way to push your boundaries and elevate your playing to the next level. Fingerstyle guitar involves plucking the strings directly with your fingertips, rather than using a pick, allowing for a more dynamic and intricate sound. Here are some of the best fingerstyle guitar songs for intermediate players to add to their repertoire:

1. “Blackbird” by The Beatles

This classic Beatles song is a must-learn for any fingerstyle guitarist. The intricate fingerpicking patterns and melodic lines make it a challenging yet rewarding piece to master. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and incorporating dynamics to capture the emotion of the song.

2. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas

Another iconic fingerstyle song, “Dust in the Wind” features a repetitive picking pattern that will help you develop your finger coordination and dexterity. Pay attention to your finger placement and try to keep a consistent tempo throughout the song.

3. “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton

This heartfelt ballad by Eric Clapton is a great choice for intermediate fingerstyle players looking to work on their expressiveness and phrasing. Focus on bringing out the emotion of the melody through your dynamics and vibrato, and pay attention to your fingerpicking accuracy.

4. “Classical Gas” by Mason Williams

If you’re looking to challenge yourself with a more technically demanding piece, “Classical Gas” is a great choice. This instrumental song features complex fingerpicking patterns and fast chord changes that will test your speed and precision. Take it slow and gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable with the song.

5. “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac

This folk-infused ballad by Fleetwood Mac is a beautiful fingerstyle piece that will help you work on your fingerpicking accuracy and control. Pay attention to the subtle nuances in the picking pattern and focus on creating a smooth and flowing sound throughout the song.

Challenge Yourself and Have Fun!

Adding these songs to your repertoire will not only help you improve your fingerstyle technique, but also provide you with a sense of accomplishment as you master each piece. Remember to take your time and practice regularly to see progress in your playing. Challenge yourself with new songs and push yourself out of your comfort zone to become a more versatile and skilled fingerstyle guitarist.