Fingerpicking
Everything you have done so far has involved the use of a pick, both for strumming chords and picking notes. However, there are many great sounds in guitar music which can only be obtained by using the fingers of the right hand to play the notes. This is called fingerpicking. It is best to fingerpick the strings with your fingernails as this gives a better sound. You should let the fingernails of your right hand grow to a length that is comfortable for your playing e.g., 1/16" (1 millimetre) clear of the fingertip. The thumb nail should be longer. Fingernails should be shaped using a nail file (emery board) so that they have a rounded edge and flow smoothly off the string after it has been picked.
Right Hand Finger Names
The right hand fingers are named using the following fingering symbols.
p = primary
i = index
m = middle
a = anular (ring finger)
The little finger is not used in fingerpicking.
Picking With Your Right Hand Fingers
Start with your fingers not touching the strings, then pick the first string with your index finger (i) with an upward motion (do not pull the string outwards). Your finger should move from the first finger joint below the knuckle as shown in the diagram. The sound is produced by the fingertip and the nail striking the string simultaneously. Move only your fingers, not your hand. The i, m and a fingers usually pick the 1st, 2nd and 3rd strings.
The best way of learning how to pick with the fingers is to practice with open strings as shown in the following example. Rest the thumb on the 6th string and remember that only the individual fingers should move as you pick a note, not the whole hand.
