question on finger picking

I want to get his picking down correctly before I start to practice. I have a book and have been on line. This book I have uses 4 fingers on the right hand. The one thing I noticed its telling me to use my third second finger on the first string for a beginers exercise. I know you suppose to use your ring finger on the first string, middle finger on second string and index finger on third string and of course your thumb will play 4,5,6, strings. Why would this book want me to practice using my middle finger on the first string. I could only think of an exercise to get you moving your right hand but why not tell you to use the correct fingers to start with?? The book I bought is called Fingerpicking Guitar by Gary Turner and Brenton White They quote in lession one that the thumb will play a bass note and the index and middle finger will play second and first strings respectively. What do you guys think and is this a good book, if not which way should I go. I got used to using 4 fingers already by just playing around the last couple of weeks, Maybe someone can set me straight, Thanks, Pete PS does this site have a spell check??

I don't see anything wrong with what the book says. Each finger shouldn't be limited to 1 string. You aren't only going to use your ring finger on the high E string. That is only for when you play arpeggios usually.

You definitely want to start learning how to alternate finger pick. Just like alternate picking with a pick, it gets you moving twice as fast. Alternate on one string between your first and second fingers.

Finger picking is a tough one to learn without someone teaching you in person. No one is watching you to slap your hand for using the wrong finger for the wrong string for example :p

I would assume to just follow their exercises, and If you follow them to a "T", you should soon start to realize on your own when to use certain fingers for certain strings, it will become natural.

Yep, follow exactly what they tell you. The whole idea is to get your fingers moving in ways you aren't used to. Then you'll be able to do things naturally that normally you wouldn't be able to.

Thanks guys, makes me feel better, I will go with the book, Fingerpicking is very foreign to me after playing with just a pick for 40 something years

It's a weird transition. I started it about a year and a half ago after playing with a pick for about 12 years. Still getting used to using them like that. I play bass for my band though so I get to practice with fingers there too. You've got a longer time worth of habits to break :D

I know I have lots of bad habits, Since I started playing again about 2 years ago I tried to hold my pick without resting my hand on the body which I think is helping me now with my fingerpicking, I started playing in 1962 and actually played in the 1964 worlds fair in new York. We were called the Ratt Finks. I have played off and on since then but mostly off. I would like to get my act together once again and I am open for all suggestions. Blues style playing is my first love. I dont have anyone I copy after I always justed played the guitar the way I felt so actually I dont know many songs but I just play to enjoy, Since I retired in 05 I found out I had PTSD from Vietnam and my guitar playing has kept me on a good level. it has always been my friend and it never complained about me. I have lots to be thankful for.I am a decent player thyat is willinjg to take some future steps to inprove my playing and enjoyment. I Thank all of you for helping me out with ideas. I do not open up to many people, So Thank you for this, Pete. is there a spell check on this site that I dont know about??

Originally Posted by: Sgt. Teeis there a spell check on this site that I dont know about??

Not that I know of, but Firefox has one built in automatically.