Acoustic Fingerpicking Step-by-Step, Level 1A

Description

When fingerpicking with the 4-step pattern, the same pattern of strings and notes can be played with a slanted, or 'syncopated' beat.

When you syncopate the rhythm, it sounds more like a "skipping" rhythm. This rhythm works great for many contemporary acoustic styles, including folk, jazz, and blues. This four-step fingerpicking pattern is a powerful building block for fingerstyle guitar.

This pattern of four steps constitutes one half measure of music in 4/4 time. The count is: One And Two And. To complete a full measure, simply play the pattern again, with this count: Three And Four And. When you syncopate the rhythm, it does not change the count. One time through the pattern is still equivalent to one half measure of music in 4/4 time.

Repeat this pattern over and over, trying to maintain a consistent rhythm, and gradually building up your speed.

Remember, when playing this Four-Step Fingerpicking Pattern, you will always want to begin the pattern with a thumb-pluck of the bass note of whatever chord you are playing. This will NOT always be the sixth string. It may be the fifth string, or the fourth string, depending on what chord you are playing.

In the next lesson, we'll take a look at how to apply this pattern to a variety of chords. We'll also begin to explore how different chord voicings can bring out different flavors in the style of the music.