Andy Martin Fingerpicking Technique

[@DistortionLTD]

You're a beautiful freak, Andy.

[@glennweber9290]

Basically we love you Andy. There I said it. And since I'm pretty sure it's true for everybody watching your channel, just know that you rock, and make the best, most concise but still musical demos the internet has to offer. Plus, good music taste. Just saying.

[@gillesgenete9598]

Glenn Weber I could not say better 👍🤘

[@CoenBijpost]

This 👆

[@brianbell7610]

I’ve been wondering about your picking style for so long. There’s no way for anyone to replicate your style, because the guitar is just an extension of your mind and you grew it organically. Awesome!

[@notebender4]

I've come to a crossroads where I think I may have to start playing this, or something similar, due to hand issues caused by aging... I may be on the very brink of rheumatoid arthritis and being able to keep my hand closed, anchored against the body, and holding the pick itself have all become markedly harder. The few times I have gone to it actually feels more 'natural' because I started very much like you explained you did. I guess it's all a matter of 'Adapt and survive'. Thanks for this man

[@mykhedelic6471]

Takes ten fingers to play a guitar, you tell 'em! No one as tasty, versatile, tone majestic, diverse, gutsy, smooth, emotive and colorful as Mr. Martin. Can make music with anything, always listening and reacting and creating. No one like him out there. A musician's guitarist!

[@redspecialist9072]

Best player on KZbin.

[@jeremydahm2124]

Amazing how articulate and clear Andy plays. I've been bringing pickless and hybrid into my playing lately. Slow process but fun and rewarding when the results start coming 🤘

[@peteholder7134]

I was convinced for ages that Andy was palming the pick (which in itself is pretty clever) and I kept trying to spot it. I finally realised that he didn't use one at all. It's the pinching his forefinger and thumb together as if he was holding a plectrum that fooled me for so long.

[@StuffedInATuba]

6:31 "something like just a simple lead..." *plays something unacceptably syrupy and sexual * also, I am immensely interested in a part two.

[@josephetherton]

Finally!! Lol the video we all have been waiting for. Thanks so much Andy✌🎸

[@teerexness]

I've been playing for 46 years now, and about 45 of that without a pick. The reason I stopped using a pick was because I grew up on a farm many miles from a source of guitar picks. I could never keep track of them. But I wanted to play, so at some point I just stopped using them. The ability to switch between fingerpicking and strumming has really been an asset. Great stuff!

[@RussianColluder]

I don’t envy many people, but Andy’s prolly got the greatest job in the world. Good for you man. Stay blessed and keep ‘em comin

[@AndyDemos]

Much appreciated!!

[@WindOnMyWings]

I've aways admired you for your playing style. It's hard to achieve but anyway inspiring for me.

[@spaceburger80]

I’m speechless. Your style is what I wish I grew up learning instead of the (what I now consider) more sterile, thumb-index pick style. Of course, it only matters what you do with the tools you do have but still… very impressed. That “sound” you have, those in between the note artifacts, that adds so much personality and style. I love listening to you play.

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks so much, it’s never too late to learn! ✌️

[@artamussumatra6286]

I never got on with picks, I can totally relate to Andy’s style. 👍

[@allanpiacente]

Oh the amount of time he saved trying to find his lost picks around the room

[@bobseagull7600]

When it comes down to guitar equipment reviews, Andy Martin is the GOAT.

[@MichaelHattem]

I didn't use a pick for the first 10+ years I played electric guitar because I kept dropping them. Instead, I used the edge of the top of the nail on my first finger (and somehow never broke a nail despite playing hours each day). When I decided to start using a pick after nearly 12 years, I found I had to hold it between my thumb and my second finger with the first finger anchored on the top edge of the pick to feel any confidence.

[@mari_domingo]

Get well soon Andy! Fighting!

[@adamrafferty]

Thank you man, I'm playing my tele with no pick, this gave me some great ideas. You rock!

[@AndyDemos]

Glad I could help a fellow fingerpicker!

[@jordanb9511]

Haha yes! The milk carton from Blur’s Coffee and TV!

[@ZetaFuzzMachine]

Dude I literally just listened to that song that, by the way, popped in my recommendations as I was thinking about it. Crazy stuff I tell you

[@jeffloucks2120]

7:47 is why I started heading this direction in playing style several yrs ago.

[@dunebillydave222]

Man, you're incredible! I love your fingerstyle picking. It's so much more personal and soulful. Thanks for being yourself and sharing your method. I love watching and listening to you play.

[@AndyDemos]

Wow, thank you!

[@BluesLicks101]

Some videos you just have to watch, there is just no question about it. After years of learning from your pedal demos (you ARE the best) this was one such video. I just want to say a sincere thanks for the help along the way - I suspect you have given a lot more guitarists a wisdom boost than you may know, thanks for being a blessing to many Andy!

[@smcmillen01]

Thanks so much for this, definitely using that tremolo picking technique, you’re the best! Part 2 please!

[@hansmjakobsen6865]

You are the most musical guitar man on the Tube

[@bluecurio2008]

"It's good enough for Rock-n-Roll!" 3:08

[@FuadKyoto]

I've started compiling a list of "Best Andy Covers" like when you did Lady Picture Show, Last Exit, Coffee and TV, etc... would love to see more of that on this channel!

[@SonadoCWB]

Fuad Alhabshi I am always thinking if exists a database of the songs played in each video in PGS.

[@syncdog]

I dropped 'the pick' 15 years ago and never looked back. Unlike you, my influences were Knopfler, Buckingham, Beck and early blues players. You can't play as fast, but you can articulate and play more soulfully. I read Mark Knopfler humbly say that he can't play like other players, but its not his style either. That is just fine with me, Mr. Knopfler. Keep it up Andy. You seem to be one of those humble souls, as well.

[@Mechanicthing]

Thanks for the explanation - the whole thing is even more bewildering to me now.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Andy - been learning from you . . . since Forever. Appreciate all that you do. Stay Safe brother. ( digging the Zeppelin = spot-on, as usual )

[@lilybeejones]

Andy watching you play with your fingers when I was younger has really led me to using my fingers way more than a pick. I do the pretend pick thing, but I didn't realize I picked that up from you. I just kept losing picks so I adapted!

[@michaelmackenzie2569]

Andy I still watch this every couple of months. Thanks for sharing what you do.

[@blakesauner3949]

Since coming back to guitar from a 16 year break (exploring other hobbies and just...life, man.) i’ve shifted musical tastes and playing finger style just is way, way more interesting to how I enjoy music. You mention “players of a certain age” and that clicks, er, tracks for me, that 16 years ago was late teens and it was all power/barre chords and low E chugged Metallica (however poorly haha) But now it’s a lot of slower ambient, finger style, rock, blues, etc and finger style acoustic has -always- slayed me, sonically. it’s wonderful. And I think the more demos and things I watch, you’re finger style playing really does help pull out dynamics in gear, so thanks for staying true to yourself, your style is awesome, and immensely helpful in understanding what a pedal/amp/etc will DO. Instead of how it sounds covering pop punk high gain chords for 6 mins. So thanks, this video really helped solidify my interest in keeping a pick out of my hand (less to lose on the floor) and also makes me wanna shove mini humbuckers into my les paul ahaha.

[@ZetaFuzzMachine]

That's awesome Andy! I usually switch between pick and fingerstyle as what's better for the song but you just gave me a way to ditch the pick altogether! You're a great inspiration for all of as finger-picking freaks, thank you so much!

[@frankwebster9110]

I think most of us have realized that picking that way made some welcome noise. thanks for taking it up to where it needs to be!

[@MrToddGG]

I am one of the many who have marvelled at the way you play guitar Andy. I really enjoy watching you play. Thanks for this explanation. 👍

[@AngryTonesRiffClips]

Absolutely phenomenal playing on all levels! You’ve been playing this way without a pick ever since I meet you back in the Irvine days in 7th grade man. I feel thankful for those years we shared playing music together. Those jams definitely molded and shaped me into the player I am today. All those groups of various classic rock, blues, and Prog truly were the steppingstones that lead me to the more aggressive approach I take in my playing now. Great video brother!

[@SpunCirclist]

Love watching Andy’s magic right hand. Every time I try this, it kills my finger nails and they chip and break. Btw, you picked the coolest part of the “Since I’ve been Loving You” solo!

[@kirkwhittaker8819]

Andy, you are the bomb. I hope you are a very rich man, because you deserve it based on your combination of hard-earned skill on the guitar, the breadth of the catalog of music in your head, your communication skills, your ability to combine these things with all the weird gear that's available, and your chill vibe. I can't count the number of times I've listened to your demo of the Catalinbread CSIDMAN and your interpretation of the Wilco song, it's just so many levels above. Inspired and inspiring. It's literally the only way I want to hear that song now. Also love the Gary Numan, Clash and Jack White choices. Speaking directly to me. Great imagination in all your vids by plugging the gear into a perfect application. PLEASE do a v2 on your picking technique, it's fascinating, and I think many of us are confused about how much you're using the nails versus the flesh, and what it takes to use your fingers or thumb or nails in that fashion. When you're "tremelo" picking, is that flesh and nail, only flesh, only nail? Please help.

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this! There’s a lot of thought going into these vids and it’s extra nice to hear when it connects with people 👍🏻With regard to the trem picking, it’s just my index finger which is mainly flesh because the nail doesn’t often hit the string at that angle, only the thumbnail jumps in occasionally to add some emphasis on the attack when I want it. Hope that helps!

[@kirkwhittaker8819]

@@AndyDemos Andy, thank you for the reply, that does help. Only recently realized the PDX connection, I was born in Salem and grew up in the Portland area until university. Been back here and there, notably for a great Luna show before they broke up, and more recently Radiohead at the Rose Garden, or whatever the hell they call it now. I do (but don't need to) speak for a lot of others here when I say I really enjoy your work and appreciate all the effort, skill, and experience it takes. Also spot on with that interview answer "if you were going to marry a pedal".... Equalizer. Nailed it.

[@xcx8646]

I play this way (less well of course!) but using my forefinger where Andy uses the thumb. I just feel so much more connected to the guitar playing this way.

[@poorbrokeguitarist]

I so apreciate this video. I love Andy's playing and listen to his videos multiple time. He is one of my favorite players and is my favorite youtube demo guy lol.

[@AndyDemos]

I really appreciate it! Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@poorbrokeguitarist]

@@AndyDemos 👍

[@jonesvox1]

No lie… you’re my favorite guitar technique master!

[@kirkbolas4985]

I started off fingerpicking in 1981...switched to using a pick in ‘84 and then taught myself a hybrid style in ‘88. Realized that as I developed that hybrid, I found that I coincidentally developed a more efficient finger style when I’d drop the pick accidentally during a gig in the middle of a song at a gig and found I could handle fast lines with just fingers for a few minutes, i.e., long enough to finish the song. Play long enough and I reckon that we all arrive at kinda the same place.

[@prinskipperskipple]

For the longest time I only played with my fingers and thought I was doing pretty good until I found myself routinely shredding my index finger nail. I’ve enjoyed Andy’s demos over the years-definitely one of my favorite players to watch on KZbin!

[@thrithree]

So great to finally hear the man himself explain. Thank you Andy 🤘

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

For a guy who does not use a pick you have the attack of a guy who plays with a pick. You’ve created a really cool style. 🔊👍

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks so much, I always wanted to sound like a pick but I hated the way they felt. I appreciate it!

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

Am I the only one who thinks that guitar is amazing? Andy, you’re awesome. Great vid.

[@useless987]

Yes we do wanna hear in as much detail as you are willing to share! Thanks for this video, it was so interesting, and that Page tone is great!

[@useless987]

Wait it's an old video. Was there evere a follow up?

[@AndyDemos]

Thanks for watching, I haven't made a second part yet. I'll open to suggestions!

[@mari_domingo]

Thank you Andy! You (and Jeff Beck) are the reason I am accepting that it's okay that I forgot how to play with a pick. 😎

[@briandarabaca]

A natural skill that's hard to emulate or copy. Thanks, Andy for sharing your secret. A big fan here!

[@alessioparigi4454]

This is, in my humble opinion, the best tone you ever had! Cheers from Florence, Italy! :)

[@Dad-Gad]

I alternate between pick and no pick , but Andy is literally the GOAT of no pick 👍

[@lumberjackcity9199]

I’ve been trying to figure out your right hand technique for like ten years. You’re amazing.

[@eman4920]

This was really cool! When I first started playing guitar, I never used a pick. I would mainly use my thumb or do the fake pick style. One day an older musician cousin of mine saw me playing and strongly advised me to start using a pick. He told me he didn't want me to develop bad habits. So I decided to learn to play with a pick. Now looking back, I wish I didn't take his advice. I feel like I lost my uniqueness/style. I think I'm going to go back to playing pickless again.

[@michaelbarbour9827]

My son plays pretty much exclusively with his fingers, too. I asked him why and he just says he likes it better. He’s also self-taught, and for a kid who learned how to play in the internet age, he didn’t really use KZbin or videos. I think he prefers fingerstyle because he learned to play the piano first.

[@AndyDemos]

That’s great, I think developing the ear early on is best rather than relying on video lessons. Having a background in piano is a huge plus too👍🏻

[@MEGAMIGA]

It is always a great pleasure to see your demo videos! Tasteful licks, neat explanations and you appear to be a nice person. It is quite ironic actually that a man, who is relatively unknown by the general public I reckon, is 100X more interesting that the army of shredders on KZbin!

[@SunnyvilleMusic]

Love this! I'm a fellow finger-picker too so any support is so appreciated! Especially if you have any exercises to get the picking hand to be more dextrous and responsive. Thank you for the great video Andy!

[@ausmanf.]

Dear Andy, I would like to thank you. Here's why. I watch your demos for years. I always felt a kind of kinship between my style and your way of playing. I'm playing guitar since my 15, seriously since my 19 and I'm 39 now. I was never able to use a pick. I started on a classical guitar with fingers. When I switched to folk guitar and then electric guitar (as a selft-taught, my parents couldn't afford to pay classes for me at that time), I hated to use a pick. It always seems to get in the way. I needed the contact between my flesh and the strings. I was always ashamed not being able to use a pick in front of other players ... It always seemed unatural for me. .... so I always worked on demos alone .... Sometimes I took a pick for a mandolin effect on guitar, .... even if I could achieve that with the tremolo techniques from classic. Then I saw your video here and your other video on the Pedal Show ...... And it freed me .... really. Watching Jeff Beck, Mark Knoplfer or Derek Trucks playing in fingerstyle didn't help me getting out of my complex. But now I can say there's nothing to be ashamed of .... You play with your fingers without fears ... It's inspiring. I can only achieve that ease out of people eyes. Now I can say I don't give a f... about picks ..... I like playing with my fingers ... It's the only way for me to feel that a guitar is an extension of my hands ... It has been 20 years .... It has always been. So thank you Andy.

[@AndyDemos]

Wow, that really made my day! I’m so glad to hear that my videos have helped in some way. Yes, be proud of your fingerpicking and anything that makes you unique 👊

[@ausmanf.]

@@AndyDemos Keep rockin Andy. Hope your work on your channel will help other hidden fingerstyle guitarists to get out of their closet !

[@andreasdavour9973]

I can't play like you, and it's not just the pick... love your style. Thanks for sharing, Andy!

[@2yugen2]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing, Andy. I’ve been a fan of your videos since the early PGS days and am glad to find out you have your own channel now. Very cool!

[@farmiluc]

Andy is the Bob Ross of Guitar

[@AndyDemos]

An absolute honor to be compared to Bob, thanks for watching!🙏

[@njsteere]

Late to the party but glad i found this vid. Love your playing in your demos man, it looks like you have a job you truly love, enjoy it.

[@filippredin2063]

One of a kind, most expressive player I’ve ever seen!

[@AndyDemos]

Wow, thanks so much!! 👊

[@seanmulcahy1264]

This is my first time noticing Data and Milky in the background! Also, thanks for the breakdown of your fine technique.

[@jimivibes609]

Amazing video! Myself I transitioned to fingerstyle without even noticing just out of convenience when I hadnt a pick around...

[@thepiperofsimms9974]

Thanks Andy, enjoyed this one on one visit with you. Your Pro Guitar vids are outstanding and I happen to love playing with bare hand. Hoping you are good Andy. Yuma,AZ.

[@andymellor9056]

Andy - Thanks so much for this - and I'd definitely vote for part 2, having been one of those requestors for an explanation of your technique, which I think is beautiful and organic. I admire the speed and attack you develop and the precision and musicality of your playing. My heroes included players like Bert Jansch, so learning finger-picking on acoustic first, it was natural to try and transfer that to electric. I'm at a crossroads (no, not THAT crossroads) deciding on whether to go back to a pick for electric, so this is bang on time for me and very appreciated. Specific requests and questions for a second part would include: * Tremolo picking exercises - I notice you anchor your thumb on the adjacent string. * Alternate picking exercises on the same string. * Nail care / profile (especially that thumb!) * Any tips / adaptations for RH muting or damping (something I'm struggling with) * LH adaptations - i.e. do you think you play more hammer ons, pull-offs & slides, i.e. you are doing more with your left hand to maintain speed. * Do you think that you play across the fretboard more as a result of being able to play arpeggios more fluidly with multiple fingers? (or put better...) How does your RH technique affect your phrasing? Every success with the channel!

[@michaelmackenzie2569]

Thanks so much Andy. I do hope you do a part II to this video. Maybe a bit more on your tremolo picking?

[@neptunesgold1216]

Ok this video is 3 years old is there a part 2 I would like to hear more in detail😉 Please make a part 2 Andy Thanks your the greatest guitar Jedi.

[@alexgreychuck7605]

a highly evolved form of playing. Thanks for sharing.

[@buddhamus]

Big fan of you picking technique. I use a pick most of the times, but I just use my fingers as well. I started using my fingers to pick after repeatedly dropping my pick when I was first learning to play. I then started doing flat pick excesses using my fingers instead of a pick. I use my thumb for the down strokes and my index for the up strokes. Your technique has inspired me. I hope you do other videos demoing and giving lessons on your style or playing.

[@junkmail186]

Such a cool humble dude. Thanks, Andy!

[@joshuaraysummey7679]

A friend of mine shared this link with me with a message that says "see! Your not alone lol" This is super interesting! I pretty much play the same way for the same reason. It's very cool to me that you use your thumb on your down strokes "strumming"! That's the main difference in our style of playing. I have super short nail on my index finger and I use that. Everything else is super similar! Very cool man :)

[@DoubleRR44]

This is same way I play. I couldn’t use a pick either. I learned to play pre-KZbin and didn’t know that my playing was different cause I listened to a lot of Jeff Beck and Albert King and realized later they didn’t use a pick. Thanks for this video very cool

[@samiambic]

Would LOVE a part 2 with more details! I think I'm the same way - I've always felt using fingers to not only be more natural, but more versatile. Like you said, you can skip strings, play them simultaneously, etc. If I'm just trying to relax, or be creative, I almost never use a pick. I do have trouble getting a sharp, clean tone though, and I'm so impressed that you are able to sound so bright and precise without a pick!

[@wychwoodmusic]

Very cool. Watching Andy play, I've been struck playing with your fingers just gives you so much more sensitivity and precision, since your nervous system is never going to extend into a pick. You get the feedback of literally feeling the strings with your fingers as you play. Plus you have 5 (at least) different surfaces to hit the string with, simultaneously if you want. But I could never figure out a way to get the attack and speed of a pick on quick power chords and vibrato picking, something Andy clearly solved. It's funny, I think I transitioned from electric to focusing on acoustic guitar in my 20s in part because I liked playing with my fingers so much. (Might have to dig out my old teenage Strat and rethink things?!)

[@markschuth8036]

Thanks for doing this video Andy. You renew my love for technique with the tools.

[@joshuaevans1922]

Little late to the party, but glad I found this because I have been curious about your picking style ever since I started watching your demos. Really great stuff here! I play with a pick 85% of the time, and have gotten really good at hiding it between my index and middle fingers when I switch to finger style. Anywho, cheers from Central Oregon.

[@josephekster2456]

Love it!!! I studied classical guitar for a while and have always struggled with making finger style sound rock n roll. Thanks for the demo Andy. Can’t wait for part 2.

[@leoa.g.333]

Andy, dude, thank you for your demos my man.

[@iamgodbringmecake]

YES! SINCE I'VE BEEN LOVIN' YOU!

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

I stumbled across your videos fairly recently, and there's something familiar about your playing style that seemed familiar, and I realize after watching this it's because I have a very similar style of playing, though I'm way far behind you in terms of skill (by a lot lol). I do the fake pick thing too, along with a bunch of the other techniques you talked about - I just like the way it sounds and feels to play this way. I actually started playing with a pick, and eventually gave it up because fingerpicking just seemed more natural to me. I remember how after I gave up picks it took a long time to build up enough callouses on my fingers that they'd stop blistering after long practice sessions! Thanks for making this video, I spotted a few things I'm going to have to try out!

[@ciestatonite]

I find myself playing less and less with a pick. I'm certainly nowhere near you're level, but it seems to be developing into my own style and voice. Certainly influenced by Knopfler and others, but most recently by the great Andy! You rule! So much fun watching your demos.

[@ronnyskaar3737]

I have allways played acoustic fingerstyle, and now I just bought a couple of electric and wonder how to take my fingerstyle skills to the electric. I find that muting is a challenge, so there might be some compressed, reverberating sounds I should stay away from... And I see my thumb must say hello to the higher strings. Thanks for this inspiering video.

[@WScott-gd2mj]

Love this, thanks for sharing. I also prefer to go pick-less, although I use my pointer fingernail sted of thumb as my "invisible pick." I think the moral is, do what comes naturally and enjoy where it takes you. If it limits you in some areas it will open doors elsewhere.

[@mflemmer2]

Extremely interesting and cool. I've always enjoyed your PGS demos, Andy. I use a lot of hybrid picking, and can get by with folk fingerstyle, but nothing close to what you do with your right hand. This gives my some ideas to work on---thanks!

[@PedroMachadoBorges]

Thanks man! You’re great! Say something when you make an album and thank you for all the help with the reviews

[@narfx]

Thanks so much Andy!! Very usefull. Make part 2 please.

[@Cheguebuddha]

Fair play to you for this lesson mate! I will have to watch this one many more times to figure out what you are doing and how I can assimilate this as my playing style is very "dance like" and this kind of picking surely suits me as I never use a pick.

[@alfonsofraire2810]

Just discovered your channel after year of watching your reviews on PGS. You're the best!

[@matthewdean5807]

Love your playing Andy! Thanks for sharing your secrets and style with us!

[@23kyd49]

Thank you. Love your playing. It’s really articulate.

[@AndyDemos]

Thank you kindly!

[@linkagev]

This whole time I just assumed you had a pick in your hand when I saw you shape your hand that way. Like magically Houdini a pick off the backside of your wrist right down to your fingers, on command! 😂😂😂😂no Seriously I wouldn’t doubt your craftsmanship to slay and sing with the guitar so beautifully

[@landonbailey]

Great video! Cool to hear how it all came to be 😁🎸🎵👍

[@roberthoule9693]

You play well, no doubt. Thanks for explaining your finger use.

[@joeblow4390]

Great video love your stuff. I would like to see a companion video where you discuss your left hand technique. Also interesting

[@PhilipMurrayDesign]

Superb video Andy, thanks for posting. Your technique is terrific. Very dynamic and expressive.

[@ethanparsons9615]

With my blues rock band i use a pick for rhythm, but usually for leads i use fingers to get that spikey sound, sometimes i have to use a pick though

[@bipbipletucha]

Lovely LP Deluxe!