Introduction to Fingerstyle - Step-by-Step Lesson with Exercises + Free Practice Tracker

This is video 1 of a multi-part series I did with ‪@BreedloveGuitarCo‬ on how I approach fingerstyle playing. Hope it might be helpful! Let me know how it goes for you.
The Breedlove Pursuit Concert Nylon I'm playing in this video is comfortable and quite affordable:
Breedlove Concert Nylon Guitar: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm4WRa
Check out my ‪@jamplay‬/ ‪@TrueFireTV‬ course on technique in service of creativity: bit.ly/gretchenjp1
I'm now a ‪@sweetwater‬ affiliate: sweetwater.sjv.io/GmD5E9
Anything you buy from Sweetwater after clicking that link or any of the gear links below directly supports my channel and ability to do more videos, demos, reviews, and at no extra cost. Much appreciated. 🙏
0:00 Start
1:06 Introduction
1:07 - 1:42 Guitar
1:43 - 2:44 My background
2:44 - 3:54 Instrument and hand position
3:55 - 4:39 Finger movement
4:40 - 6:03 Rest strokes/Free strokes
6:04 - 6:22 Finger independence
6:23 - 6:44 Terminology
6:44 - 7:48 Tone
7:52 - 9:02 Ex 1 (p, i)
9:03 - 9:27 Ex 2 (p, m)
9:28 - 10:20 Ex 3 (p, a)
10:21 - 11:13 Ex 4 (p, i, m, a)
11:14 - 11:41 Ex 5 (p, a, m, i)
11:41- 12:25 Ex 6 - 8 (p + i/m/a)
12:26 - 12:33 Ex 9 (all simultaneously)
12:33 - 12:51 Ex 10 (p + i, m, a)
12:52 - 13:03 Ex 11 (p + a, m, i)
13:03 Recommendations, Practice plan
🤘🤓 You can access the practice tracker here:
www.dropbox.com/s/xq0z7k07mw3...
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SOCIALS
Website: gretchenmenn.com/
Patreon: / gretchenmenn
Instagram: / gretchenmenn
Facebook: / gretchenmennguitar
TikTok: @gretchenmenn
Twitter: / gretchenmenn
______
GEAR I have, love, and wholeheartedly recommend:
* GUITARS - Acoustic
Breedlove Oregon Concert CE - Natural Myrtlewood: sweetwater.sjv.io/xknPmR
Breedlove Oregon Concerto CE - Bourbon Myrtlewood: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gj3q9
Breedlove Eco Limited Edition, Exotic S Concert, Twilight Blue Burst: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyaZAN
Breedlove ECO Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE Nylon String - Red Cedar-Myrtlewood: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm4WRa
Martin SC-10E: sweetwater.sjv.io/1rb3Xa
* GUITARS - Electric
Music Man Sabre: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyaZNe In love. My Sabre has become one of my main instruments now.
Music Man Cutlass: sweetwater.sjv.io/y2r5XB Classic with great feel and flexibility.
Music Man Majesty: sweetwater.sjv.io/75b7vV Love this for recording. Perfect for modern metal guitar.
Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s: sweetwater.sjv.io/Or1J7K My main guitar for Zepparella. I have one in cherry burst and one in a limited-edition Manhattan Midnight.
Gibson Custom 1961 Les Paul SG Standard Reissue: sweetwater.sjv.io/3e73gy The first Gibson I bought. I had played a few off-the-rack SGs, but then found a 61 reissue. It hurt my wallet, but it plays and sounds amazing.
* STRINGS
Favorite nylon strings: sweetwater.sjv.io/NkNVeb
Favorite electric Ernie Ball Strings, 10-52: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gj3JD
* EFFECTS/PEDALS
Strymon TimeLine Delay: sweetwater.sjv.io/xknPMO Incredible-sounding, seemingly endless delay possibilities
Strymon Lex Rotary Speaker Simulator Pedal V2: sweetwater.sjv.io/9ge3kQ It takes a special pedal to make it onto my permanent gigging pedalboard, and this one made the cut.
Xotic XW-1 Wah Pedal: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gj3rD I love this pedal so much I bought two. It is more expensive than other wahs, but worth every penny.
Strymon Ojai R30 Low-profile Guitar Pedal Power Supply: sweetwater.sjv.io/R5RXM2
AmpRX BrownBox II Tube Amplifier Input Voltage Attenuator: sweetwater.sjv.io/m5nBMZ If you love your amp…
Pedaltrain Classic 2 TC 24"x12.5" Pedalboard with Tour Case: sweetwater.sjv.io/nLnz5R
Pedaltrain Metro 20 20-inch x 8-inch Pedalboard with Soft Case: sweetwater.sjv.io/6eGKYE
* RECORDING/STUDIO
Neumann TLM 103 condenser mic: sweetwater.sjv.io/XY1qBM Yes, it’s a lot of mic, but it sounds like it, too.
Yamaha HS8 8-inch Powered Studio Monitor Pair: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm4WXk
Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Microphone Preamp: sweetwater.sjv.io/9ge3kY
Two Notes Torpedo Captor X Reactive Loadbox DI and Attenuator: sweetwater.sjv.io/XY1qMy
Tascam Portacapture X8: sweetwater.sjv.io/daRAD7
* VIDEO
I love my Lumix S5 SO much. If you noticed my videos getting a visual upgrade in the last year or so, it’s because of this.
Lumix S5 Camera + Lens: sweetwater.sjv.io/zNjkd7
Lumix S5 Camera only: sweetwater.sjv.io/R5RXQy
Rechargeable Battery for Lumix S5: sweetwater.sjv.io/NkNVLN

[@clivetaylor27]

did I wake up in heaven!!!! a tsunami of delight, Gretchen teaching mere mortal guitar basics to Led Zeppelin. Whatever did I do to deserve this, thank you indeed.

[@gretchenmenn]

You're so kind! I hope it's helpful, and let me know how it goes for you!

[@caseykelso1]

Heard that my brother, my wife and I have learned alot from her. Cant believe she was an airline pilot at one time, so cool. Such a well rounded woman. Just incredible.

[@danabiondo9243]

Amen Clive. Yes I AM In Heaven. 🎶☮️🎶

[@danabiondo9243]

Thank You Gretchen. Fabulous. 🐬🎶🐬 Keep The Lessons Coming.

[@GuitarsnSnooker]

She is the real stairway to heaven

[@justinhanson8898]

"If you practice mistakes, you'll get really good at them". Great quote!

[@gretchenmenn]

I know this from personal experience! haha

[@GuitarsnSnooker]

She s still off the charts of hotness plus killer 🎸

[@gretchenmenn]

Awww... well, thank you!

[@vivianhall5259]

This is wonderful! Thank you, Gretchen and Breedlove! 💕

[@gretchenmenn]

My pleasure! Please let me know how it goes for you!

[@apgwilym]

Thank you so much for this. Very appreciated.

[@gretchenmenn]

My pleasure! Hope it may be a bit helpful!

[@TonyCugs]

Always great watching your videos. It is always inspiring for me to work on different techniques each time I catch one of them. Best Gretchen!

[@gretchenmenn]

I'm so glad to hear that! Hope this video might be helpful. I'll be posting more from this series in the next few weeks. 😊

[@overlord3499]

Thank you! ❤

[@gretchenmenn]

You're very welcome 😊

[@xuxomiya]

Maestra is special and exceptionally kind. Thanks!

[@gretchenmenn]

I appreciate you!

[@The_Gaba_Ghoul]

Honestly one of the only times I watched a lesson on youtube and actually had my guitar in arm's reach! Excellent lesson!

[@gretchenmenn]

So hope it was helpful! Let me know how it goes for you!

[@frodo261]

❤Great teacher

[@gretchenmenn]

I'm so glad if the tutorial might be helpful!

[@DutchVai]

Thank you Miss Gretchen...... you are an excellent educator. 🎸

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! 🤘🤓

[@nmol9733]

Loved hearing you😊

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you for listening!

[@josueflores4550]

This is great!... Big thanx for this... I´ve been following you for years and years, I love your music, and I have always shown my students your work... This video is priceless and It will help me a lot with their classes... so thank you very mucho

[@gretchenmenn]

I'm so glad if it's helpful! Please let me know how you and your students get on with it. 🤘🤓

[@ChrisSide]

Great teacher 💯👌

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you! 😃

[@Michael-Ray]

10/10. The lesson was great as well. 😍

[@gretchenmenn]

Glad if the lesson might be helpful!

[@Andreranasc]

Thank you Gretchen! Greetings from Brasil.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you for being here! Would so love to get to Brasil sometime!

[@Axeman.]

This is excellent! Thank you for posting this series, looking forward to daily practice and future vids. I even play a Breedlove! 👍

[@gretchenmenn]

How cool! I'll be posting another lesson very soon. Hope these might be helpful!

[@snapfinger1]

As versatile of a nylon as you’re liable to find. Totally accurate & on point guidance.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! Really glad if it is helpful!

[@randystrand908]

Wow, this is amazing... I can easily follow your explanations and demonstrations! I'm a newbee at finger style and feel blessed to have found you on JamPlay teaching harmonics!!! Happy subscriber with much anticipation... Thank you, Gretchen.

[@gretchenmenn]

I am so so happy to hear if the lessons have been helpful! That's the goal! All my best wishes to you on your musical path.

[@Serega-Pitersky]

A wonderful lesson, Fairy Queen! ✨🧚‍♀️✨

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much!

[@lovelightshining4444]

That Breedlove sounds absolutely amazing ❤️ Thank you Guitar 🎸 Wizardess~ 🍀

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you! It's a really affordable instrument, too!

[@enriconanotti4395]

♥️🎸🤘Meravigliosa Maestra!

[@gretchenmenn]

Grazie mille!!!

[@nurlesen816]

Thank You 👍👍and Greeetings from Germany

[@gretchenmenn]

My pleasure! Hope it might be helpful!

[@jlart11]

Gretchen this amazing teaching, right to the Achilles foot of many players and specially for those without formal training. Thank you for inspiring me to strive to play better even after 40 years of bad habits playing guitar. May the universe keep lighting up your path. Eternal peace.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I am so glad if this might be helpful! Let me know how it goes for you!

[@josericardo9307]

Love you

[@gretchenmenn]

🤘🤓

[@JeanLoupRSmith]

Gretchen, thank you so much for this, I'm printing off the tracker and will add this to my daily practice. I've been trying to get better at finger picking for a while and I feel like my technique is all over the place so I'm excited to see how this will help 🙏

[@gretchenmenn]

Really hope it might help a bit! Please let me know how it goes for you!

[@bob_mosavo]

Thanks, Gretchen 😁

[@gretchenmenn]

Hope it might be helpful! Let me know how it goes for you!

[@edge1289]

Never having formal instruction and being self taught all those years ago, maybe if lessons like this were available back then, perhaps I wouldn’t have developed all of my bad habits! However, seeing this lesson has inspired me to dig out my Cordoba hybrid nylon and follow along. The tough part will be breaking those old habits…. Btw, each time I see Gretchen play, I’m in awe of her exquisite right hand technique!

[@gretchenmenn]

You're so kind! It's never too late to rewire your habits! Stick with it, and let me know how it goes for you!

[@tak178]

Nice to see some long form instruction from you, Gretchen. Hope that all is well.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! Wishing you well, too!

[@rexbennett]

Gretchen, as a new 2GTHR subscriber and Guitarist myself I want to express my gratitude for your playing style and quality. I will definitely catch your next show in Santa Cruz, Ca., Best wishes!

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me! And we will be in Santa Cruz in November at Moe's Alley--a double dose with my original trio opening for Zepparella!

[@chuckcoates3594]

Excellent. I follow Gabriella, Amber Russell, just to mention two. Love your music. Rock on.

[@gretchenmenn]

I LOVE Amber! She's a dear friend and we've played shows together!

[@alfalders3020]

Both your hands work beautifully. You’ve obviously worked so hard and the result is a beautiful guitar player … so great to watch 🙏🏼❤️

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you very much!

[@alfalders3020]

And you articulate your tutorial messages so nicely and patiently, too. God bless from over here in Australia 🇦🇺

[@pelicanrouge9188]

Quel magnifique cours avec notre guitariste préférée gretchen 🤘🎸👩‍🦰💙💙💙

[@gretchenmenn]

Vous êtes gentil!

[@vooides]

Nice guitar. And guitarist. Saludos desde Asturies 👍

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you!🤘🤓

[@david_davinci]

this is amazing Gretchen! I have been struggling with pain after about 20 minutes of practice so I will be following this very closely!! Thank you!!

[@gretchenmenn]

Let me know how it goes! And the pain may be an indication to spend a bit more time concentrating on the relax part of the movements... make that as deliberate as the active part, and your pain should subside! Do take it easy, though. Nothing I'll ever show you is worth risking an injury!

[@david_davinci]

@@gretchenmenn Thank you! I should started this 30 years ago when I first bought a guitar. Never too late but sooner the better

[@gregoryg3256]

🌠Very Intelligent..when u play @ the end it's very Soothing..I touched on finger picking years ago , when I made an instrumental called "the Bear" in 2002 for my mother, patti/snuffy & nature..& alil with the red hot chili pepper song scar tissue..u've got it down..I had a good walk in woodstock @ the stream park & the cemetery..visited rick danko (in the cemetery) the bass player from the band with our birthday..snowing here now❄❄❄ we rock..!!!

[@gretchenmenn]

Aw, thank you, Gregory! Enjoy the snow!

[@argosarrudapinto951]

Brazil with Gretchen!

[@gretchenmenn]

Love to get there sometime!

[@jerrypeal653]

Well I’m Gonna give this a shot looks like it’s broken down well . Thanks YL ( young Lady )

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you! Let me know how it goes for you!

[@TheMinorFallsTheMajorLifts]

I watch your hands and you clearly are a master. I will study this, as fingerstyle is one of my goals.

[@gretchenmenn]

You're very kind! I'm a work in progress, but happy to share what I know with others if it might help them! Let me know how it goes for you. ☺️

[@TheMinorFallsTheMajorLifts]

@@gretchenmenn thank you! Bending from the larger finger joint seems strange to me. And how to know when I’m getting it right can be a challenge. In fact, I often find it challenging to know when to move on and away from the extremely slow movement phase.

[@gretchenmenn]

I think you identified two of the things are the most non-intuitive here. For the movement, I suggest watching and studying carefully videos of those with great technique. Try filming yourself so you can get an objective view of your own technique and make adjustments as necessary. Add speed when slower tempos feel effortless, graceful, and have beautiful tone. Unfortunately online lessons don't offer real-time feedback, so they can't be a substitute for one-on-one lessons... But they can be a helpful supplement!

[@TheMinorFallsTheMajorLifts]

@@gretchenmennOk, here goes with the good, the bad, and the ugly 😊. I remember Strunk and White in Elements of Style advising that if you cannot pronounce a word then say it loudly. This is my take on that. kzbin.info/aero/PLkvuSLhp2kPL7p9dS2oPi6MdP-SD3JMQV

[@NeGodNik_NeuGodNik]

Nice guitar

[@gretchenmenn]

It's quite affordable as well! breedlovemusic.com/product/pursuit-exotic-s-concert-nylon-ce

[@NeGodNik_NeuGodNik]

@@gretchenmenn I mean beautiful girl

[@metalpunk9519]

Jimmy Page once said i never play a song the same way each show is different i can see why 😲most impressive skills Gretchen 🤘no nails a major bonus ,and yes the pinky finger is best kept for balancing a cup of tea ☕most excellent & scary 😨😆introduction to fingerstyle video🙏🔊🤘😻

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! And don't be intimidated if you're thinking of trying it out. I tried to make a manageable practice schedule that would help you see some real results. Let me know how it works for you, if you decide to give it a go! 🤘🤓

[@metalpunk9519]

@@gretchenmenn 🙏🤘

[@Ocktavio_S]

This is the best lesson I've ever watched on KZbin! I will put myself into practice this... I am also a not so "nail" player when I play with my fingers. Thank you for this, dear badass!!! 🔥❤

[@gretchenmenn]

Wow, very high praises, indeed! Thank you so so much, you badass!!

[@grumpyguitarguy9572]

AWESOME!!!! Great lesson ... thanks much!!!!! Opening sounds a BIT like Randy!!!!

[@gretchenmenn]

Yeah, Randy studied Leo Brouwer as well, and Diary of a Madman borrows heavily from this étude no. 6

[@grumpyguitarguy9572]

@@gretchenmenn GREAT!!! Thanks ... I'm on it😀

[@pacalvotan777]

🤗❤️🔥🎸 🎶 ✨

[@gretchenmenn]

🤘🤓

[@pacalvotan777]

@@gretchenmenn hope there comes another album of you soon❣️🔥🎸✨

[@jefftech8497]

Hi Gretchen! How wide is the nut on the Breedlove? I always seem to have trouble with fitting my fingers into the open shapes without muting the next string or getting some buzz. Would the wider nut help?

[@gretchenmenn]

You can get all the specs here: breedlovemusic.com/product/pursuit-exotic-s-concert-nylon-ce The wider nut is a characteristic of classical guitars, and this one is more of a hybrid--not as wide as traditional classicals, but wider than a steel string. This would definitely be a great and affordable guitar to try out. Let me know how it goes for you!

[@danabiondo9243]

Can I find the Download on a Android Tab ? Thank You Gretchen for This !!! Fab. 🎶🎸🐬☮️

[@gretchenmenn]

The Dropbox link is a PDF, so it should work on any device. But it's a practice tracker, not tablature. Future lessons will have tab/transcription, but this one is really more about getting the fingers movements fluid and graceful, so no tab necessary.

[@Greggee100]

Gretchen, after over a decade of watching your videos I never thought about asking you one simple question, who taught ya to play in the first place? Thanxs! 🤔🧐

[@gretchenmenn]

I am still learning to play! Phillip de Fremery is my classical teacher and significant musical mentor,. We still check in periodically, and I have made pilgrimages to the east coast for lessons with him (though I am way overdue!). His selflessness and ability to hear deeply and with unparalleled patience was hugely impactful for me. Sam Eigen was my first-ever guitar teacher and remains a dear friend... he was sweet enough to tab out the first section of Steve Morse's "Tumeni Notes" when I asked if I could learn it at like my 3rd guitar lesson. I still crack up about that and wonder how he was able to keep a straight face. My husband, Daniele Gottardo, is a source of constant inspiration and incredible musical advice. He's otherworldly in his knowledge of music and his versatility on the guitar.

[@danabiondo9243]

Greetings Angelic Instructor. :). Would you tell Me, How much time are you giving Between Lessons, How Many lessons Will Be done in this Series??? Thank You So Much for this !!! 💗 Your Angelic Student, Dana.

[@gretchenmenn]

As of now I am working on the 4th lesson, and I believe there will be 5 total... unless Breedlove wants me to do more in 2023. Hope they might be helpful to you!

[@greggee1009]

Greggee100: Do u think the hardest part about playing the guitar is when u just start playing it, and after u start jamming on certain keys it just starts to flow and it becomes easier to play? In other words, do u think when u get past initial take-off, the rest is free flight When I write stories the hardest part was actually getting past the first ten pages. When I would get into a serious groove, I could not believe how many pages I could write and how fast I could write them off. I have ADHD (attention disorder) so it's hard for me to focus or pay attention, but for writing it's a key. When I write Versus/poetry it's somewhat different, because u only have a certain space to write, and u never want to cheat-the-page. Where writing a novel its limited. U can Instagram me under same name just for Versus...old school of music...words to worship Oh, I almost forgot. So Gretchen, so K

[@gretchenmenn]

I think there's work to do at any stage of artisic development... it's the ever-receding horizon of mastery! It's a beautiful and continuous path. I certainly enjoy markers along the way where I find I can do something I couldn't the day or the week or the month before. Wishing you all the best on your musical journeys! We ALL have challenges we face along the way, so just keep at it, and find the path that's right for you. ☺️🛤

[@zenguitarplayer229]

What is the name for the first song please ? I know it, but I forgot the title !! Thank you !

[@zenguitarplayer229]

I get it, remember, Randy Rhoads, Diary ... thanks again.

[@gretchenmenn]

This is actually Leo Brouwer études simples no. 6. Even maestro Randy borrowed. 😉

[@zenguitarplayer229]

@@gretchenmenn Thank you Gretchen for this clarification ! I think I am going to work it ! Thanks again.

[@perrydillard]

No nails, yes!!

[@gretchenmenn]

I know a LOT of people prefer nails, but this is the way I was taught, and I'm happy not to have to deal with the maintenance. 💅🏻

[@caseykelso1]

Your incredibly beautiful. And you know how to play....yay!

[@gretchenmenn]

Ha! Always working to learn more!

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

What about fingernails? 😊

[@gretchenmenn]

Totally personal preference! I love no nails, and have only played that way, so can't compare the two. I just know that I have zero nail maintenance other than keeping them short. But those who love the nail technique will say they can't imagine playing without.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

@@gretchenmenn Yes, I'm a nail guy myself. But it is finicky to say the least.

[@vintagetone22]

Beautifull lady 🌷🌷🌷❤❤🔥⚘⚘❤

[@gretchenmenn]

🤘🤓

[@radugheorghiu5811]

we meet again , joy for me 1