Fingerpicking Tips To Save Years of Guitar Practice

You asked for it, so here it is... these are the fingerpicking tips, techniques, and exercises that helped me develop my fingerpicking style & technique. These simple methods helped me break through some of the most frustrating periods of my guitar development, and by sharing them with you, hopefully it will save you a lot of time and fretboard frustration!
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#fingerpicking #guitarlesson #guitar

[@vasocreta]

Best 20 minutes of lessons I've ever had. Thanks!

[@justinjohnsonlive]

Wow, thanks so much! Love that you found the lesson helpful and I truly appreciate your support of the channel! If you’re interested in more lesson material I do have members only lessons through this channel that you can check out at kzbin.infojoin

[@easytattoo]

I’m 64 buying my first guitar always wanted to learn to play

[@harmondraws]

This makes me feel a lot better because I just ordered my first guitar coming on Saturday and I'm only 20

[@breeandstephen9321]

thats awesome dude! hope its goin well

[@harmondraws]

@@trumpsahead I definitely think you're right about the next level of spirituality. My guitar showed up today. But I bought it inspite of the new year. But I've been growing very spiritual within the last few months and I can feel this was the right choice. Even tho I just fumbled around with it for 20 minutes and felt more stressed then when I started. I'm trying to learn finger style right off the bat. I want to learn chords but I can't stretch my fingers enough or push the strings down far enough at the same time. Trying not to get too over welmed on day 1...

[@douggrimes5867]

Great

[@themoonlightbandit237]

@@harmondraws your hand will gain the strength and flexibility in due time. Just keep trying :)

[@_madNES]

KZbin is littered with guitar teachers giving very brief and shallow lessons on techniques and whatnot, and then after the 8 or so minute video they plug their overpriced lessons on their website for more in depth lessons. And then this guy puts out a 20 minute video, perfectly paced and explained, in perfect lighting and an actual camera man. Easily one of the best guitar lessons on KZbin.

[@prithiviflippinvoodoo4852]

Yup he looks like a cool dude who plays guitar for fun.

[@tylerbrandon460]

Agreed!

[@katariina7697]

Amen.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

you nailed it. i just got my very first guitar today and i watched 5 utubers and this is the type of thing i want to learn and he did explain it really well, so i subscribed.

[@marisellavera5124]

Yes!!!!!!

[@l4nes]

I'm a 131 year old wizard and I just started playing the ukulele, thanks for the tutorial

[@timmarco6915]

Can't fool me magic ma'am. Your really a 1031 year old wizard learning to play the ukelele!

[@mjs2016]

Justin is the real wizard

[@raysmith1630]

Well, you can't be Merlin, Merlin is much older than 131... hahaha.

[@usernamemykel]

Kanilea?

[@missanthrope2]

❤😮❤ what you been drinking to get such a BAC% That high? Are You really whizzing?

[@raychlc5959]

I’m blind and have always wanted to learn guitar but having browsed KZbin for years trying to find the right tutor, I’ve struggled to find people who explain with words. It’s all very visual stuff. Thank you so much Justin for saying exactly what we need to do out loud..

[@ilovekendrickilovekendrick2962]

I see...

[@danielharris4965]

I hope it's gotten better for you. Once you get the hang of it you can play by feel. Quite a few musicians rarely look at their instruments while playing most of the time.

[@iknowcharley5]

Don’t know if you’ll get back to this, but you can do anything you put your mind to! God bless you brother!

[@Sduell60]

I would also suggest MartyzSongs. He is an excellent teacher and I've learned several popular songs from him. Justin is much more talented than I will ever be. But he sure is great to just kick back and listen to.

[@fudomyoo9762]

@@ilovekendrickilovekendrick2962 dickhead

[@turnercariker7578]

How in the hell is this shit free. This guy is the perfect teacher. Chill as hell, perfectly paced, great pointers, and ultimately a bad ass player.

[@kimw.9303]

I agree Turner!! All of what you said! He's perfectly paced, but also can always Pause.. or back up!! Besides working on those transitions, I am also tryin to get my muscle memory in my fingers to function...lol.. Been Years and was never really professionally trained, I have learned by ear, and by watching someone else play.. *smiles* Someday I may even learn to read music.. :)))

[@willieboy8798]

im sure he wont hate you for being a patreon!!! he is a damn good teach...my slide and accoustic playing has went through the roof.... watching him! my suggestion learn music theory .... cold,... i play 12 instruments in total.. all i need is to know were the notes are and how to play the instrument that is it....ear training and your solid to do about anything you want.... i learned music to get me through chem for physics, prof recommended and it worked chemistry and music work the same,nearly GO GETTUM

[@willieboy8798]

BTW if you want to advance fast in your guitar play folk music. i know we all want to play the music that winds us up, and that is good. folk music is the easiest to learn. many of the super cool tunes and improve that justin plays so jumpin comes from that genre.

[@marjorieandrzejewski7996]

@@kimw.9303 I'm on Patreon as JJ ARMY supporter 💜 Are you? He's giving his first LIVE STREAM performance for all his Patreon supporters tomorrow at 5pm CDT. Go to Patreon and sign up!

[@JackAndAmandaGoode]

Shhh!

[@quinnrouse3520]

Summary : 2:07 Good finger position 3:18 Anchering 4:33 use mirror 5:02 1st exercice (pattern at 5:40) 7:43 2nd exercice (pattern at 9:04) 10:08 3rd exercice (pattern at 11:25) 12:40 4th exercice (pattern at 13:35) 14:28 cool shit 14:40 5th exercice (pattern at 16:09) 18:17 cool shit 18:51 final advices /!\ Be sure to watch the entire video before using this summary! /!\

[@bujia69]

This breakdown is very helpful. Ta

[@probablyabot7024]

Great for referencing, thanks!!

[@sleepdeprivedmortal]

@@bujia69 Thank u a lot!

[@CyberWallX]

you forgot the lizard at 18:57 m8

[@jzee95]

Thank you, this saved a lot of time.

[@paulwhitford7579]

Best attitude in a teacher I’ve ever seen. Good man

[@r34ct4]

I am turning 1,337 years old today and have been practicing for a full year with this method. I can confidently say that this year has been pivotal in my progress. Thank you.

[@Donnybrook10]

Damn...What's your secret to long life Methuseleh?

[@il_principe]

Vampires are real confirmed

[@Papagiorgio153]

Just turned 594 year old, and i can honestly say in my 162 years of playing that this video changed the way i play forever

[@malibudolphin3109]

So your last name is Biden

[@procarpenter1788]

@@malibudolphin3109 ooo you so witty and speshul

[@kornbread5359]

It gets easier, but the path evolves. You will come to a point where youre able to watch a cover 1 time and be able to do it. Or to be able to do it by ear. Better yet, make your own songs Long road, enjoy each step

[@talson3001]

I just started playing the guitar this week, and I feel frustrated sometimes, but this comment motivates me to keep trying. Thank you!

[@kornbread5359]

The frustration we all feel, its what makes the satisfaction feel so much better after accomplishment.

[@chillestplays4034]

Great advice. Every step has eventually been rewarding

[@latvijasvilks8454]

Stupid question .... But is it easier to learn with an acoustic guitar? Mby not learn but evolve easier. Because now on electric guitar bridge and..... just feels like mission impossible to learn.

[@kornbread5359]

Latvijas Vilks i think its best to use both, frequently. I mostly play acoustic now and rarely electric anymore and have lost some bending capabilities but at the same time it all depends on what type of playing style you want to develop

[@idsassociates6260]

I am a 60-year-old grandma finally learning finger picking! So excited. I hope to get my grandson learning early!

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I've been playing for 39 years. My single biggest regret in my self-taught approach is that I put ALL the emphasis on the left hand and none on the picking hand. In recent years I've really wanted to learn to finger pick but even in the KZbin era, I couldn't find anyone that explained it in a way that really connected with me...until today. This is great. Thanks!!

[@suminshizzles6951]

Take on Fleetwood Macs' Landslide. It is not too hard since the pattern just repeats over and over again. Some people get things right away. It took me three days just to get the right picking hand to do what it was supposed to. I have never finger picked and use a plectrum. But after three days of just 5 3 4 2 5 3 4 i finally got it. At first my fingers were fumbling all over the place and felt like jello. They could not even find the strings. I kept at it. Slowly. Then got faster. Now i can play it.

[@Djsonley]

I started practicing g a week ago about 4 hours a day & actively avoiding ever using a pick. I plan not to ever if possible. Learning the chords finger style seems useful as if a note in the chord is buzzing it sounds really clear something is wrong with at least one of the notes.

[@jamespatton3500]

@@Djsonley iv been finger picking for years and tune my guitar by ear mostly i use a pick to tune bc it makes the sound a little more clear so I keep a pick around just for that

[@motonorge1172]

I given up I just hammer on the strings 😂

[@akshaysharma2786]

you should try GCH academy free course entirely and very well taught you can for finger style lesson there its really great and free.

[@jimofaotearoa3636]

I watched this video a few months ago and took Justins advice to heart and tried to adopt his great technique. Started playing in the mirror like he said...went from there. Started with the basics of fingerpicking and didn't pay too much attention to what chord i was fretting...just as long as i was getting my pattern down right. Thing is.....3 or 4 months down the track and i'm fingerpicking Joni Mitchell songs and the dirtiest delta blues you ever heard...just let yourself learn -both brain, mind and body...just fingerpick like crazy. You will quickly start gaining the needed muscle memory and strength but you really need to work that pinky!!! Mine has basically been unemployed my entire life and so was, at first, absolutely weak and useless...but a few months down the track i am getting real confidence in lil' pinky and he's there lightning fast when i call...... This really does work peoples.

[@probablyabot7024]

Thats so awesome man I hope to get there soon im dedicated

[@daranadine7711]

Im working on getting my pinkie out of unemployment too!

[@vitinosolano6632]

Thanks for sharing. I've had my guitar starting at me for months with disappointment and I finally started 2 days ago. Yea, I was looking for a simple, fundamental exercise that'll develope the muscle memory. Your comment just added to my motivation and discipline. Cheers

[@jacquelinebell2949]

ok, where can I find the dirty delta blues?

[@hannah8951]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@markbowman3]

At the first part of this year I was told that I'm in the end stages of heart failure and I just had my ninth heart attack three weeks ago. I'm 54 years old and my wife and I adopted our first child 6 years ago. I have always encourage my daughter to never say that she can't do something. That the only time you can't do something, it's because you stopped trying. About a month ago she, right out of the blue, said Papa teach me how to play a guitar. I said sweetheart your Papa can't play a guitar. Busted me with: Papa...did you stop trying. We both got guitars tonight. Never say you can't do something! I've watched this so many times tonight I'm starting to answer him! 🎅

[@synthmesc]

That's awesome man, she'll remember these times all her life - learning and playing tunes with her dad. Right on 👍 Best wishes to you and your family

[@markbowman3]

@@synthmesc Thank you! GOD bless you and yours!

[@sigmundaarvik-hansen4005]

What a touching and truly inspiring story. May God bless you and your daughter!

[@markbowman3]

@@sigmundaarvik-hansen4005 Thank you so much! GOD bless you and yours!

[@qwirky1709]

My dad is in his early sixties and is suffering from heart failure too, and he lost his vision 3 years ago. It’s really turned all of our lives upside down, but trying to stay positive and appreciating all the little things makes a difference. I started learning guitar two years ago, partially because I always wanted to, partially because he laments that he never learned. He likes to hear me play, and I treasure that. I wish you the best of luck with your endeavor, and stay safe (and sane!) ❤️❤️

[@Bill_Jones.]

Justin, I’ve been playing for 15 years and your 20 minute video corrected a problem I’ve had all along. I wasn’t anchoring my picking hand, and I could never get any volume. In just 20 minutes you have given me a whole new way to play. Thanks so much !!

[@audiophileman7047]

I've never really felt comfortable using a pick when I play. I like using my hand and feeling the strings when I strum. As a beginner, you've got me excited about fingerpicking. I really appreciate these tips. Thank you, Justin, it's so cool to have a guitarist you admire show you how to play the guitar. 👍💖🎸😎

[@jimandcassiemacintyre1951]

❤❤ 18:42 18:42

[@jimandcassiemacintyre1951]

😊😊

[@angermanager2116]

I was thinking "wtf how are the strings in tune but so loose" and he immediately explained it. Nice work.

[@debbeeemerson8609]

I was wondering the same thing when I was watching, what did he say"?

[@emmanuelalfredomendoza7365]

@@debbeeemerson8609 the light affects how the camera captures the movement of the strings.

[@pelletey]

trippy af, so cool!

[@emmanuelalfredomendoza7365]

@@pelletey I legit thought I had a fly on my screen

[@pelletey]

@@emmanuelalfredomendoza7365 haha yeah i get that a lot, it's a nice avatar :P

[@airplanegeorge]

sunlight on the strings, is great, and it would also make a good song title.

[@dirtyorganboy2264]

shut up george

[@user-wl8dy4ft6p]

Im taking that. Thankyou.

[@arcadicus_ezevius]

Dont shut up @@dirtyorganboy2264

[@leemundy1613]

Catchy, kinda like Smoke On the Water

[@GlenNalley-gf8ib]

A heart-felt Thank You. As a 59-year-old who put his guitars away several years ago, I want to voice my appreciation for this video. I pulled my guitars back out about a year ago, even bought a Gretsch (love it), but haven't really taken off playing again. I watched this video a few weeks ago and have been better at practice. Thank you for the motivation and knowledge. You have made a difference for me. Your talent and skill have you ranked with my guitar heroes, Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins.

[@nursewratchet59]

I’m a 61 year old nurse, working through a pandemic. I just bought my first guitar, and hope to learn.

[@MarkSmith-nw4os]

It's best to learn to finger pick dear.

[@stevendurham9996]

Go get 'em! Congratulations.

[@elsaohrfelt6125]

Yes! We'll be learning together then since i too picked up the guitar 3 months back c: Good luck!

[@chang912]

God bless u, hope you are staying safe!

[@nursewratchet59]

@@MarkSmith-nw4os best advice for that? I’m just trying to learn on my own.

[@uftukel1714]

51 years old and started taking guitar lessons a year ago. Great video lesson. Thanks for the tips. Old guy like me needs all the help he can get.

[@mcmaggotsherbel7545]

How is it going? imagine when your 76, been playing for 25 years and playing guitar instead of watching TV!!

[@larryparker5262]

Practically in the same boat! 51 now, been learning for a couple years on my own and finger picking, imo, is where I should have started. My friend that got me started playing pasted away so I been on my own. Not gonna ever give up' love music to much!

[@ShinyRacer22]

@@larryparker5262 you're never on your own Larry your KZbin buddy's are in this with you keep on keeping on

[@owasso8775]

I'm 58 I know!

[@wildfirexx1000]

I'm 68 and restarted at 66...never to old to start!

[@GabHanna]

46 yr old stayed at home mom w 3 kids. I watch my kids playing all kind of musical instruments and nagging all day for them to practice. Here I am going to try to learn the guitar on my own while sheltering in place. This time I have to live up to my own words. Count. Practice and Repeat. Wish me luck!!

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

good luck! 🐰❤️🌼🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@cathdodd5072]

Me too!

[@kaneshap.6146]

Aww! Good luck!❤️ You'll do great!!

[@Max-re5vg]

I wish you luck SOOOO Much....My Mom tried to teach me Guitar....she quit....(poor overworked Mom).....I went on to become........really happy with what I can do on a guitar.....not a rockstar.......but I can hum along ....... actually no...that's a lie...I'm pretty OK as a Guitarist.......but......" a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first footstep".....GO!! GabHanna!

[@ChubbYJimz]

Good luck to you and all of us on this humble guitar journey

[@violayla]

Awesome. What a teacher you are. The pace and the visibility are perfect. Such a good camera work. Finally I can see what the instructor is doing. Thank you so much.😊

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

Honestly, don't think I've ever seen such a professional lesson, on every level, delivery, filming, everything. Thanks Justin, new sub here.

[@Max-re5vg]

Exactly my thoughts.....

[@Helbur_RoboGym]

I am a 61 y.o. grandpa from South Africa. I used to mess around a bit on guitars during school years but all I remembered from that were a few chords. So, when the lockdown hit us by end March, I borrowed an acoustic guitar and started Justin's course. The man is a genius! The way the course builds up, preparing you for future lessons makes it extremely effective. In the past three months I have completed the fundamentals and intermediary courses and have since moved on to the Tennessee Hill Country Blues lesson, looking forward to mastering RumbleStrippin sometime soon. I have since bought some of his music downloads as well and as you can see, had become a huge fan! Thanks for all the joy you brought to my life Justin, God bless you! (even more)

[@steyno]

Just some feedback: I have since switched from the nylon loaner to an acoustic steel string but found it quite a challenge and I decided to start all over with a metronome this time. I should have done that from the outset as it really helps a lot.

[@gittarpikk]

Seeing your mention that Justin had a course on Tn hill country Blues caused me to smash the subscribe button instantly... Especially cuz I'm now learning the blues and live here around the ET Appalachians.

[@Max-re5vg]

Good for You Mate....59....still playing guitar......good for you

[@steyno]

Update: Well, a year on and now 62, I have completed the course right up to the last lesson. For the bending, I had to upgrade to electric giitar and got me a used Cort Yorktown hollowbody in ship shape. That got me through much quicker and should have done this earlier. Although I can play most everything in the course, I am no master yet but keeping at it. The hollowbody helps a lot with practising without amp. I now bought some tabs from Justin's website and musicnotes and look forward to my next "one-man band practice"

[@stephen25uk]

Free lessons from a virtuoso is insane. Thank the Lord for KZbin. I have been playing for years and only learned about using my pinky to pick strings from this beginners lesson. It explains how he does some of the licks in his amazing arrangements.

[@vasocreta]

Hands down the most practical and immediately useful technique lesson I have ever seen.

[@strongereveryday2302]

The first actual helpful fingerpicking lesson I've ever had.

[@thecathancegroup]

This man is an exceptional teacher.

[@allenlocke1935]

agreed, absolutely!

[@joemaybon3870]

fred cheney Yes.

[@TumpskyandMrsSmall]

I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!

[@kentbeery8653]

fred cheney indeed

[@takavaka758]

Agreed

[@stevenspikes5474]

Justin, I have been listening off and on to you play for several years. I have seen a couple of your recent videos and I must say that you have made a marked improvement in your picking and overall sound. Your persistence has paid off! It's really cool that you are taking time to share your techniques with others too!

[@chrisneill6239]

I’ve been playing the guitar for over 20 years without ever learning any good fingerpicking. This is a very helpful video to inspire me. I’m finally going to start practicing. Thanks for the lesson.

[@stevenroberts9380]

I appreciate a guy who was born to play and to teach with such clarity. I'm the kind of person who needs the whys behind the whats which you do so well, Thanks

[@mikedalgliesh1377]

I absolutely love this guy. Wasted a few years on heavy metal guitar, i should have been playing blues this whole time

[@rg2424]

Love and appreciate both, I love blues just as much as I like metal

[@AvioftheSand]

It's funny, I love metal, but have just gotten into the blues. Even when I bought my Gibson SG back in 2008, I never played metal though. Just would fiddle around with classic rock but couldn't learn fast enough and gave up. Now I'm getting back into it and want to learn the delta blues

[@robertemerson1087]

@Owen Hawkinson Classic rock and blues is better, lol.

[@hunteryoungblood649]

Mix it up a bit, dont make your music boring and have fun with it.

[@stevenhensley7250]

Big fan Justin. And this is my first plucking lesson. Thank you so much for the lesson sir. I really love your style, especially those early albums, they are on permanent rotation. 😊

[@micheleparker112]

Thanks Justin. I have watched this before and found it invaluable but coming back to it again is even better. Relearning guitar at 58 has been a bit of a saviour during all the lockdowns we have had in Sydney. Thanks again, really appreciate your time

[@JunkYour925]

This (REAL finger style/picking) is exactly what I was looking for - Thanks! The sunlight trick is such a great idea. You are both a great player AND instructor. The internet is loaded with crap.

[@keramidasnicolas2079]

Not just the Internet. But there are also a lot of talented people on the Internet, even if the ratio is the same as everywhere else : 20/80.

[@lindareese4579]

I'm seventy years old...I will buy my first guitar in three weeks....I just love this!!!!

[@dshizznitrb3]

what made you want to try it out?

[@wasanasaw]

You have made my day, Linda!!!! You are an inspiration.

[@formergod1873]

I’m 15 and I bought it too don’t give up❤️

[@kyerogers7838]

@@formergod1873 I'm 14, 15 next month. Been playing for about 1 year or 3quarters. Best thing I've ever done

[@ronlitz9055]

this man deserves lots of credit for taking the time. Just the process of learning will fill many hours of your time and hopefully give you some joy. I am 71 and still enjoy some of the tunes I learned as a youngster. Unfortunately I didn't progress but relish in the fact that I did learn something.

[@kaylynmesser]

I'm new to playing the guitar and I found this video last month. It has been so helpful to have a 20 min practice fully designed that I can just follow along to and I'm already seeing improvement. Thank you!

[@raysmith1630]

Thanks Justin. I'm really glad that I found your channel. Your instruction style is very concise and clear. I've sort of toyed with finger picking over the years and have always been interested in learning more about this style. Your clear instructions will help me be able to incorporate these ideas into my playing. Thanks again.

[@MisterMagickTrick]

Damn. I've been playing fingerstyle guitar for around 11 years now and I just want to say I've never come across such a great teacher on the internet or in person before. Thoughtful, to the point and just showing everybody how to do well for absolutely free. You're a great person, a great teacher and a great guitarist. Excellent use of lighting to help show what exactly is going on, too! Thanks for being you, man.

[@carmeladams9566]

Thank you so much. I love your style of teaching. So clear and easy to understand. I am a total beginner at guitar at age 71. Have been playing ukulele for a number of years but thought I'd like to give guitar a go. So glad I found you.

[@liveliferusty734]

This is incredible. I first started watching your videos for your 3 string playing vids. I was captivated, now you captured me. My playing is gettng better and better... what a gift you have given me! Subscribed!

[@captainamericana5327]

Wow, Great attention to detail making this video - I’ve been regularly watching guitar tutorials for almost a year now - particularly the last 2 days have been focused on fingerpicking. Everything from the timing of this recording in daylight to the tips themselves makes it the best tutorial I’ve come across. Thank you for making this video- incredibly helpful! …and For what it’s worth, your also a terrific guitarist, i aspire to just bearing some resemblance to your skill level. Btw, I never comment This is the first and, in fact, only time I’ve ever made one, really felt you deserve strong positive feedback. I’ll check out your other videos. Thanks again.

[@Motherplantmusic]

Justin, I've been picking for quite a while, but never thought there was something wrong with my picking finger positioning---specifically, the thumb being separated from the other fingers. My goodness, what a difference! I occasionally find myself slipping back to the thumb/finger collision style from before, but this new method will be anchored soon. This is one of those things where you ask yourself, "How did I not figure this out myself?" Life-changing (or at least picking-changing tip! Other great tips, too! Thanks so much.

[@frankriley3651]

I just want to say thanks for your great lesson and to say I appreciate your calm, easy manner. You have a great speaking voice and a kind, thoughtful manner about you.

[@herrp8765]

Well said, sir.

[@chrispalasz]

This video is super helpful, I already shared it with others and found it to be extremely helpful. You're a great teacher, Justin. Thanks for recording this! This will give me hours of practice.

[@jaysonwallker1648]

I've been trying to learn this for YEARS! Thanks for being the first one to adequately explain how to finger pick properly.

[@angelmorales7401]

I already taught myself all fingerstyle, but I love how straightforward he teaches, which screams "just practice!!!" its hilariouslt beautiful.

[@robertgray7908]

There is only one thing I like more than your guitar playing, and that’s your attitude to helping others play. Many guitarists like simply to be better than others. You help others play better - so they can reach their own heights and make their own sweet music ... that’s got to make the World a better place. Peace, respect. All lives matter! 👍🏻👍🏿🎵

[@MozzyCV20]

I’m about 5 years late to this party but thanks for this, amazing player as well as instructor. Playing in the sun so we can see the shadows of the strings vibrating on the fretboard was genius.

[@stewartedwards3164]

A Dark Blues playlist came up on recommended. Came to this and I love how as said at the start, the strings vibrated to show when being picked. Feels it helps so much more visually to learn picking. Love the Bootleg series! Please come to the UK! Especially Cardiff, Wales 😁

[@necromanzer52]

I've been working on these exercises during the quarantine and it's really paying off. Thanks a lot for the video, man.

[@Mirozenx]

This guy is one of the best guitar teachers I've ever found on KZbin... thank you so much!

[@rr5837]

We bought a guitar for my son 5 and I’m 41. Trying to learn the basic. Thank you for sharing. It’s amazing to watch how you play 🙏

[@noahanderson5712]

Getting back into guitar after a few years of not playing. I have always enjoyed finger picking and this video has given me some great practice. Thank you.

[@princekermit0]

I subbed a week or so ago, because, I was searching for fretless guitar videos, and I popped your vid into a separate tab to come back to. Then you hit me with that swamp thump on that Newcaster. Made me a hardcore fan, and I don't fanboy for anyone. Then you knocked me over with a feather with this lesson. Damn boy, git on with you bad self. And... Thank you. I just left drumming for acoustic guitar, bought my first guitar last week. My hat's off to you SON! You've given me so much meat and gravy with work with.

[@mackdaddie222]

First, I'm not an accomplished guitar player. Singer yes, songwriter pretty good, guitar, just not that hot. This lesson made really no sense to me when I watched it, but I did nothing but these patterns for a week, along with my daily scales and stretch routines.I found them honestly frustrating, as you said, it was like a little mind puzzle for my fingers and brain. I'm still not fast with them, didn't expect to be, but what I did notice is when I started playing songs again, everything felt smoother, more relaxed, and cleaner. I'm more aware of my positioning and posture. I'm more relaxed while playing. THis is easily the best lesson I've found on the net(and trust me, I've found way too many), and I'm truly grateful for it. Thanks so much.

[@prophead62]

All i can say is WOW. I have enjoyed watching your many youtube videos over the years. Not only are you one of the best guitarists i have ever heard, but also probably the best at instruction. Thank you SO much.

[@WritePlayYT]

So helpful. I’m in my 30s, been playing since I was a kid - I *always* had anchored with my pinkie & thought (years later) “well darn now I’ll never unlearn that” But he showed how it can best be used - thanks!

[@BRS-Peterbilt-379]

I've been playing guitar for a long f'n time and finger picking is something I've always wanted to teach myself. This is the best breakdown of the technique I've seen. Great job Man! Thanks for posting.

[@MicMonEli]

love his laidback style. Superterrific!

[@joshwinbun4647]

Dude, that was one of the best lessons I have ever seen, and I watch a lot of great lessons. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-ud2cs8vq3h]

Ive been messin' with this guitar and watching videos on here for 6 months and this is BY FAR the best tutorial ive encountered. Thank you so very much.

[@Bluessongstress1963]

My gosh, you've just helped me so much... THANKS for the excellent lesson! :)

[@jacobfrancis8089]

@Juan2003gtr that's rude bro

[@PAIN-lq4yi]

Juan2003gtr im dead bruh 😂😂😂😂😂😂 Chiiiilll my dude

[@swaggercat]

I've always had problems with thumb positioning. Thanks for addressing that. No one else I've watched has ever talked about it.

[@KellyMillerGerlach]

Thank you for this tutorial, all of your videos have been extremely helpful. I have been following you for a number of years now and find each video more inspiring and entertaining than the next. You are a true gift! Thank you for shedding light on the inner workings of all that is guitar and the eclectic voice it can bring to the world!

[@willpennington5479]

Great title for the lesson. Most others start with The BEST or THE Best. But everyone wants to save years of guitar practice, especially if you're 61 and in your second year of learning! I learned more from this lesson than from all the others. And I do love fingerpicking. Thanks!

[@SexyAlien2]

This feels like a private lesson. Amazing!

[@JerryDechant]

best finger picking tutorial I've seen so far. Thanks a lot!

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Back when I was teaching guitar ... my students ranged in age from 5 to 90! All are welcome! Today I'm 61 and front a cover band, play in a trio, duo, and as a solo performer. Go for it!! 😎🎸👍

[@tracygilman2662]

I've played guitar, even studied classical for years, and I never learned these patterns. I'll definitely pay to learn more from this guy. I love the slow, up close videos. Thank you so much😊😊

[@jeronymkristof12345]

18:57 bottom left corner

[@sv8313]

Little lizard

[@unclecharles3617]

I've been playing guitar for many years. A friend of mine played fingerstyle and I asked him "how do you do that". He answered, "just do it". So 40 years later I'm still just doing it. I've been playing these same patterns for years but never really paused to break it down to realize exactly what I was "just doing". This video is helpful to me because it now gives me the ability to catagorise each pattern and organize my playing into more melodic results instead of the random never play it the same way twice method I've grown used to. Thank you Justin.👍

[@Max-re5vg]

True Words.

[@noncorporeal1024]

That was an amazing twenty minutes, thank you so much. very encouraging and adding the sunlight to highlight the strings, just wonderful.

[@Stephen-zx4uf]

Been playing 50 years and was curious to watch this because of the odd outdoor lighting.. and learned a great tip for videos on that, thanks! And since you have such a great teaching style, stayed for the entire video and found several nuggets. This video is a great gift. Thank you!

[@thereluctantgardener5634]

Thank you for this. My teen sons and I decided to learn to play the guitar. I have found I am more of a finger picker as opposed to a pick user. So many videos concentrate on the fret, but very few concentrate on the pick style. This will definitely help me define my fingerpicking style & technique.

[@DameDivaDan]

G'day Justin, as someone who teaches music (saxophone) this was a really lovely lesson. Nice, slow and helpful and not condescending at all. Well done man! Could watch and listen to you play for hours!

[@ziggyedison2409]

What a WONDERFUL LESSON EVERY ASPECT is thoughtful, kind, and lovely! Justin... You are an AMAZING GREAT TEACHER

[@roscmon]

Lol. SOO much harder than i thought it would be. I took a piano course years ago and it seemed a whole lot easier. I got my guitar 2 weeks ago and I'm still not really fluent at the first couple patterns but I'm encouraged because I'm seeing some muscle memory starting up. Because of that, i accept that it's going to take a really really really long time for me to have any proficiency. But his style of teaching is great. Once i get a little under my belt I'll start buying his instructional vids. Huge thanks to Justin!

[@sergedaney3511]

Thanks a lot for sharing Justin!

[@adamelawamri2307]

holy crap, the intro alone has me dazzled !!!! so much to learn from such a legend-class guitarist

[@MrSwyc66]

This tutorial is one of the best ones I have used to practice getting my fingers adjusted to fingersyle guitar. I never use a pick anymore. It was so hard at first, but I got it down thanks to this video.

[@ChrissyOneMusic]

Thank you for this! I’ve been playing for over 30 years and my finger picking has never been great. I got Travis picking down reasonably well, but I usually play that hybrid. I can play things by rote that I’ve practiced endlessly, like Blackbird, but I’ve never really done a good exercise regularly. This was a great one that’s simple enough to put into my routine. Thank you so much!

[@Obsidian369]

wow sunlight, a guy with common sense and wisdom...speaks volumes...luv it man

[@giorgiogelato]

I'm doing this now every day for 30 minutes and it's helping so much. Thank you for this exercises. Finally playing guitar is fun again, after being stuck in my development.

[@KingJames61]

Just turned 60 years old and bought a new guitar. Love this guy! Justin has really inspired me to practice. Could play nothing but the two string Honkytonk prior to discovering his KZbin presence. You’re special brother, thanks. J.E. Shepard MSgt, USAF Ret.

[@sherrisim2591]

I'm so grateful. I'm happy to say I'm learning finger picking from you. You are an incredible guitar player and a great teacher.

[@growwithralph3658]

Thanks for this lesson. I played guitar back in the 80's and then set it aside for many years. Just now getting back to it. Your video just jump started my relearning process by a great degree!

[@flamingosextet8649]

I've only been frustrated by finger picking so far, hopefully these simpler steps will provide the momentum for success! And seriously, who would vote thumbs down on this? As a music educator, this is solid pedagogy!

[@user-ij8dz4lo8k]

I'm so happy I found your site for fingerpicking! You made it so easy to follow and broke it down for a beginner like me to understand! Thank you for your wonderful tips on patterns and exercises to learn!

[@MrSmurfbug]

Excellent instruction. Very patiently delivered. Thank you so much for doing this video!!

[@dickditty480]

WOW neat sunlight trick! You can actually see which strings are in action.👍

[@smr4804]

DickDitty you stole my dp

[@dickditty480]

Neigh I say, it was laying there free for the taking when i found it. 😀 There is another Alfred around that is a full on face-shot. What me worry ?

[@TheActualTed]

This is actually the camera and video framerate

[@screamingstrings76]

Specifically, rolling shutter at 30fps.

[@iZephyr6]

Thanks, one of the most important thing about this technique is that how to practise with it? Its good to concentrate to keep all the fingers in a bunch and tight formation, think as all the fingers are a huge plectrum.. Lean thumb against index finger...index to middle and so on.. Ofcourse You need to pick on individual fingers also, but the secret how to learn play faster by this technique is to practise keeping fingers together in a bunch...it helps a lot of playing well.. You didnt tell this thing so I did it..

[@Ogsonofgroo]

Thanks for this most educational vid Justin, I'm just learning guitar in my old age after years of playing congas, and thus far haven't acquired too many bad habits because of some very good YT vids such as this. Keep on keepin' on!

[@maryk6780]

Nice, clear explanations and great advice, too. Thank you so much. Such a gift.

[@Lisa-ec9qb]

I agree... you 'are' the perfect teacher. I'm a 62 yr old trying to pick up where I left off as a teenager (and finding that I really hadn't gone as far as I thought LOL)... this is the speed that you can actually learn something... and no pressure... which is exactly what my grandson needs as well. So, from the old (young at heart) and the younger generation...thanks for taking your time and teaching like we know nothing... I found that even what I knew wasn't really right this way. Keep up the good work... I'm subscribed but this is the first I've seen your teaching. I'll definitely be back!

[@dalecauthen9086]

Justin, I bought four of your guitar lesson DVD's from your website last week. And you have taught me more in the first 1/4 of the first DVD than all my guitar teachers combined have taught me over the past DECADES ! Thank you ! Not to slam all guitar teachers. I'm sure most of them are good. I just didn't know in the past what "fingerpicking" is and they didn't understand what I wanted to learn. When I wrote some tab to a song I wanted to play, one of them said, "Oh, you want to make every note count." So that's how I think of this style. Every note counts.

[@MsTinselTown]

Just discovered you and I think I'm in love with you!!! With this vid you have indirectly answered SO many of my questions and put other thoughts at ease that other instruction hasn't. Even better, it's like you intuitively knew what I haven't been able to get instructors to understand about my struggles. Just a GREAT BIG thanks to you, man!! I hope I get to see you play some day! With lot's of love and appreciation from Montreal, Canada.

[@recentlives]

I've been play gutair since I was 15. I'm 20 now and I feel like I'm not learning new techniques, just playing what I know. I'm excited to expand my horizons and take on some new challenges!

[@Diemoreman]

This is the video that taught me fingerpicking, four years ago. I went from trying this, and getting recommended to try classical guitar. Thank you for helping me get started!

[@devingreco]

Thanks, back to the roots. This is EXACTLY what I needed to get more consistent. Without a good anchor point my hand was never at the same angle so it was impossible to play with consistency.