How to develop your own Fast Fingerstyle Guitar technique.

[@ravenartsandgraphics4456]

I started playing fingerstyle and never cared for the feel of using a pick. Everyone told me that I'd never be able to achieve any kind of speed or sweep picking with only my fingers. Thank you So much for these videos. It's upended a whole new world of possibilities. Keep em coming please.

[@francacereu]

I'm so happy I stumbled upon your video. this was incredibly well explained, I've been practicing these patterns for about 3 days now and I can feel a subtle change in the way I play, thank you so much!

[@eddyeddy2887]

Your fingers move so fluidically. Its a Delight to watch too.

[@KeyMondYTGaming]

YOOOOOOO i thought i was in a good coordination with left and right hand but when i pluck with 3rd and 4th finger only i got stumped! Wow. This really opened my eyes as i played fingerstyle acoustic

[@jgrossma]

Steve, awesome demonstration. Never seen anyone do this on an electric guitar before. For those who aren't already familiar with this technique, classical guitarist Matt Palmer wrote his PhD thesis on the three-finger scale technique, and has published an entire book on it called "the Virtuoso guitarist". There are many videos of him playing real classical guitar pieces with this on You Tube, and they're pretty impressive. .. the guy has monster chops.

[@chadgarber]

I would love to see you try the entire Eugene’s trick bag using this technique. That may be extraordinary.

[@fly1327]

My only guitar instructor started with: 'You can hold it classically (which I was doing) but nobody playing electric guitar does that, so here's what you do, and use your pick'. I Friggin HATE playing with a pick, finally giving up, preferring to play with fingers, and playing baritone ukulele instead. Then hearing Knoffler (and others on EG) kill it, and recently Albert King on blues. My old Strat is dusted off, new practice amp coming in the mail. Why the hell did I listen to and subscribe to this mainstream BS? I guess something new I learned about myself.

[@ABigDoggy]

finally someone holds the guitar classically. you deserve many more subscribers. but on a serious note, why are your nails so short??

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks! Yes I'm a big advocate of sitting in that position. It just gives you so much more freedom over the neck. Nail length is something I change, just to try different tones. In fact I've put a few videos online over the years showing the difference in tone that I get when I have nails or when I remove them and just play with the pads of my fingers.

[@True-ob4lq]

Because nails are for women not men

[@tommitolmunen2715]

Seeing this some time ago was a revolution to me, thank you sooooooo much You Genius!!! I have wanted for years to learn a fingerstyle lead technique for electric guitar. However, Knopfler-approach with thumb, index and some middle finger leads me to play mostly pentatonic/blues scales - which is fine as such. But I would like to play other stuff, too. This tremolo-approach leads me to play all kind of scales. A bit strange how technique may influence the music! Has anyone else experienced anything similar?

[@SteveGilson]

Great to hear from you Tommi! I'm glad I was able to help you take your playing in new directions and open new doors. What I love about it is that, as so few people do this, it naturally takes you into directions that very few other player follow, so you can create something unique to you.

[@tommitolmunen2715]

@@SteveGilson Yes Steve, indeed! And getting some strength to ring finger as a side effect of lead playing seems to do good for fingerpicking rhythm patterns, too…:)

[@jmsongbook]

I’ve been looking for this type of speed training for years. Thanks, Steve!👍👏

[@eddyeddy2887]

Steve your finger style is simply amazing. I would say absolutely a fantastic technique and very correct. I wish you could do some more lessons on playing some blues with finger technique.

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks Eddy, I would love to but unfortunately I'm currently working through this... kzbin.info/www/bejne/hniZpIeVo8yJaLM Once I've got it beaten then you can bet I'll be creating more videos. If you're looking for more details on the technique than I put a few in a playlist here... kzbin.info/aero/PLG6Fv3w4O1aap0liKTp-Uf7IbKZxm5uxi

[@jeffro.]

Thank you! This was SO HELPFUL! i started out years ago (decades, TBH), playing fingerstyle. Both Classical and acoustic. I was self-taught, and I was pretty good. For some reason, i didn't quite get the hang of using a pick. For one thing, i kept dropping it! I could strum just fine, and play lead, but i wasn't very fast. Then, i stopped playing for several decades. But i couldn't deal with not being able to get the music in my head out into the universe, so i started back playing again. In just over a year, I've gotten so much better than i was. I've learned so much theory, plus I've gotten really good with the pick. I can do things i never dreamed of before. For one thing, i hold it so loosely that it seems like I'd drop it when I'm strumming, esp when i strum hard or fast. But, hardly ever! I've gotten very good at damping notes and controlling their duration with my thin, light pick. (As well as playing "hard," making harmonics and orher things.) But, I've been curious about playing my electric guitar (and acoustic) using only fingerstyle. And I'm not referring to "fingerpicking patterns," which is previously the only time when i used my fingers, i mean when I'm alternating between rhythm and lead. So, it was very helpful to see your other video where you talked about why you play with only your fingers. Even more helpful it's this one, where you show HOW. I really like how you're using the same technique that would be used on Classical guitar, and applying it to the electric guitar. It makes perfect sense. It's different from what I've been able to glean from others who play electric guitar using only their fingers. Mostly because you're using all 4 fingers on the right hand, instead of just thumb & index. Since i already have good control over my individual fingers, I'm going to give it a go. I know it'll seem like I'm back-tracking, with regard to how fast i progress with each practice, but hopefully it'll be worth it in the end. I am guess I'll have to commit to doing it for awhile, maybe even a whole year before i decide whether to stay with it, lol. By that time, I'll probably be completely whacked out! But, who knows? Maybe it'll be worth it...? Or maybe it's a big mistake? Maybe I should just leave "well enough" alone? Hmmm. Maybe I'll try it for a few days, anyway.... Hmmm.... Anyway, thanks for the instruction! 👍 👌

[@SteveGilson]

I think it's worth exploring and seeing if it fits you. Even if it doesn't you'll have the beginnings of a new acoustic/ classical technique

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

Wow Steve, this is more tricky than what I thought! I go to the default no-thumb i-m-r-m figure, and tirando (freestroke) trying the t-r-m-i is a challenge! But you make it sound so lovely that I will try it, since I decided into venturing the no-flatpick territory. Like you also said, no technique goes perfect come the next day, so I will try to post something on my channel mentioning you if and when I am successful. Again, superb technique, Steve, I am inspired! Maybe tomorrow I will wake up like Mancusso 🤣🤣

[@cshaneeagle]

ive never heard such a great instruction. this style and concept has changed everything for me

[@SteveGilson]

Good Luck with it Shane. Thanks for checking my content out.

[@chipispowdercoatingcharles8444]

I've been on thumb 1st 2and but this is an awesome difference. I guess I have work cut out for me

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

".. and arpeggios..." Proceeds to sound a beautiful triad apreggio 😍😍😍

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

I will practicethe hell outta this vid, but I am already doing most of what you do, only i-m though! I like the tremolo picking approach to fast scales!

[@SteveGilson]

Good luck with it 🙂

[@smit70NJ]

this is great! I'll get started on these drills

[@stevelindsay3643]

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME FANTASTIC,. THANK YOU, YOU HAVE CHANGED MY ENTIRE APPROACH TO THE WAY I NOW PLAY.

[@flechaverde33]

Hi! the obvious question (perhaps you´ve answered this in previous videos) is about playing those patterns with "pami" fingering on electric guitar with high gain, distortion, and standing in a less confortable position (i visualize playing a gig with a band for example) without losing accuracy and avoiding unwanted string noise. Thank you very much, your videos are very inspiring!

[@SteveGilson]

Hi good questions! Firstly standing in a gig is not a problem for the right hand, it doesn't matter how low or high you wear the guitar, I've always found that guitar position is much more of a problem for the left hand not the right one. Managing string noise is something that definitely needs focus, especially when playing with distortion. The trick is to keep the heel of the right hand close to the strings and that means the thumb or heel of that hand is close enough to control the strings (along with the left hand fingers). If you look at my thumb in some of the techniques here you'll see what I mean. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYS9kqOjg7etqtk When I'm playing at full speed with a tremolo, the right hand thumb is still able to touch the string below as it's lining up to play its next note, this is all unconscious behaviour, but there is still a level of right hand string control even then.

[@flechaverde33]

thanks a lot! i will post my promised video as soon as posible. greetings from buenos aires, argentina!

[@HNKaan]

Thanks for sharing. I really like to see and hear you doing/using this in some jazzy / blues improvs. do you have a video on that issue Steve?

[@SteveGilson]

No, unfortunately not, My last video finished with me improvising, but nothing to complex as I've burnt my hand. Maybe once I get over this.

[@JM-my2wf]

This information is invaluable and brilliant! Thank you!!

[@SteveGilson]

Glad it was helpful!

[@teresathomley3703]

Thank you, Mr. Gilson. You have inspired me to to reconfigure my single note playing (soloing, improvisation and the like) into more of a fingerstyle type endeavour. You are an incredible talent and I salute you.

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks very much Teresa! I put a few of these fingerstyle videos in a play list, if it help? kzbin.info/aero/PLG6Fv3w4O1aap0liKTp-Uf7IbKZxm5uxi

[@teresathomley3703]

@@SteveGilson Thank you, sir. Very kind of you. I will certainly watch those videos. Cheers.

[@teresathomley3703]

@@SteveGilson Thank you again, Mr. Gilson. I can play several descending modes using the technique you demonstrated and to say that I am proud would be an understatement. You are quite good at what you do- I look at the instrument a bit differently these days. Cheers.

[@colindayo]

Just what I needed! 🙏

[@anamator26]

Best tutorial I’ve seen a long time great job! Do you need to grow out your nails for this?

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks a lot Ryan! I normally have nails but most recently I cut them off, just because I fancied a change. It take a week or so to reestablish your technique, but you can do it either way. Here's the video I made... kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5q6oq2br5eHjZo

[@dawin6710]

I play guitar only fingerpicking style. My question is: can I shred on an electric guitar one day if I practice? or is shredding resevred for plectrum pickers? Thanks

[@rajat.mahajan3095]

You are absolutely right, when i first started this, it was difficult to sync up three notes of left hand with four strikes of right hand. But it naturally starts coming... The question i had is that the maximum speed i generate after couple of weeks practice is 320 bpm with my right hand.. Should my right hand naturally be doing more ?

[@SteveGilson]

Hi Rajat, Speed takes it's own time to build up. It's weird in that you can feel like you're making no progress for weeks then something clicks and you seem to instantly improve. I put a video together a while ago showing what I achieve for some simple exercises. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2XcZGWLlKeWrq8 Don't beat yourself up if you can't get there immediately, stick with it and you will get there.

[@tbobmann229]

Excellent!!!

[@datGuy0309]

When I do it, my thumb tends to lightly brush the string above (not pitch wise, position wise) the one I’m aiming for. How do you avoid this?

[@LouAdipietro]

Hey Steve! I know this is about 4 years late but I want to thank you for this insightful lesson this has changed my playing forever! I have one very important question if you wouldn't mind sharing? Does this technique of thumb, ring, middle, index work with arpeggios as well when we have one note per string or even 2 or 3? Or is there a better fingerstyle technique for this? Thank You!!!

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks a lot Lou! Yes you can use this technique for arpeggios, in fact I cover that subject here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4rWZmR3lpabj7s

[@demej00]

Cool - thanks!

[@sillypenquin9189]

Amazing

[@givemelifedemons5123]

Is it normal that I have to my foot elevated to prevent the guitar and sliding of and being accurate while fretting chords

[@SteveGilson]

Yes, I always do when I'm sitting. Do a quick Google search for the "classical guitar posture". Most music shops sell foot stools which allow you to vary the height of your foot (I tend to use an old biscuit tin though!).

[@trollfiddler]

Very useful, thank you :)

[@WahlyZenit]

Hi! is it okay to rest my thumb or pinky finger on the strings when practicing this?

[@SteveGilson]

Typically I wouldn't when doing this, I prefer to have my hand floating about the strings so I can move around with more agility.

[@WahlyZenit]

@@SteveGilson Oh okay thanks! It's just very tiring when doing it continuously 😅

[@WahlyZenit]

@@SteveGilson Btw! Do you offer one-on-one online guitar lessons?

[@PorchBass]

Great video. Practicing this makes my brain hurt but not my hand.

[@jamesbailey5008]

Came here searching, I've been playing Lindsay Buckingham's Big Love for some time but when playing towards his speed there are still one or two sections I struggle on and ultimately my right arm locks up with lactate and I struggle to get through the whole song. Looking for answers, think this will help thank you!

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks James, If I remember correctly the thumb just never stops picking that bass line, is that where the tension creeps in? The trick is to let go of that and try to relax the hand. Metronomes can be good for this. slow it down until you can play it without tension, then increase gently. if you feel the tension creeping back, either stay as that speed and work on letting go of the tension or slow it down again. What you're trying to do is relearn the motor skill without the tension. It'll take a little time to ingrain it, but you'll get there with a little time and effort.

[@jamesbailey5008]

@@SteveGilson thanks, it's the solo section, there's one part where there is a fast open chord sequence and I think my third and fourth fingers are letting me down and then there is a kind of arpeggio sequence moving down the fretboard that he sings over the second part, it seems to work better when I use my forearm to play the bass note rather than thumb muscle but again think third and fourth fingers letting me down. Practiced your exercises last night and think it will help, also might need to incorporate your picking sequence (1,4,3,2) rather than what I'm doing now..

[@SteveGilson]

@@jamesbailey5008 Its not something that I know that well, I'll give it a listen in the next few days and see if I can help.

[@jamesbailey5008]

Thanks for that! He tends to play it at around 275-295bpm depending on the performance, I'm up around 260 when warmed up and in the zone, excluding what I've mentioned. Practiced it thousands of times I expect, so trying to rethink my approach to how I'm picking those parts.

[@JarrohDanes]

I found it easier to do on thumb ,first ,second finger is it alright to do it or I really need to practice thumb ,third,second,first?

[@yavorkotsev9781]

Can I do it without the thumb?

[@SteveGilson]

Yes I know of a few guitarists that can get some decent speed with index, middle and ring, (or even just index and middle). These fingers have to work proportionally harder though.

[@yavorkotsev9781]

@@SteveGilson thanks

[@peytonabrams1820]

Question, what about doing this Thumb-1-2-3 instead of 3-2-1? It feels easier for me but not sure if i should encourage or discourage playing it that way

[@SteveGilson]

Hi Peyton, would you believe that I cover this very question this week - check it out here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ3FqpyugcxrlZY

[@ambercalhounmusic]

I have a question so I'm a beginner guitarist and I really been trying to learn finger picking but what I have a question about is how fast should I fingerpick a song? For instance there are some songs where I can finger pick it slow and it sounds great but then I also found that when I speed it up really fast it also sounds great... Also is it okay to finger pick slow and then build up speed during a certain point of the song? Or would that ruin the song structure

[@SteveGilson]

Hi Amber, You shouldn't judge your music by how fast you're playing. The only real thing you can use is whether you like the sound or not. If you like the sound of it slow, then play it slow. If it sounds better faster, then speed it up. The same is true with slowing down and speeding up at certain points of the song. There are no hard rules with music. Just whether you like the sound of what you're playing or not.

[@tomoffinland74]

Thanks for such a useful tutorial. I’ve started trying out this technique (I’m used to alternating i-m when playing single notes). It’s early days but it already feels quite satisfying playing this way (I much prefer using my fingers over a pick). I’m wondering: is any part of your hand resting on the guitar and if so, what part of your hand and where?

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks Tom! when I do the tremolo, my hand floats above the strings rather than resting on them, but I am constantly managing string noise with both hands as I talk about here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2LSnGyjhsaZf8k

[@tomoffinland74]

@@SteveGilson Thanks so much. I watched your other video. As it turns out, I already use the back edge of my thumb to mute the lower strings as required so I was so pleased to learn that you do this too.

[@jacksonknight6884]

Question - is there any particular reason to keep the pinkie closed in? I notice mine naturally goes out. Wondering if this effects anything.

[@SteveGilson]

Not directly, but a straight pinkie can indicate unwanted tension in that hand, so be aware of that.

[@jacksonknight6884]

@@SteveGilson ah I see, thank you. Tension has always been a tough one because it can hid quite well and it can end up taking effort NOT to have tension which is the opposite of what we would expect

[@SteveGilson]

@@jacksonknight6884 yes, it might make an interesting subject for a video. its something I've learnt a whole lot more about since developing Dystonia. Ill give it some thought

[@jacksonknight6884]

@@SteveGilson Absolutely that'd be a great video!

[@victorwong9622]

Mario Mancuso uses this technique!!

[@jeromehillier4980]

Steve you have a wonderful inspiring style - thanks sincerely for sharing it here. I`m no expert at all when it comes to this type of playing . Just wondering - would the tremolo style ever have the occasional limitation? for example if you were playing in a blues context and doing some call & response phrases jumping back and forth between the high and low strings . Or if you were playing in a Dire Straits cover band - would you still use this (tremolo) technique or would you be inclined to make adjustments ? Thanks again for sharing :-)

[@SteveGilson]

Thanks Jerome! Actually the tremolo technique is only one of a much larger range of picking techniques that I'll use. I tried to cover some of them in a video I made much earlier on in the channels existance, just here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYS9kqOjg7etqtk

[@jeromehillier4980]

thanks Steve , perfect answer to the question :-) cheers

[@heldenby]

Very interesting technique! I'm think about trying to develop this. I currently play with a thumb pick so I can alternate between finger style and then using the thumb pick as a normal pick. Would this style accommodate this?

[@SteveGilson]

I should think so. I experimented with a thumb pick many years ago. The main reason I didn't use it was because I couldn't find a comfortable one that didn't slip. Maybe I'll give it another go one if these days...

[@heldenby]

@@SteveGilson I use a Fred Kelly Slick Pick - started using it for Travis picking but found I also preferred to use it as a normal pick!

[@chakalaka3960]

Thanks for this video!!! Can you tell me what string gauge you use as I find on electric the strings are often really "wobbly" and don't gel well with this technique (at least from what i've tried so far)? Or will this work on lighter gauge strings with practice? Currently using 10s on my strat and they seem to respond a bit better than the 9s on my tele. Thanks again dude I just can't get my head around using a pick haha

[@SteveGilson]

Hi there, it really depends on my mood, I can go down to 8's if I'm feeling that way, buy you're right they do flap around. Currently I have 9's on my Strat and PRS 10's on the Les Paul and groundwound 12's on the L5.

[@chakalaka3960]

@@SteveGilson Okay awesome I'll get to work :)

[@scottmagri6306]

do you have long nails? sounds like it. if so, ay tips for keeping them strong? whenever i try to grow them, they break

[@andresteinthorsson3966]

Hi Steve! Just found you on youtube! Great stuff you got here :-) I have a question for you. I´ve beeing trying to work on my speed when it comes to single note runs etc. I've been experimenting with different patterns in the right hand, finger 4-3-2 as well as with 1-3-2. I am mostly playing nylon string guitar which has a lot of overtones, sympathetic resonance. Therefore I found it more useful to play with finger 4-3-2, keeping the thumb free to mute strings when needed. Although I am making good progress, when seeing your video I found myself wondering if using 1-4-3-2 wouldn't be even better! It definitely feels good in the fingers, and easier in one sense. But how do you mute strings when playing like that? I feel that the angle needed for the thumb to play a tremolo pattern like that has to be a some distance from the strings, otherwise the tone would be awful (I am playing with nails). Or are you mostly muting with your left hand? (or not muting at all?) I have a relatively short thumb, I wonder if that might be a limitations when it comes to combining muting strings with this finger picking pattern...?

[@SteveGilson]

Hi Andre, I have a couple of videos that may help you with this. People have asked whether other finger patterns would work as well. I think the answer is yes, and I try and show why here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2XcZGWLlKeWrq8 Secondly you ask about string dampening if you use the tremolo pattern that I use. This should give you the details of how I do it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2LSnGyjhsaZf8k Good luck with your playing - Steve

[@andresteinthorsson3966]

@@SteveGilson Very grateful for the quick reply, and links to your other videos! They answered my question perfectly. I tried to find them prior to asking, but you have so much content ;-) So wasnt easy to find exactly what I was wondering about. Thx again! You got yourself a new subscriber :-D

[@SteveGilson]

@@andresteinthorsson3966 Thanks Andre! feel free to ask questions. If I have a video covering it I'm happy to tell you, if I don't then it could be a good idea for another one!

[@robertopavez3222]

Hi, i have a question?the position on the right hand that you do is touching the lower strings? or do you put all of the hand weight there?

[@SteveGilson]

Hi Roberto, it's a light touch. I don't want to restrict movement, just have enough contact to control any unwanted string noise.

[@trollfiddler]

Hi, trying this out and finding that going up the scale with the left hand whilst my right-hand fingers are effectively travelling in the opposite direction is very confusing! I keep wanting to to go down the scale with my left hand. I know you are probably going to say practice will fix it but are there any other tips that will help? I'm just using 4 frets on one string at the moment to keep it simple, moving up one fret per finger stroke. Thanks :)

[@SteveGilson]

Unfortunately yes it is all about practice. You need to work on it until the movement is completely automatic. I don't think about my right hand fingers at all, they just naturally follow that cycle so when I'm working on anything new, it becomes all about the left hand.

[@trollfiddler]

OK thanks very much, not unexpected :) I'll add it to the routine of impossible Hill Country Blues fingering I'm hacking away at!

[@Rqmod]

so these are all free strokes? what a full sound youre getting with all four fingers and not using rest strokes!

[@SteveGilson]

Thankyou yes they're all just free strokes.

[@coffeecupman]

Are you playing with your nails or fingertips in this style?

[@SteveGilson]

Mostly I use nails but you can do it either way, I talk about it here.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5q6oq2br5eHjZo

[@coffeecupman]

@@SteveGilson Thanks very much!

[@no3rdseat]

My question for today is, Why did you develop a three notes per string left hand pattern with a four finger right hand pattern?

[@SteveGilson]

Great Question! and you've just partially predicted the subject of the next video that I'm planning! From a left hand point of view it's dictated by the mechanics and tuning of the guitar - If you want to reach all the notes of a major scale, that you can find in any position with an instrument tuned in 4ths, then you find about 3 notes per string will do it, assuming you don't want to move your hand up and down the neck much. Remember that this is only applicable to scales like major scale., Pentatonics have 2 notes per string, arpeggios about 1 note, chromatics 4 notes etc. Also remember that you'll play exactly 3 notes per string if you just play a strict scale, but if you play a musical line the number of notes played on any string is dictated to by the music, not the shape. For these reasons, I realized that while matching the two hands seems to make sense, I encountered enough situations that prevented me from keeping both hands synchronized, so I dropped the idea.

[@no3rdseat]

Excellent. :) My teacher always said to just alternate i-m-i-m for linear scale passages so I'm very much looking forward to the next video!

[@SteveGilson]

Your teacher was right, but it's all about context... The Classical Guitar is a quiet instrument i,m,i,m with rest strokes is a powerful, and loud technique. Think of Flamenco guitarists in a noisy bar etc. I realised that the rules changed on the electric - I have a volume control! I can use relatively quiet techniques, but use amplification to project my volume. Another analogy I use is opera singers vocal technique vs modern singers. Opera singers sound like they do to fill a concert hall with music night after night without ruining their voices. Modern singers have a microphone so don't have that constraint any more.

[@Soldier1287]

thumb third second first, so four fingers?

[@SteveGilson]

Yes that's correct, The origins of this technique come from the Classical Guitar Tremolo Technique.

[@Soldier1287]

ah ok. got confused with “first finger” being the ring finger

[@debasishbiswas6961]

I want to play like you.... May I !!!!?

[@MatejMasura]

Do you need nails for it?