So Many People Get This Wrong!

In this video, I sit down with Guitar Playing Breakthrough Specialist Tom Hess to discuss and demonstrate fingerpicking guitar for beginners.
We work through several tips for fingerpicking guitar including:
- The easiest way to develop a great fingerpicking technique (this is fool-proof and super easy)
- The common mistakes most people make when first beginning to fingerpick guitar
- The best way to practice fingerpicking guitar for maximum gains
Join Tom Hess and me to learn the best ways to get started fingerpicking guitar if you are a beginner to this style of playing.
Learn how to take your fingerpicking guitar to the next level with my online fingerpicking guitar lesson program: acousticguitar...
Get daily tips by following me on Facebook: / onlineacousticguitarle...

[@michaelelder3945]

Got it. On one of my songs, I'm using a technique where I use the index and middle finger in a walking motion against the thumb in a kind of ragtime guitar pattern. I'm using metal fingerpicks for this which is adding a new dimension.

[@acousticguitarlessons]

Very cool! :)

[@brad-scottgirod9324]

I’m a finger style guy. Have been since I started with a really good guitar coach/instructor. Nbnbmnmn at Gryphon Strings in Palo Alto, California. You sound Australian, you’re playing a beautiful Maton and have an excellent approach to what I consider the most incredible instrument with a 1000 voices. Not sure how I stumbled on your videos but certainly glad I did.Almost 72 if I make to October. Stopped playing some time back and completely lost on how to start again. I need someone to get me jump-started. Perhaps you can help me with that.

[@acousticguitarlessons]

Great to have you onboard Brad Scott! Yes, I am Australian :) You may be interested in this if you are wanting a systematic approach to becoming a great fingerpicker: acousticguitarlessonsonline.net/fingerpicking-guitar-lessons

[@sj4177]

Thanks!

[@acousticguitarlessons]

You are welcome SJ :)

[@brad-scottgirod9324]

Excellent, I enjoyed your lessons, subscribed with a thumbs up. Started with a great finger style instructor way back when I was about 27 or 28 (now pushing 72) Ed Johnson at Gryphon Strings Palo Alto, California would simply chart out the lesson on that 18 inch paper and I would take it home and work it until I got stuck in it. Doubt you would know of them (Gryphon I mean) but they were and still are a premiere guitar shop. I’m guessing you’re in Australia from your accent and the Maton guitar but I could not get your “Link” to work. I’ll have to try again tomorrow. It’s 1:15 AM past my time to bed down. Thanks again for the clear and concise Lesson. Brad Girod

[@acousticguitarlessons]

You are very welcome Brad Scott! What happens exactly when you try and click on the link?

[@yunowot]

i appreciate your lessons very much indeed, thank you.

[@acousticguitarlessons]

You are most welcome! :)

[@waynecaswell5727]

Another great lesson. I am very glad I found your channel. Can you explain how to add melody to fingerpicking? Thanks so much.

[@acousticguitarlessons]

Glad you like the lesson Wayne :) This video shows you how to include melody with your fingerpicking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKLIiHiXrZJ7mbc

[@waynecaswell5727]

@@acousticguitarlessons Great. Thanks. Just what I need.

[@ToTheRegiment]

Enjoyed the lesson very much, would you say its best to anchor down to the pickguard with the little finger gor stability or hover above the strings/soundhole

[@acousticguitarlessons]

Hey David, glad you liked the lesson :) Regarding the pinky of your picking hand, you can have it resting lightly against the body of the guitar/pickguard as you pluck the strings. I emphasise the word "lightly" as opposed to having it anchored down pushing into the body of the guitar inhibiting the fingers you are using to pluck the strings as a result. So make sure there is no pressure on the pinky pushing into the body. I sometimes have my pinky resting against the body and sometimes not, depends on what I am doing. Hope that helps :)

[@igenart]

Great tips, thanks. For nail strengthening (I'm suffering from breaking it all the time) - I couldn't get the product you recommended. I use MicroCell 2000, half you. What do YOU use?

[@acousticguitarlessons]

I use Herome. Although, I typically only use it when I am performing more. My nails tend to be quite strong without a strengthener. And you are welcome re the lesson, glad you liked it :)

[@igenart]

@@acousticguitarlessons Thx, I‘ll give it a try.

[@cameronpatrickscott]

subbed

[@acousticguitarlessons]

Thank you Cam Scott! New videos every week. Great to have you onboard :)

[@danielmackay8099]

Two minutes of talking I'm out.

[@acousticguitarlessons]

This is an edit from a livestream so by nature there is more discussion than in a typical video. Of course, if it is not for you, no problem. You don't really need to announce it though, you can just move on to another video :)

[@danielmackay8099]

@@acousticguitarlessons I did move on.