Playing Fingerstyle vs Fingerpicking on Your Guitar

Guitarists often use the terms fingerstyle and fingerpicking interchangeably. However, these approaches are not identical, differing in feel, structure, and musical intent. Understanding the distinctions can help you choose a style that suits your musical goals.

What is Fingerstyle?

Fingerstyle playing refers to a playing style in which the fingers of the picking hand handle chord melody, harmonics, and rhythm simultaneously. Each finger handles something different; the thumb typically handles bass notes while the index, middle, and ring fingers handle chords.

Well-known fingerstyle guitarists include Merle Travis (for whom the "Travis picking" technique is named), Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler, Tommy Emmanuel, Sungha Jung, and Andy McKee. Classical guitarists also fall under the fingerstyle umbrella, using carefully trained right hand, classical guitar techniques to achieve balance and clarity.

Benefits of Fingerstyle:

1. Works beautifully on both acoustic and electric guitars
2. Great for intermediate to advanced players
3. Great for genres like folk, blues, classical, flamenco, jazz, and country

Drawbacks of Fingerstyle:

1. Requires significant coordination between the thumb and fingers
2. Complex arrangements can take longer to learn than strummed parts
3. Developing even volume and tone across all fingers takes practice

What is Fingerpicking?

Fingerpicking is often used to describe a more pattern-based approach where the fingers pluck strings individually, usually following a repeating rhythm. The thumb typically alternates bass notes while the fingers pick higher strings in a consistent sequence. While fingerstyle can be expansive and orchestral, fingerpicking patterns are often more structured and groove-oriented.

Famous fingerpicking guitarists include Nick Drake, Mississippi John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotten, and Paul Simon. Their playing often supports the vocals with a steady picking pattern that anchors the song.

Benefits of Fingerpicking:

1. Great for acoustic guitars
2. Accessible for beginners
3. Great for folk, blues, country, singer-songwriter, and traditional music

Drawbacks of Fingerpicking:

1. Patterns can become repetitive
2. May feel limiting for players seeking complex arrangements
3. Breaking out of set patterns can be challenging

Fingerstyle vs Fingerpicking: Which is Right for Me?

Choosing between fingerstyle and fingerpicking depends on your musical goals. If you want to create full arrangements or explore instrumental music, fingerstyle may be the right fit. If your focus is on accompanying vocals or establishing a steady groove, fingerpicking may be more natural. Of course, many guitar players use both approaches, as techniques from each style influence the other.

Fingerstyle vs Fingerpicking FAQs

Is fingerstyle harder than picking?

Difficulty is subjective. Some players find fingerstyle more intuitive than using a pick, especially when playing slower or more expressive guitar music. Others use a combination approach called hybrid picking, or strumming with both a pick and the fingers at the same time.

What was Nick Drake's fingerpicking style?

Nick Drake used a delicate fingerpicking approach rooted in folk traditions. His style featured alternating bass lines, subtle syncopation, and unconventional tunings. Rather than flashy technique, his playing focused on mood, texture, and emotional depth.

What is the difference between fingerpicking and flatpicking?

Fingerpicking uses the fingers to pluck individual strings, while flatpicking relies on a pick or a plectrum like a thumb pick. Flatpicking is a style of playing that offers speed and attack. Fingerpicking, meanwhile, provides greater control over dynamics and simultaneous voices.

Which fingers do guitarists use for fingerpicking?

Most guitarists use the thumb, middle, ring, and index fingers for fingerpicking. The thumb handles bass strings, while the other fingers play higher strings.

What are the benefits of fingerstyle guitar playing over fingerpicking?

Fingerstyle allows for more freedom and complexity, making it ideal for solo guitar arrangements and instrumental music.

Is fingerstyle guitar the same as fingerpicking?

Many guitar players consider fingerpicking a subset of fingerstyle. Both use the fingers instead of a pick, but fingerstyle implies a more expressive approach while fingerpicking tends to repeat patterns.

Final Thoughts

Fingerstyle and fingerpicking are both rewarding ways to play guitar. Each technique offers its own strengths, challenges, and musical possibilities. By understanding the differences and experimenting with both, you can develop a more versatile playstyle.

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Expert Insight From: Matthew Chulka – Acoustic & Electric Guitar Expert

Matthew has over two decades of experience in the music retail industry and a detailed knowledge of acoustic and electric guitars. His first-hand experience helps ensure our knowledge and insights are grounded in real-world expertise.