How to Play Fingerstyle Guitar

Fingerstyle technique is used in almost every genre and style of music, from timeless classical pieces to today's top hits. Instead of strumming chords, pluck individual strings to "decorate" the harmony!

In this video, learn the basics of fingerstyle technique in under five minutes! Iren Arutyunyan is one half of Le Chic Guitar Duo and she has taught this technique to many budding guitarists. Iren uses PIMA fingerings throughout the demo (skip to 0:33 for a quick explanation) and then guides you through meters 2-8 with examples of how they fit into popular songs.

(1:22) - Variation from "Gran Jota" composed by Francisco Tarrega

(1:39) - "Study in E Minor Op. 48 No. 5" composed by Mauro Giuliani

(1:57) - Iren wrote this chord pattern

(2:19) - "Butcher Boy" - an arrangement found in Hall Leonard Guitar Method by Will Schmid

Fingerstyle technique sure does look easy, but it will take time to master! We recommend playing along with the video, taking the time to pause, practice, and repeat the different segments. Most importantly, have fun!

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------ CREDITS ------

Video Production & Editing: Jocelyn Chang
Location: Cordoba Guitars HQ in Santa Monica, CA
Audio was recorded with an Apogee One through a Rode NT5 mic.

------ MORE ------

Iren Arutyunyan is playing a Cordoba Luthier C9 SP.

Instagram: @cordobaguitars

[maximiliano]

P-pulgar
I-indice
M-mediano
A-anular

Spanish names for thumb, index, middle, and ring finger. Fort those wonder where they get those letters from like I did.

[Urora-gu]

THE ONLY ONE IN THIS UNIVERSE WHO CAN PRESENT WITH SUCH A PERFECTION, CRAFTNESS, MELODIOUS, HARMONY, SYMPHONY, NATURALLY, IDEALLY A-Z 100% GODDESS OF GUITAR, A DIVINE CREATION.
HEARTFELT ACCHOLADES

[charliemcleod]

Thank You, especially for Blackbird at the conclusion, I always thought it sounded hard, but you made it look easy. I can play it now, after 50 years, it's never too late with music. Best wishes from Scotland

[fs]

I am glad Irene was not in the guitar studio I visited today or I would have spent money I did not have for a Cordoba Fusion 12 maple unit I fell in love with. The sound was so beautiful and the fret board was easy to play. Coming up with the $799 + tax was not in the picture today. I love her video she is so good at explaining and playing.

[brunovincent]

I've stopped playing classical guitar for 30 years, will use these exercises to get back in shape

[dukecrescent]

For many years I could not get this finger style down until now... Thank you Irene!

[whales]

Think i'm gonna learn the drums...

[December]

Is it possible to play it without a guitar?

[johnwhite]

It took about 2 years to really develop thumb independence. It may have come easier to others, but I really practiced. Took lessons, which I highly advise. I don't live in Nashville or Kentucky so if was not easy to find a ring

it took me over 2 years to develop thumb independence. Anyone can do this, but it takes dedication. It's not for quitters. But it's worth it! If you are really serious, try to find a guitar teacher that can handle fingerstyle. It helps to have someone critique your playing. If you don't live in Kentucky or Nashville, it can be hard to find a teacher familiar with fingerstyle guitar.

[honeymassey]

Iren Arutyunyan You are an amazing personality as well as an Amazing Teacher

[edejan]

That guitar sounds so beautiful and I love the way you are breaking down the arpeggio style.  I'm so going to be practicing this!  Thanks!

[sachinsachi]

I opened this video way back in 2016 when I was beginner ..I didn't understand a single thing ..now surprisingly stumbled here again after 4 years ..My God i could understand what she is teaching even by closing my eyes 😂😂...try harder never give up after some years you will be like yo man sungha Jung is a noob 😂 just motivating u guyz no offense to sungha 🙌🏻

[jenjamstudio]

Very interesting! It's my first time learning that you could substitute the string number for PIMA. It is actually a bit easier to memorize the string order using PIMA than numbers. Thank you!

[mauriceuntamed]

Thank you Iren! You taught me my First Arpeggios

[iAngla]

Holy....I'm going back to the beginner videos.

[marciabujold]

I ran across this by accident, and very happy to see a breakdown of the pattern for Blackbird, which I've been learning. I don't feel you are going too fast. However, I would have liked to see your fretting hand, which is not fully in the frame starting at 4:07. Otherwise, very nicely done, thank you!

[arjunchauhan]

Im in love with this girl and her skills

[leahgodson]

Thank you. That was a very nice explanation of 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 finger style picking patterns.

[almagarrido]

Wow! Love how the essential fingerpicking techniques were covered in under 5 min. I'll just have to review all patterns again. Would be helpful if they could all be written down in the description.

[MrWalalaa]

lol at first i really thought they were gonna say PIMP