by Mickey Cochran

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Following are exercises that are written in tablature...to learn how to properly read tablature, go to our Tablature Basics Page.

Fingerpicking Pattern Basics

We will first focus on our right hand and learn to properly fingerpick...this will assist you with establishing good timing and a strong picking hand...especially critical in bluegrass settings. You will not need to concern yourself with your sliding hand; our goal is to direct our energies to only the right hand to minimize any confusion.

First start out by making sure that your picks are comfortably placed on your right hand (picking hand). To determine this, try experimenting by picking the strings with your thumbpick followed by your index and middle finger. We will start by counting to 4 while tapping our foot. Each measure will equal four taps of your foot...with four quarter notes...all quarter notes are counted as one beat. The eighth notes, you'll notice below, will take up eight notes within one measure. Within these measures, you'll be counting 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & equating the eight notes within a 4-beat tempo...remember, by tapping your foot, you will be better able to keep an even tempo.

Alternating thumb and index picking:
In the following exercise, we will also incorporate our eighth note patterns by alternating your picking direction with the thumb and index finger...As you count to 4, use an "and" between each count to represent your index finger picking direction in an upward motion. The "&" will now represent the index finger stroke and the count of 1 through 4 on the downbeats will represent the thumb stroke.

Practice the above exercises until you are completely comfortable with your fingerpicking and switching over strings without hesitating between beats. Remember, these exercises are considered accomplished only if you're keeping an even tempo without losing a beat.

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