Recommend me a book to learn finger style

[SixShooter]

I am an intermediate level guitarist and would like to learn finger style picking for acoustic and then maybe later apply it to electric. I have only ever used a pick so I need instruction that starts with the basics. Can you recommend a book? I'd prefer one that comes with a cd.

A friend recommended this one. Is it a good one?:
Fingerstyle Guitar Method: A Complete Guide with Step-by-Step Lessons and 36 Great Fingerstyle Songs (Hal Leonard Guitar Method (Songbooks))

 

[daniel89]

find a teacher and learn classical guitar.

 

[pizza4breakfast]

I can't say much about a beginners book, however; once your feet are wet, I recommend you check out Stephen Bennett's fingerpicking song book. Most songs are advanced in every sense of the word. If you can stick it out you'll be rewarded but I can't promise it'll be easy! It ships with a cd and there are pointers from Stephen for all the especially tricky passages and fingerings.

 

[straightface]

If you're into blues check out "Beginning Fingerstyle Blues Guitar" by Arnie Berle. Another one is Country Blues Guitar Basics. Don't know the author on that one but its put out by Acoustic Guitar magazine. I'm not familiar with the one you mentioned.

 

[gerry123]

google Mark Hanson for fingerpicking basics and more.

gerry

 

[Wailin' Tele]

Lot of different fingerpicking styles to learn, which one(s) are you interested in?

 

[FirstBassman]

I know you said "book" but Happy Traum has "converted" his old 'book n' cassette' lessons into DVDs.

You may wanna check them out.

There are also lots of videos from other instructors too.

www.HomespunTapes.com

And there's always a $1300 workshop at Fur Peace . . .

 

[SixShooter]

find a teacher and learn classical guitar.

Nah.

I can't say much about a beginners book, however; once your feet are wet, I recommend you check out Stephen Bennett's fingerpicking song book. Most songs are advanced in every sense of the word. If you can stick it out you'll be rewarded but I can't promise it'll be easy! It ships with a cd and there are pointers from Stephen for all the especially tricky passages and fingerings.

I'll keep that in mind when I get some confidence.

If you're into blues check out "Beginning Fingerstyle Blues Guitar" by Arnie Berle. Another one is Country Blues Guitar Basics. Don't know the author on that one but its put out by Acoustic Guitar magazine. I'm not familiar with the one you mentioned.

I'll look into those.

google Mark Hanson for fingerpicking basics and more.

gerry

I have seen that one. It gets high ratings but some people say it it extremely basic. What do you think?

Lot of different fingerpicking styles to learn, which one(s) are you interested in?

I'd like to be able to play in a style like James Taylor. I think if I could do that there would be lots I could do with it. Not sure what style you call that. Is it 'Travis'?

I know you said "book" but Happy Traum has "converted" his old 'book n' cassette' lessons into DVDs.

I'll check those out.

 

[Wailin' Tele]

You need to get your right hand fingers in shape, if this is completely new to you start off by arpeggiating chords, a good rule of thumb is to use your thumb on the e, a, and d, strings, index on the g, middle on the b, and ring finger on the high e. Start with simple arpeggio's, on 6 string chords like e and g, alternate the thumb with different bass notes.

If you are already comfortable moving around like this than id suggest finding a james taylor tutorial on youtube and jump into the fire. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Califiddler]

If you want to play like James Taylor, Paul Simon, etc., the basis of their styles is alternating-bass fingerpicking, also called Piedmont style, Cotten picking, Miss. John Hurt style, Travis picking, etc. etc. It's a very versatile style with which you can do anything from simple accompaniment for singing to complex instrumental pieces such as those by John Fahey, Leo Kottke, etc.

I would find a book/CD that teaches that specific style. if you can't find anything else, Mark Hanson's Contemporary Travis Picking, or whatever it's called, would do.

You have to start extremely slowly (or I had to, anyway) to be able to keep playing the alternating bass with your thumb while playing the syncopated melody notes with your fingers. It's worth the time investment. Eventually you get to the point where your thumb is on autopilot and you don't have to think about it - you're doing the alternating bass thing, with some bass runs, etc., with your thumb, and improvising with your fingers.

It's a terrific solo style.

Good luck!

 

[greggorypeccary]

And there's always a $1300 workshop at Fur Peace . . .

Better yet, just learn all the tunes off the first Hot Tuna record. That'll only set you back about $10.


No matter what you do - books, dvd's, lessons, all three - you need to work your a$$ off to get the independence of the fingers and thumb. There are no shortcuts or special methods that will get you there faster.
I'm still working on it after 20 years...