Fingerstyle
Playing with the fingers rather than a pick, either by plucking with the flesh and nails of the thumb and fingers or with a thumbpick and fingerpicks.
The technique allows the thumb to hold a bass line while the fingers play melody or chords independently, which is why so much solo guitar music is written for it. Tone differs from a pick as well: the attack is softer and rounder, and plucking position along the string becomes the main way to change brightness, since there is no plectrum to choose. Fingerstyle also opens up percussive techniques on the body and strings.
Example: a Travis-picked accompaniment keeps a steady alternating bass under a melody played with the fingers.
See also
Related
- PagePick
- PageAccessory
- PageAcoustic-electric
- PageAcoustic guitar
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley
- PageAd-Rock
- ReferenceCircle of fifths