Fingers 2,3 and 4 should only be used on the corresponding strings - for fault-free fingerpicking. Each finger plays not only conventional upstroke, but also downstrokes. You can compare it with playing with 3 plectres - attached to each of the fingers 2, 3 and 4. Finger 1 can be occasionally released from the place under the thumb to join the others, eg. playing a long melody line extending to the 4th or 5th string.
Forehand - steady rotating back and forth for good slapping momentum
Finger 1 - always placed just under the thumb - for funky 16th notes bass lines. The fist and the fingers are controlled and adjusted by the following: All fingers - incl. the thumb should be relaxed and feel heavy enough to be thrown down towards the strings - for punchy accentuated sound Fingers 2-3-4 - add extra outwards momentum - for good accentuated downstroke and better tone. This will compensate for weaker muscle force - compared to upstroke. Fingers 2-3-4 - stick together to create extra momentum. |