10 Lessons from Fingerstyle Masters: How to Become a Guitar Ninja

Fingerstyle is not just a way of playing the guitar. It's a true art form that turns every chord into magic. If you want to become a true guitar ninja and master this style, take note of the advice and techniques from the most famous fingerstyle guitarists. In this article, we will explore 10 key lessons that will help you achieve mastery.

1. Use the Entire Fretboard

Lesson from Tommy Emmanuel: “Don't limit yourself to the first five frets”. Tommy recommends learning the entire fretboard. This expands your musical possibilities and allows you to create more complex and interesting compositions. To start, practice scales and arpeggios all over the fretboard to get used to different positions. Tommy often uses the “CAGED” system, which helps systematically study chords across the fretboard.

Additionally, learning chords in different areas of the fretboard helps develop muscle memory, which is crucial for quick movements along the fretboard. You can watch his masterclasses on YouTube.

Video by Tommy Emmanuel on YouTube

2. Alternate Fingers

Tip from Andy McKee: “Learn to properly alternate fingers on your right hand”. The technique of alternating fingers is important for achieving clean and rhythmic sound. Practice at a slow speed, gradually increasing the tempo. For this, you can use a metronome and start with simple exercises, gradually making them more complex.

Alternating fingers also involves the proper use of fingers for different strings: the thumb (P) usually handles the bass strings (E, A, D), while the index (I) and middle (M) fingers handle the middle and high strings (G, B, E). Practice with etudes and simple melodies such as “Für Elise” or “Spanish Romance”. Watch his lessons on the YouTube.

Video by Andy McKee on YouTube

3. Play Melody and Accompaniment Simultaneously

Technique from Don Ross: “Divide your fingers into melodic and accompanying”. This will help you play two parts simultaneously, creating the illusion of two guitarists playing. This technique requires coordination and independent work of each hand's fingers.

Start by separating the melody and bass notes and practicing them separately. Then gradually combine them, starting at a slow tempo. A good example is the song “Michael, Michael, Michael”, where Don demonstrates this technique at the highest level. You can also study pieces by composers such as Bach and Sor, adapted for the guitar. Details can be found on his official website.

Video by Casa de América on YouTube

4. Percussive Techniques

Secret from Michael Hedges: “Use the guitar as a percussion instrument”. Michael often used the guitar body to create rhythmic elements. Experiment with tapping and slapping different parts of the guitar.

Start with simple rhythmic exercises, using your palm and fingers to create different sounds on the guitar body. You can also use the “slap” technique for accenting bass strings. Including these elements in your playing makes it more dynamic and interesting. Check out his technique in his performances on YouTube.

Video by type3secretion on YouTube

5. Play with Harmonics

Insight from Candyrat: “Harmonics add magic to your music”. Practice artificial and natural harmonics to add brightness and airiness to your sound. Harmonics allow you to highlight certain notes, creating an impressive soundscape.

Start with learning natural harmonics on the 12th, 7th, and 5th frets. Then move on to artificial harmonics by pressing the string at the desired fret and lightly touching the string 12 frets higher. In compositions like “Drifting”, you can hear how harmonics enrich the sound. Candyrat videos are available on this channel.

Video by Candyrat Records on YouTube

6. Thumb Technique for Bass

Tip from Antoine Dufour: “The bass line should be clear and powerful”. Hone your bass note playing with your thumb to create a foundation for your composition. This is an important part of fingerstyle as the bass line provides harmonic structure and rhythm.

Use the “thumb slap” technique for accenting bass notes. Practice simple bass lines, such as in the compositions “Catching the Light” and “Development”. Also, try using chord shapes that allow you to play both bass and melodic notes simultaneously. Detailed videos and performances are available on his website.

Video by Antoine Dufour on YouTube

7. Tapping on the Fretboard

Trick from Adam Rafferty: “Use tapping to add new textures”. This technique allows you to produce notes by striking the strings with the fingers of your right hand. It adds a unique rhythmic and melodic element.

Start with simple exercises on one string, then move on to more complex melodies. Using both hands on the fretboard allows you to create polyphonic effects. Examples of tapping can be found in compositions like “Canon in D” and “Billie Jean”. Watch his performances and lessons on his official channel.

Video by Adam Rafferty on YouTube

8. Regular Practice

Method from Alex de Grassi: “Practice makes perfect”. Regular practice and hard work on technique lead to significant progress. Find a balance between learning new techniques and repeating old ones.

Create a practice schedule that includes various aspects of playing: scales, arpeggios, rhythmic exercises, learning new pieces, and techniques. Regular practice not only improves technique but also develops musical thinking and creativity. You can find his tips and exercises on his website.

Video by Alex de Grassi on YouTube

9. Interpretation and Emotions

Advice from Erik Roche: “Put your soul into every note”. Your playing should convey emotions and feelings. Work on dynamics and nuances to make your music come alive.

Start by analyzing the text and melody of the piece you are playing. Understand its emotional content and try to convey it through your playing. Use legato, vibrato, and dynamic changes to express feelings. His unique approach to interpretation can be seen on his official website.

Video by bland old isaac on YouTube

10. Be Creative

Tip from Jon Gomm: “Don't be afraid to experiment”. Try new techniques, mix genres, and find your unique style. Creativity is the key to creating distinctive music.

Study different musical genres and techniques, integrating them into your playing. Create your own arrangements of famous songs, adding your individual approach. Jon Gomm is known for his unusual arrangements and percussive fingerstyle technique, which he actively uses in his compositions. His creative process can be traced on his official website.

Video by Jon Gomm on YouTube

Conclusion: Masters' Secrets

Fingerstyle is not just about playing the guitar but a whole world full of possibilities for creativity and self-expression. Fingerstyle masters are not only virtuoso guitarists but true artists who inspire millions of people worldwide. Mastering fingerstyle requires time, patience, and lots of practice. Use these tips from the masters, and you can become a true guitar ninja, captivating listeners with your playing. Each of these lessons is a step towards your mastery, a path to creating unique music that will resonate in the hearts and souls of people.