The 7 Best Songs To Fingerpick on Guitar

The guitar is an instrument of endless versatility, and one of its most captivating techniques is fingerpicking. This unique style, which can be found across various genres, allows a musician to produce intricate melodies and rhythms using just their fingers.

For those embarking on a fingerpicking journey or simply looking to refine their skills, Rocksmith+ emerges as a beacon. With its vast song library of more than 7,000 selections, it provides an unparalleled platform to delve into the nuances of fingerpicking and truly master it.

What Is Fingerpicking Style?

At its core, fingerpicking --- often termed "fingerstyle" --- is a technique where guitarists pluck the strings directly with their fingertips, fingernails, or picks attached to their fingers, as opposed to using a flat pick. Originating centuries ago, this style found its roots in classical guitar but has since branched out to permeate genres from folk and country to rock and blues.

The allure of fingerpicking lies in its ability to produce multiple musical lines simultaneously. A guitarist can play a bass line, harmony, and melody all at once, transforming a single guitar into a mini-orchestra. The breadth of its application is vast, from the melodious tunes of classical pieces to the intricate patterns of modern songs. Furthermore, its versatility is evident in the Rocksmith+ song library, where learners can explore fingerstyle across a myriad of genres, each offering its unique lessons and challenges.

What Are Some Great Songs for Fingerpicking?

Fingerpicking guitar styles range from classical feels to rolls found throughout bluegrass and rock.

1 "Balada Si Roy" by Fiersa Besari

"Balada Si Roy" by Fiersa Besari is a masterclass in emotive guitar work. Its melodic lines, intertwined with intricate fingerpicking patterns, provide both novice and seasoned guitarists with a comprehensive lesson in fingerstyle technique. The song's moderate tempo allows for deliberate practice of transitions between chords, making it ideal for mastering rhythm and coordination.

With its blend of bass and treble notes, learners experience the depth and breadth of fingerpicking, all while immersing in the song's poignant narrative. As part of Rocksmith+'s library, it's a shining example of the beauty and nuance fingerstyle offers.

2 "Lay It on the Line" by Triumph

"Lay It on the Line" by Triumph is an emblematic classic rock track that showcases fingerpicking's versatility in a genre often dominated by powerful strumming. Its melodic guitar intros and bridges provide an engaging playground for learners to practice fingerstyle techniques. The song's rhythmic patterns and chord progressions allow players to develop precision and coordination, essential for fingerpicking.

The slower sections offer a chance to perfect individual note articulation, while the transitions challenge players to maintain fluidity. Aspiring fingerstyle guitarists can use this track, available in Rocksmith+'s library, to refine their skills within a rock context.

3 "Someday Baby" by The Aces

"Someday Baby" by The Aces encapsulates the rich tapestry of acoustic blues music, intertwining emotion with technical prowess. The song stands out for its sublime use of fingerpicking, making it a fantastic choice for those venturing into fingerstyle within the blues genre. Blues, with its raw, emotive core, frequently employs fingerpicking to produce those delicate nuances that make each note resonate deeply. The technique allows for the simultaneous playing of rhythmic bass lines and melodic riffs, essential in blues to convey its signature depth and feel.

"Someday Baby" offers a harmonious blend of these elements, presenting a challenge in maintaining the song's pulsating rhythm while articulating its intricate melodies. For learners on Rocksmith+, the track serves as a comprehensive lesson, emphasizing fingerpicking's role in blues and its capacity to evoke profound emotion, making every pluck and strum a journey through the genre's soulful landscape.

4 "A Promise To Keep" by Brandi Carlile

"A Promise To Keep" by Brandi Carlile is a lyrical gem wrapped in gentle guitar work that beautifully exemplifies the fingerpicking style. The song's tender melodies, played with deliberate plucks and nuanced finger movements, offer an immersive experience for guitarists keen to explore fingerstyle's emotive depths.

Carlile's composition is both melodic and rhythmic, challenging learners to synchronize multiple musical lines simultaneously. The song's pace allows for a deep focus on technique, precision, and expression. For those venturing into fingerstyle, "A Promise To Keep" stands as an evocative lesson, demonstrating the intimate connection between storytelling and the delicate dance of fingers on strings.

5 "Live for the One I Love" by Céline Dion

"Live for the One I Love" by Celine Dion, while recognized primarily for its powerful vocals, offers an underlying guitar arrangement that's beautifully tailored for fingerpicking enthusiasts. The song's emotive progression is accentuated by the guitar's delicate fingerstyle patterns, weaving melody with a supportive rhythm. The transitions between chords are fluid, giving learners a chance to hone their skills in maintaining continuity.

Its moderate tempo is ideal for beginners, allowing them to focus on technique and expression simultaneously. For those aiming to master fingerpicking while exploring popular ballads, this song serves as a compelling and melodious guide.

6 "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg

"In The Hall Of The Mountain King" from Edvard Grieg's "Peer Gynt Suite" is traditionally a piece celebrated in orchestral circles, but its intricate melodies and building tension make it an adventurous choice for fingerstyle guitarists. The composition's progressive tempo and crescendo challenge players to adapt dynamically, demanding precision and pacing. Its repetitive, iconic motif provides a framework to master finger placement and movement across the fretboard.

The piece also allows guitarists to experiment with bass and treble variations, capturing the essence of an entire orchestra with just ten fingers. Venturing beyond typical guitar repertoire to interpret such classical pieces not only hones technical skill but also broadens musical appreciation. For fingerpicking enthusiasts, adapting Grieg's masterpiece offers a unique blend of classical tradition and contemporary technique, making it an exhilarating and rewarding undertaking.

7 "You've Got Me To Hold Onto" by Tanya Tucker

"You've Got Me To Hold Onto" by Tanya Tucker is a country classic that beautifully showcases the nuances of fingerpicking guitar. The song's heartfelt narrative is enhanced by its delicate guitar accompaniment, marked by intricate fingerstyle patterns that weave emotion into every pluck. The rhythmic undertones and melodic riffs give guitarists an opportunity to practice and perfect their finger coordination and dynamics.

Its moderate tempo is beginner-friendly, ensuring learners can focus on technique without feeling overwhelmed. Exploring Tucker's track provides a comprehensive introduction to the soulful intricacies of fingerpicking within the country genre, making it a rewarding endeavor for guitarists.

What Are Some Tips and Tricks for Playing Fingerstyle?

As with any guitar technique, mastery in fingerstyle demands dedication, practice, and a few handy tips:

• Fretting Hand Positioning: It's crucial to ensure that your fretting hand is positioned correctly, allowing each string to resonate clearly. Remember, the hand closest to the guitar headstock, or your "fretting hand," plays a pivotal role in producing clean notes.

• Alternate Thumb Technique: This involves the thumb picking the bass strings (typically the E, A, and D) in a steady rhythm, serving as the backbone of your fingerpicking pattern.

• Picking Hand Mastery: Often termed the "picking hand", it's responsible for producing the melody and harmony. The coordination between your thumb and fingers is vital for a fluid fingerpicking pattern.

• Tuning Is Key: Before diving into any song, ensure your guitar is accurately tuned. Rocksmith+ shines here with its built-in chromatic tuner and the Rocksmith Tuner app, allowing you to take a tuner with you wherever you go and ensuring you're always in tune and ready to play.

Have Fun While Learning Guitar

Fingerpicking, with its delicate intricacies and emotive power, is a technique that can elevate any guitarist's repertoire. Through songs like Tanya Tucker's "You've Got Me To Hold Onto" and the diverse range we've explored, learners experience the vast expanse of musical narratives that fingerstyle can narrate.

Each song, while a lesson in technique, is also an invitation to immerse in its story, emotion, and rhythm. As you journey with Rocksmith+, discovering the more than 7,000 songs from around the world and mastering these tracks, let the beauty of fingerpicking guide and inspire your musical story. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and let every pluck resonate with your passion for the guitar.

Sources:

History of Fingerstyle Technique | FingerstyleGuitar.com

10 Bassline Styles Every Producer Should Know | LANDR

Fretting A Note On A Guitar: The Basics | FuelRocks

Acoustic Blues | Мusic Gateway

The History of Classical Guitar and Its Evolution | Siccas Guitars