5 Fingerstyle Exercises For Speed

by | Oct 5, 2023 | Uncategorized

5 Fingerstyle ExERCISES FOR SPEED

5 Fingerstyle Exercises For SPEED

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Mastering Fingerstyle Exercises for Speed: From Slow Burn to Lightning Fast

 

Fingerstyle is a beautiful technique but it requires precision, dexterity, and speed. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably on a journey to boost your fingerstyle speed. Well, you’re in the right place!
 
These fingerstyle exercises will help you transition from slow-paced accuracy to rapid-fire mastery.
 

The Slow Build-Up: Why Starting Slow is Key

Before diving into the exercises, let’s address the elephant in the room: why start slow?
 
Well, as counterintuitive as it might seem, the best way to play fast with precision is to start slow.
 
Slow practice builds muscle memory, ensures accuracy, and creates a solid foundation.
 
Once the movement becomes second nature, speeding up becomes a walk in the park.
 

5 Essential Fingerstyle Exercises for Speed

Thumb Alternation Exercise: This foundational exercise focuses on the thumb’s control over the E, A, and D strings.
 
Finger Roll Exercise: Moving to the higher strings, this exercise uses the index (i), middle (m), and ring (a) fingers. It’s an upward roll on the G, B, and E strings. It’s all about giving each finger its own moment to shine and preparing them for faster sequences.
 
Combination Thumb and Finger Roll: Start with the thumb on the E and A strings, and then roll through the higher strings using your fingers. This combination creates a blend of bass and melody notes and gets your hand used to moving as one unit.
 
Travis Picking Pattern Exercise: A nod to the popular fingerpicking style. This exercise gets the thumb playing the E and A bass notes while your index and ring fingers play the higher strings. The pattern creates a mesmerizing effect and builds up dexterity.
 
Ascending and Descending Arpeggio: This final exercise is an all-strings-involved task. It takes you on a journey from the low E string, through every string, and back down. This pattern is a fantastic way to ensure every finger and string is getting used.
 

Practice Makes Perfect

Remember, the key is consistency. As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you get. Incorporate these exercises into your daily practice routine. Start with a slower metronome setting, focusing on precision. Then gradually amp up the speed as you get comfortable.
 
Don’t forget to check out our video tutorial to see these exercises in action. With practice and the right techniques you’ll soon see an improvement in your fingerstyle speed.

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