Is Fingerstyle Hard? Songs to Get You Started
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For most guitarists, a pick is all you’ll need. However, to get some more emotion and sophistication into your playing, you may want to ditch it. Fingerstyle guitar can get pretty challenging. Don’t worry though! Here are some well-known songs to start your fingerstyle journey.
Is Fingerstyle Hard? Songs to Get You Started?
Oh no… acoustics. The nemesis of Gearnews. Have no fear! This run-down of tunes can be played on whatever guitar you like. Playing them on an electric guitar might be easier for you anyway. But who can deny that sweet dreadnaught sound?
Fingerstyle on the guitar can feel like a mountainous journey. However, it doesn’t have to be. Unless you want to look at bespoke song arrangments, you only need basic TAB reading and common dexterity. Let’s check out some fingerstyle songs to get you started.
Everybody Hurts – REM
Firstly, we’re kicking off our pick with this early ’90s number by R.E.M. Everybody Hurts is a solid starting point, as in the verses we only need two chords.
What are those two chords? Well, I’m glad you asked. D and G major. This piece has a 6/8 time signature. Compared to 4/4, which has four beats in a bar, we can count along to this song thusly; one two three, four five six – across each bar.
To play the main riff, we want to fret an open D major chord, and with our right hand strike the D, G, B and high E strings. We then move to our G chord. Here, we start on the low E string, as this is the root note, and then follow the same pattern. Take a look at the TAB.
Is Fingerstyle Hard? – Everybody Hurts
Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
Now, this one is a bit of a hack. Nothing Else Matters is quite the Rubix Cube when it comes to guitar riffs and techniques.
However, the opening bars of this iconic song features another simple 6/8 fingerstyle demonstration.
This time, we don’t need any chords. Just pick away at some open strings and capture one of the world’s most loved songs.
Is Fingerstyle Hard? – Nothing Else Matters
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley
Thirdly, we have this legendary ballad, originally written and performed by Leonard Cohen. Here though, we’re looking at that deep reverb fingerstyle of Jeff Buckley.
Played on his trusty Telecaster, this rendition of Hallelujah is stunning. The way Buckly dances between the chords in the progression, thanks to this fingerstyle arrangement, is sublime.
Coupled with tonnes of reverb, you’ll be learning this in no time. Check it out:
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac Fingerstyle
Okay, in all honesty, this is where things start to get a bit more complicated… Is fingerstyle hard? Almost. Let’s see what’s going on.
Played with a capo on the third fret, and taken from their showstopping album, Rumors. Landslide has just three chords: C, G/B and Am7. These are all nice and simple. This time we’re in 4/4 so that’s nice and straightforward too.
In the right hand, Lindsay Buckingham uses a repeated fingerstyle pattern that appears a little confusing at first. You start by picking the root note of each chord, followed by the G, D and B strings. This alternate order is tricky to begin with, but you’ll soon get it down!
Is Fingerstyle Hard? – Landslide
Blackbird – The Beatles
Concluding our list is arguably the most challenging fingerstyle piece on here. Let’s check out what makes Blackbird tick. Or, squawk, if you will.
Throughout the song, you’ll need to pick, the A string, acting as our root on each chord, followed by the B and G string. We can do this with our thumb, middle and index finger. Sounds easy enough, right?
However, to grasp this fingerstyle piece fully we need to learn some new chord shapes. Somewhat unconventional, these new shapes span almost the entire neck. Although, of all the songs on this list, it will undoubtedly make you sound like a pro.
Is Fingerstyle Hard? I’ll Let You Decide…
What do you think? We’ve gone through some contrasting songs with varying difficulties. Essentially, most fingerstyles just overcomplicate basic arpeggios and add fancy rhythms. Marry those rhythms to a capo, or an alternate tuning and some meaningful lyrics and you end up with something that sounds complicated.
Take a look at this gear that is relevant to this article:
Fender Telecaster
Fender Vibro Champ
BOSS RV-6
Taylor Premium Acoustic Guitar
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