Exploring the Possibility of Excelling in Finger Picking Guitar and Electric Rock: A Comprehensive Guide

Is it possible to be good at finger picking guitar and electric rock playing style? The answer is certainly a resounding yes. No one becomes an expert guitarist by sticking to a single genre and style their entire life. The versatility of a guitarist is a testament to their skill and creativity. This article explores how renowned guitarists have successfully merged these two styles, offering insights and tips for aspiring musicians.

Breaking Down the Styles: Finger Picking and Electric Rock

Fingerpicking is a technique that involves plucking the guitar strings with your fingers, typically using your thumb, index, and sometimes the middle and ring fingers. This technique is usually associated with classical or folk music, but many have successfully incorporated it into rock and electric guitar playing. Consider the example of Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits, who is renowned for his ability to blend fingerpicking with rock music. Another notable example is Richard Thompson, whose virtuosic playing is found in both fingerpicking and electric rock.

Key Players in Both Genres

Lindsey Buckingham: Lead guitar player for Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham is a master of fingerpicking in rock music. He's known for his intricate and stylish guitar work, often found in albums like Finger Dance. Billy McLaughlin: This artist has released a CD album titled Finger Dance, a name that aptly describes his playing style, which is deeply rooted in fingerpicking techniques. Leo Kottke: A legendary figure in both fingerpicking and slide guitar, Kottke's album A Morning Like Any Other features the song Morning Is a Long Way Home, showcasing his unique style.

Merging Styles Successfully

Merging fingerpicking with electric rock isn't just possible; it's something that many top guitarists have done. For instance, Mark Knopfler is a prime example, developing his own unique style that blends fingerpicking with electric rock. Similarly, Steve Howe of Yes is a master of various techniques, including fingerpicking, steel string, nylon string, and electric pick playing. His versatility makes him an outstanding example of the potential when combining different styles.

Finger Picking Technique

The key to successful fingerpicking lies in the precision and independence of each finger. The technique typically involves:

Using your right hand thumb to pick down on every beat (1-2-3-4). Using your other fingers (index, middle, and ring) to pick up either on the beat or between beats, independently of the thumb. Getting the thumb to thump accurately on the down beats. Using a thumb pick to accentuate the beat and create a distinct, rhythmic and melodic sound.

A notable characteristic of fingerpicking is its adaptability. Mark Knopfler and his contemporaries often customize their playing style based on the music. Another example is Jeff Beck, who creates an eclectic mix of styles without the use of a pick, making his technique essentially fingerpicking. The style may also differ among guitarists, with some using the thumb for high strings and fingers for low strings.

Examples of Mixture of Styles

J.J. Cale and Jimmy Page are good examples of guitarists who incorporate various playing techniques. Cale uses a clawhammer technique, which primarily involves picking down with the thumb on off-beats, a style often associated with the five-string banjo. On the other hand, Page often combines pick and finger techniques, still maintaining the essence of fingerpicking.

Johnny Winter, influenced by Chet Atkins's style, initially played with a thumbpick but later developed his unique style. Jerry Garcia is another example of a guitarist who seamlessly switches between fingerpicking and using a pick, showcasing his ability to adapt to different styles. Even John Mayer can switch seamlessly between different techniques, including fingerpicking. Lastly, Bob Dylan's transition from acoustic to electric is a notable example of his adaptability, demonstrating that he excels in fingerpicking even when playing electrically.

Conclusion

The combination of fingerpicking and electric rock is not just possible; it's a fruitful avenue for musical exploration. By studying the techniques and styles of these fantastic guitarists, one can gain valuable insights into the art of blending different genres. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, exploring these styles can enrich your musical journey and broaden your creative horizons.