Fingerpicking Question.

[beaker]

Neil,
I have been practicing inside out picking (I think otherwise known as travis picking). I have learned a song called Tuolumne by Eddie Vedder. In the song most of the picking is called for on the 2nd to 5th strings. Sometimes it throws in the first string. Typically I have been picking with my thumb, index and middle finger, but when I have to play the first string I have been using my ring finger even though it is harder. Is that the best way or should I be shifting my right hand down to the 1st and 2nd strings and still use my index and middle finger?
I have been wanting to learn more alternate tunings. Is it possible to have a lesson on a song(s) from Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks album? I think he uses a really unique tuning. It would be really cool to learn.
Another request would be a guitar version of My Favourite Things by John Coltrane. Would that be a good one?

Thanks, from Beaker in North Van.

[BigBear]

beaker wrote:

Neil,
I have been practicing inside out picking (I think otherwise known as travis picking). I have learned a song called Tuolumne by Eddie Vedder. In the song most of the picking is called for on the 2nd to 5th strings. Sometimes it throws in the first string. Typically I have been picking with my thumb, index and middle finger, but when I have to play the first string I have been using my ring finger even though it is harder. Is that the best way or should I be shifting my right hand down to the 1st and 2nd strings and still use my index and middle finger?
I have been wanting to learn more alternate tunings. Is it possible to have a lesson on a song(s) from Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks album? I think he uses a really unique tuning. It would be really cool to learn.
Another request would be a guitar version of My Favourite Things by John Coltrane. Would that be a good one?

Thanks, from Beaker in North Van.

Beaker- I have a ring finger that along with his evil twin my pinky, seems to think they don't have to play nice with everyone else! Many, many Travis pickers, including many famous ones. only use three fingers.

But if you really want to be a fingerpicker you must use your thumb and three (P-I-M-A). No exceptions unless you are Django where that isn't an option.

There will be times when you will shift up or down one string. Many guitarists have an aversion to high E for some reason and rarely play it. But as a rule of thumb (no pun intended!) your thumb is responsbile for the three lowest strings (E-A-D) and your other three fingers are assigned one each of the higher strings. It is only the D string that swings both ways.

Good luck!

[Music Junkie]

beaker wrote:

I have learned a song called Tuolumne by Eddie Vedder.

Great song! I have that entire album, and absolutely love it. There are some great guitar tunes in there. Do you have a solid TAB for that song? If so, where did you get it? I would love to see it. I have one, but I think it is off a bit.

Cheers!

MJ

B)

[beaker]

Yeah, It is a great song and has been very good for me to practice my right hand dexterity. I found the tab at Ultimate guitar Archive but the one I used seems to be removed and the only one on there now seems far different form the one I learned it from. I had a hard copy of the tab but I lent it to a friend, if I can think of a way to scan it and email it to you I will, but it may take some time. I think the one I have been playing is quite accurate. Beaker.

[Music Junkie]

beaker wrote:

Yeah, It is a great song and has been very good for me to practice my right hand dexterity. I found the tab at Ultimate guitar Archive but the one I used seems to be removed and the only one on there now seems far different form the one I learned it from. I had a hard copy of the tab but I lent it to a friend, if I can think of a way to scan it and email it to you I will, but it may take some time. I think the one I have been playing is quite accurate. Beaker.

No problem, don't go to any trouble. If you can get it, great! If not, it will show up somewhere again.

I really like his rendition of "Hard Sun" (originally done by Indio - or Gordon Peterson) and also "Society". Fine album....

:laugh:

[beaker]

Thanks for the tips on fingerpicking. I will keep working on using my ring finger.