Unlock Powerful Rhythms with These 12 Fingerpicking Patterns
If you’re a songwriter who uses guitar as your main instrument whilst songwriting, you may have run into the problem of not having enough rhythmic variation in your song. After all, strumming is great. However, when used too much, strumming quickly transforms from great to repetitive. We’ll be addressing this issue in this article by taking you through 12 different finger picking patterns for guitarists of all levels.
This article is a summarised transcript of our video “Sick of Strumming? Here Are 12 Patterns Every Songwriter Should Know!”. Click here to watch the video for more details, explanations and examples.
Before We Begin
There are a few things to keep in mind before we delve into the 12 fingerpicking patterns previously mentioned. First of all, each of the sequences will reference TH, 1, 2, and 3. These symbols refer to the following:
- TH = Thumb
- 1 = Index finger
- 2 = Middle finger
- 3 = Ring finger
Throughout these explanations, we’ll be discussing everything in standard tuning. This means that the strings will be tuned Low E, A, D, G, B, and High E. The thumb will always play the notes on the bass strings ie Low E, and A. On the other hand, fingers 1, 2, and 3 are in charge of playing the higher strings i.e. G, B, and High E. The D string can be played by any of the fingers depending on what the voicing of the chord is.
#1: Forward Roll
A forward roll is played in the sequence TH, 1, 2, and 3. The string which the Thumb plays is moved to accommodate the chord that’s being played. For example, an E chord would have your Thumb play the Low E string, an A chord would have your Thumb play the A string, and a D chord would have your Thumb play the D string.
You can add even more movement to this fingerpicking pattern by changing the strings which fingers 1, 2, and 3 play. Here are two examples of string combinations to play using an open E chord:
Voicing 1 – Low E (TH), D (1), G (2), and B (3)
Voicing 2 – Low E (TH), G (1), B (2), and High E (3)
In terms of differences, Voicing 1 creates a warmer, more mellow tone, whilst Voicing 2 creates brighter tone. In general, the forward roll is great to help provide a song with a sense of forward momentum.
Get our free PDF with diagrams and explanation of all 12 fingerpicking patterns here:
#2: Backward Roll
The backward roll is the same as the forward roll in the sense that the Thumb still goes first. However in a backward roll, the remaining 3 fingers move in the pattern 3, 2, 1, instead of 1, 2, 3. This change in pattern contributes to the backward roll having more of a laid-back, and reflective feel to it.
#3: Forward/ Backward Combos
You can combine both forward and backward rolls to create beautiful sounding movements within each of your chords. Once you’re comfortable with both techniques, this can also be expanded to include variations to your rolls. For example, you could play the following string sequence over an open A Min chord:
A (TH), G (1), B (2), High E (3)
A (TH), High E (3), G (2), D (1)
#4: Pinch & Roll
In the previous techniques, the Thumb plays a bass note, followed by the other fingers. For this rhythmic sequence, you’ll use one of your other fingers to play another note at the same time as your bass note, in a pinch sort of motion. Follow this up with a forward or backward roll. This results in an extra dimension of harmony being added to your playing. Here’s an example of a sequence you can play over D Major using this technique:
D + High E (TH + 3), B (2), G (1)
Once you’re comfortable with the “Pinch” technique, you can experiment with pinching other strings together with your Thumb. This finger picking pattern lends itself well to vamps ie. repetitive chord progressions.
#5: Quick Roll, Slow Roll
This technique consists of two parts – a mini forward roll, followed by a backward roll. To demonstrate this, we’ll use C Major as an example. For the first part of the pattern, play the following string sequence:
A (TH), D (1), G (2)
Then, play a backward roll like so:
B (3), G (2)
This pattern is best used when combined with normal forward or backward rolls, as it helps create momentum in your chord progressions.
#6: Triplets
Benny cites this pattern as being one which helped him fall in love with guitar. It’s a simple sequence consisting of just 3 strings, played consecutively. The only rule is that these sets of 3 have to be played consistently, without any intervals between them. Here’s an example of how this rhythmic pattern would apply to an A Min chord:
D (TH), G (1), B (2), A(TH), G (1), B (2)
#7: Strum + Picking Hybrid
Up to this point, all the patterns we’ve discussed have consisted solely of finger picking. For this sequence, we’re going to change things up a bit by including strums. The first part of this pattern has your Thumb playing the bass note, followed by the rest of your fingers gently brushing the remaining strings to create a strum. Then, you’ll play a sequence of either forward rolls, backward rolls or combos.
Here’s an example of a pattern you could play over G Major:
Low E (TH) + D G B E (Strum with back of 3 2 1), Low E (TH), G (1), B (2), and High E (3)
This pattern creates a relaxed sort of vibe. However, it can also be repurposed for faster tempos by accompanying the strum with a palm mute.
#8: Cluster Smack
A cluster smack refers to the percussive sound which is created when you use the heel of your palm to smack against the strings. These are best used together with forward rolls, as they help provide a sense of momentum to a song’s groove. You can also add extra bass notes with your thumb to create more of a bounce, as well as some interesting chromatic movement.
#9: Thumb & Cluster
In this case, a Cluster refers to what happens when 3 strings are plucked at the same time, using fingers 3, 2, and 1. This pattern can be further expanded by moving the Cluster around the strings. For example, you could play the following pattern over F Major:
Low E (TH), D G B (1 2 3), G B E (1 2 3), D G B (1 2 3)
You can even pulse your fretting hand as you do this to create a lovely staccato sort of sound.
#10: Alternating Thumb & Fingers
This pattern is all about constantly alternating your Thumb and finger in a relentless motion. It’s a great option if you’re going for an Indie Folk sort of vibe. Due to its repetitive nature, you can easily lock into it, and keep it going throughout an entire song. Here’s an example of a string sequence you could play over A Min:
A (TH), D (1), A (TH), G (2), A (TH), B (3), A (TH), G(2)
You don’t have to specifically stick to a strict pattern of 1, 2, 3. Once you’re used to this alternating motion, you can mix up the order of the strings you play, and create your own patterns.
#11: Travis Picking
Travis Picking is one of the most well-known and documented fingerpicking patterns around. Although there are many variations of Travis Picking, the heart of this pattern is an alternating bass line played by your Thumb. For example, over a C Major, your Thumb would move in between the A and D strings. Aside from this pattern, you have the freedom to do any ornamentation you’d like – whether it’s forward rolls, backward rolls, triplets or combos.
#12: Pinching 10ths
For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, a 10th refers to a 3rd played an octave above. This pattern involves pinching a 10th, and following it up with either a forward or backward roll. You can pinch a 10th by plucking the Low E and G strings at the same time.
If you’d like to learn more about this technique, you can watch our video on “Blackbird” by Paul McCartney here.
Conclusion: Unlock Powerful Rhythms with These 12 Fingerpicking Patterns
These 12 fingerpicking techniques are more than just patterns — they’re tools for expression. As a songwriter, the more variety you have in your picking hand, the more emotionally nuanced and sonically rich your compositions can become.
If you would like more details, explanations and examples, then be sure to check out the video now.