Soloing Using Your Fingers
Lesson time: (1min 47sec)
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Play Authentic Texas Blues Guitar
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
Music Lesson: Exploring Fingerstyle Techniques
This third example of how you can solo is about stepping out of your head into a more traditional playing style.
Influences
Some notable artists who often use fingerstyle techniques include:
- Johnny Guitar Watson
- Gameouth Brown
- Jimmy Vaughan
- Albert Collins
These musicians tend to play with their fingers rather than with a pick, resulting in a distinctly different texture.
Rhythm & Technique
In the last example we looked at, the rhythmical aspect relied heavily on the plectrum doing all the work. However, this technique focuses on using your fingers.
A Favorite Lick
One of the licks I particularly enjoy is:
- Slide up on the B string to the fifth fret
- Play the octave on the E string
This creates a cool sound.
Adding a Funky Twist
If you bend the B string slightly, it gives you a funky feel:
"It just goes a bit sharp."
In relation to the top E string, you achieve a sort of unison sound.
Sound Characteristics
You get this kind of effect:
- Playing on the bridge pickup of the guitar provides a unique tone.
- It almost sounds vintage, like an "old-fashioned" sound in a way.
Practice Tip
Try going between different positions:
- Position 1
- Position 2
Now, I'm going to play along with the backing track with that in mind, incorporating fingerstyle as just another texture.
Final Thought
It goes through like this...
About the instructor
Scott McKeon has given a lifetime of dedication to his craft as a guitarist. Initially inspired by his dad's love of blues, soul and rock music, he took up the guitar at the age of four and has developed a reputation as one of the UK's most in-demand guitarists, both in the studio and performing live. In 2014, Scott got a call to play in Sir Tom Jones' band, alongside Robbie McIntosh and Pink Floyd drummer Gary Wallis. The blues, rock 'n' roll and gospel-orientated set allows Scott to call on his early influences and travel the globe. Performances so far have included five European tours, three tours of the US and South America, and tours of Australia and the Far East, as well as TV appearances including Later... with Jools Holland and TFI Friday, and playing New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2019. Scott's third album, 'New Morning', is an earthy, raw, guitar-led record showcasing his range and ability as a guitarist. The album was recorded live in the studio at RAK in London, capturing the energy and spontaneity of the sessions. It was produced by Paul Stacey (Black Crowes/Oasis), and features Jeremy Stacey (Sheryl Crow/Tal Wilkenfeld) on drums, Rocco Palladino (Tom Misch/D'Angelo) on bass, and Gavin Conder (Rufus Black/The Kondoors) as vocalist on several tracks. Scott also has a signature fuzz pedal and signature pickups, modelled on his '62 Strat. In his course, Scott shares the tone, phrasing and feel behind authentic Texas blues guitar, showing you how to dig into the style and make every note sing. read more