Help with finger/classical style technique.

[Lowpro]

This may be an easy fix I don't know. I've been playing pick for at least a year, and I've been trying to play more songs fingerstyle, but more specifically I've tried to do classical style but using a pick as well. Why question really stems from my problem with muting the strings because when I pluck I hit the string above, and it cancels that string out ( a lot of the music I play I will usually play an open A before I start playing my riff) I don't have this issue with picks. I try pulling my finger up more, but the sound is just too twangy, and I can't get any good sound. Is it just a matter of practice or should I just stick with pick classical for those kinds of riffs?

And for anyone that plays classical, what's the easiest way/song to play to get rid of this nasty habit I have, where I keep plucking my ring ringer along with when I pluck with my middle finger. I've been practicing on various songs, but that habit is just nigh unbreakable.

[Rattlehead]

When I am playing parts where I want the lower notes to ring, it is necessary for me to use a different plucking technique. Pull more upward so your finger doesn't rest on the string below it. I don't play classical style but I assume that's how classical guitar players stop themselves from accidentally muting the string below it.

You're right, it's probably much easier to do with a pick, but I suck with a pick, so the finger method, though it took a while to get used to, is better for me.


As for the ring, practice finger independance, there's stuff all over the internet (and probably on this site for that matter too) about it - some involves taping fingers together to get the hang of it.

For example, see the (stickied) Matthew Garrison thread in this forum.

[Lowpro]

I'm trying classical style, mostly because I like havaing that note ring out and it's easier to strike it with the thumb while plucking with the other two simultaneously. More comfortable to me.

[Alun]

Hello. In classical guitar terms, there are techniques called "rest stroke" and "free stroke".

Rest stroke - what you're describing where your finger comes to rest on the next lowest string

Free stroke - this is, I think, what you're after and by the sounds of it what you're 90% close to doing. With this your finger curls back towards your palm a little more, avoiding the lower string. The twanginess you descibe sounds like your either picking a little too hard or pulling up on the string. Aim catch the top quarter of the string ( sort of 10 o'clock if you were looking down the string) so that you sound it and glance off it rather than through it. Hope that helps.

Regarding the middle/ring finger thing, one thing you can do is practice slowly picking the strings four times with each finger, one finger at a time. Try keeping your ring finger in your palm while your middle finger is plucking. It's tricky as they do naturally want to move together. My ring finger often moves with the middle one but, as it doesn't make contact with the string, it doesn't cause too many problems.

Cheers,
Alun

[Lowpro]

Thanks Alun, I like the idea of just holding the ring finger in for middle finger practice. Hopefully I can get this down soon.