Using Your Right Hand

Hey, guitar lovers! In this post, I'm going to show you how to use your right hand to pluck the guitar strings like a pro. Whether you want to use a pick, your thumb, or your fingers, I've got you covered with some tips and tricks. Let's get started!

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Plucking with your thumb: 

Your thumb is a great tool for plucking the bass strings of the guitar. To use your thumb, you need to:

1. Rest your thumb on the sixth string (the thickest one).

2. Push down on the string and bring your thumb across that string and let it rest on the next string.

3. Repeat that on each string.

P.S. It will be a good idea to pluck each string four times to solidify this movement. And while you can pluck every string with your thumb, it will be good idea to try out the other plucking methods too. Otherwise, your thumb is going to get sore fast.

Using your fingers:

Your fingers are the most versatile and expressive way to pluck the guitar strings. It's because they allow you to play many notes on different strings all at one time. And they can create different textures and dynamics without any technological help.

Let's start with your index finger.

Push down towards the sound hole (don’t pluck yet) on the 1st string. 

Now let your index finger slip off the string towards your face and let it rest on the upper string. 

Do that again four times on each string with your index finger. 

Do it all again with your middle finger. Then do it again with your ring finger. 

Now do it in pairs. Pluck once with your index finger then with your middle finger. Both on the same string. Pluck each string four times (alternate between your index and middle finger). 

Try it with the other finger combos as well (index-ring and middle-ring). 

P.S. Don't use your nails or the tips of your fingers, but rather the fleshy part near the base of your nails.

Congratulations you can play with your fingers.

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Playing with a pick:

Plucking the string with a pick is quite similar. Let’s start with holding the pick though. 

1. Give yourself a “thumb’s up” with your right hand.

2. Place the pick on your index finger with the tip of the pick facing your left hand. 

3. Put it on the last joint of your index right on the bone. 

4. Put your thumb down over the pick, pressing it against the index finger. 

5. Now put your pick on the same string as before (the one closest to your face) and press the pick against the string. 

6. Bring the pick across that string. Let the pick rest on the next string (like when you plucked it with your thumb).

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Plucking with your index fingernail

1. Pretend like you’re holding the pick without the pick being there. But keep your index finger out.

2. Put your thumb behind your index finger for support.

3. Pluck the strings the index fingernail. Keep your arm still and move only your wrist. You’re going to pluck down with the fingernail.

And that's how you use your right hand to pluck the guitar strings! I hope you found this post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy plucking!