Now it's time to learn some right-hand fingerpicking techniques. The first thing you need to know are the terms used when speaking of right-hand fingerstyle techniques. Each finger is assigned a specific letter that is written on the music staff. The letters for the fingers were derived from the Spanish names for the fingers on the picking hand (see below; Spanish name is in parentheses):

• p = Thumb (pulgar)

• i = Index finger (indicio)

• m = Middle finger (medio)

• a = Ring finger (anular)

These fingerings work for both classical styles and steel-string finger-picking styles, but were developed primarily for classical guitar. Using open strings only, play the exercise shown in FIGURE 8-13 and demonstrated in Track 46.

This is a very simple exercise to get your fingers used to the pattern of fingerpicking on all of the strings. The reason you'll begin this exercise on open strings is because they are the most difficult to control.

For good classical technique, it's best to grow your nails slightly so that you get a nice percussive attack. You should also arch your wrist slightly so that your fingers are vertical to the strings.

The difference between the hand position in folk/blues right-hand picking and classical guitar playing is one of degree. Note that while the folk/ blues position seems more relaxed, it can also cause some muscle strain if you're not careful. Practice the patterns shown in FIGURE 8-14 (and demonstrated on Track 47 of this book's CD) for 10 minutes a day. They will help you to develop better coordination and muscle memory.