To this point, we have been studying techniques that you may play using a pick. Our next topic, however, will be arpeggios, which are played more easily with your fingers. You will eventually need to learn how to play with your fingers, since they are used to play melody lines in both fingerstyle and classical guitar. The foundational stroke used for this purpose is called the rest stroke. This stroke is the optimum way to produce a fuller sound from each individual note.
Execute the stroke by plucking the string so that when you complete your movement, your fingertip rests on the string right next to the one that you played. This resting on the adjacent string gives the stroke its name. The steps for playing the rest stroke are as follows:
1. Place your fingertip on the string to prepare for the stroke.
2. Pass your finger over the string, allowing your nail to catch the string and sound the note.
3. End your movement by resting your fingertip on the adjacent string.
Most importantly, keep your finger slightly bent. Do not allow your finger joint to yield and flatten as it plays the note. This will weaken your attack. Every tiny adjustment that you make on your technique can improve your tone quality immensely.
Experiment with small alterations, listening carefully for differences in tone. For starters, here is a small experiment to get you going on this process. Approach the stroke from another angle. Allow your fingernail to slide off of the string at a slight angle, your finger slanted in order to hit the string with less force from your nail. This change of your angle of approach, contrasted with the head-on basic stroke, will yield a more delicate tone.
Be patient with yourself. It is much more important to take your time and learn good habits, than to rush this stroke and risk falling into bad habits. Time invested wisely at the beginning will pay dividends of maximizing your overall progress.
Feel free to visit LA Guitar Academy's website for guitar lessons in the Los Angeles area, or go to LAGA Online's home page to take online guitar lessons from the LAGA Faculty.
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