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Guitar Lesson Overview
Here is a good finger picking pattern you can practice over pretty much any chord. In this lesson, I am using the pattern P-M-I-A, which means thumb - middle finger - index finger - ring finger. Don't ask why that doesn't match up with the letter abbreviations - I don't really understand it myself. The letters P-I-M-A are a kind of standard for indicating which right hand fingers are being used and when.
Anyhow, in this example I am playing over C - Am - Dm and G7. In my example, the thumb is always playing the root note - the lowest note of these chords. You can of course apply this same picking pattern over any chord you like. Try it and let me know what you think. I'll post more examples of picking patterns in future lessons.
Comment on this?
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Comments on this video lesson:
Hi Robert, I am amazed I haven't run across your tutorials before but I have my favorites and only so much time! Your teaching is great and spot on. You break it down nicely and present it so it seems easy. The important thing is to always play it first so we know the goal up front. So many "instructors" just want to show off, not teach. Keep up the great work - I've been reviewing all of your offerings for the past 2 days and will choose some to work on. I will contribute to you as you deserve it. I love the idea of a Skype lesson; I'm plateaued and need a bit of a push right now.
Thanks. Paul D
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Thanks a lot for all the feedback. I am glad my work is appreciated.
Comment added on February 03, 2012Robert:
This is wonderful! Other instructors say they wish to share their knowledge and teachings in the name of human kind and true meaning of the joy of playing music, then ask for your charge card, you just do it!! I've already sent you email but you have my full support and appreciation and I believe everyone here should contribute whatever they can to support your generosity! I tell you...my interest and love of guitar has opened up light years since discovering your free videos as well as my faith in people. You are a great soul, Robert!! Please keep it up and everyone should support you however they can!!
Jim
In Portuguese It means:
P - Polegar
M - Médio
I - Indicador
A - Anelar
It's definately a Latin thing :-P
Great lesson by the way...
Great lesson.. this seems so simple..only problem I have is hitting that second thumb (bass) note in time.. this is the key to the whole rhythm...thanks so much for this.. I will practice til I (finally ) get it.. exactly what I need to move on.
Comment added on August 11, 2010very nice lesson, thanks. great easy tune
Comment added on March 06, 2010pmia = latin.
Comment added on November 25, 2009great
Comment added on July 03, 2009i am crazy about guitar so learn more and more
Comment added on February 26, 2009I've been studying a little classical guitar lately (I'm not a classical guy generally, I just love playing) and even though this isn't strictly classical stuff, I did notice that your thumb positioning is great from a classical p.o.v. Apparently, it helps make the bass notes stronger. Great lesson anyway. Thanks
Comment added on January 05, 2009Guys, the finger letters in Italian are:
P-Pollice
I-Indice
M-Medio
A-Anulare
Finger names share the same latin root, in this case English doesn't rule the strings. Music hasn't language barriers.
;-)
Nice lesson, but I wouldn't call it finger picking, more of an arpeggiated accompaniment rhythm pattern. I know these terms are often confusing so... great lesson!
Comment added on July 10, 2008The letters P I M A originate from the home of the classical guitar... Spain and the Spanish language:
P = Pulgar [thumb]
I = Indice [index finger]
M = Medio [middle finger]
A = Anular [ring finger]
Top lesson as always.
Hope this helps!
Really I love to learn the finger picking and from your video its much useful for me to practice it.
Comment added on June 18, 2008Hi! Thanks for the lessons.
If I may, the letter P-M-I-A commes from the name of the fingers in french.
P: Pouce
M: Majeur
I: Index
A: Annulaire
I usually finger pick 'Whatever' when I play. But these tips will help me structure my picking a bit better. Thanks
I rest my pinky on the pickguard when I play... anything wrong with that?
I enjoy your lessons , they are easy to understand
Comment added on June 17, 2008Want to talk about any of these guitar lesssons?
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