Intermediate · Fingerpicking Basics

Fingerpicking plays the strings individually with your fingers instead of strumming — perfect for ballads and Khmer slow songs.

▸ HAND POSITION (PIMA)
• P (thumb) — plays bass strings: E, A, D
• I (index) — G string
• M (middle) — B string
• A (ring) — high e string

▸ FIRST PATTERN
On a C chord, try: P (5th string) – I – M – A, then back A – M – I. Keep it slow and even. Let every note ring.

▸ TRAVIS PICKING
The thumb keeps a steady alternating bass while the fingers add melody on top. It is the engine behind countless acoustic songs.

▸ ARPEGGIOS
Play the notes of a chord one at a time, low to high. Hold the chord shape and let the notes overlap and ring.

▸ TIPS
• Anchor lightly — let the thumb lead the rhythm
• Grow nails slightly for a clearer tone, or use the fleshy tips for warmth
• Practice one pattern over a 2-chord change before adding more

Next: chord theory and the number system.