fingerpicked
Played without plectrum
Fingerpicked describes music played by plucking strings directly with the fingers rather than a pick or plectrum.
The technique is common in folk, classical, and blues guitar, producing a softer, more intricate sound: a fingerpicked acoustic ballad, She fingerpicked her way through the folk song.
The verb is fingerpick; the technique is fingerpicking.
Plucking strings directly
- arpeggioSuccessive chord tones
- pluckSpirit or yank
- thumbpickDigit-worn string striker
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
dexterity · precision · nail · flesh · tremolo · tab · classical · flamenco
Thin flexible lines
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
- unpluggedDisconnected from power
folk · ballad · fretboard · tuning · capo · dreadnought · parlor · guitar
Successive chord tones
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- motifRecurring thematic element
- tuneMusical sequence of notes
refrain · syncopation · cadence · interlude · prelude · bassline · voicing · accompaniment
Soft and kind
- delicateEasily broken or harmed
- softYielding to touch
- nuancedHaving fine distinctions
- subtleNot immediately obvious
expressive · quiet · tender · hushed · personal · sparse · meditative · reflective
fingerstyle
Plucking strings directly
pattern · dexterity · precision · nail · flesh · tremolo · tab · classical · flamenco · syncopation
strings
Thin flexible lines
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- steelCarbon-hardened iron alloy
- resonanceAmplified oscillation at natural frequency
unplugged · folk · ballad · fretboard · tuning · capo · dreadnought · parlor · guitar · soundhole
arpeggio
Successive chord tones
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
- motifRecurring thematic element
tune · refrain · syncopation · cadence · interlude · prelude · bassline · voicing · accompaniment · ostinato
gentle
Soft and kind
subtle · expressive · quiet · tender · hushed · personal · sparse · meditative · reflective · lyrical