BEGINNER LEVEL
Fingerpicking PATTERNS - T213
String-skipping fingerpicking patterns can be trickier than they look
The T213 Pattern
The T213 pattern is a nice challenge for beginners because we are not just playing notes from ‘high to low’ or from ‘low to high’. Rather, we skip certain strings with the fingers which gives a nice effect.
This pattern consists of
- Play the 4th string (D string) with your thumb (T)
- Play the 2nd string (B string) with your middle finger (2)
- Play the 3rd string (G string) with your index finger (1)
- Play the 1st string (E string) with your ring finger (3)
You are probably used to playing a T123 pattern. But this pattern requires different muscle memory and takes some practice. It’s worth sticking with. If you play it for a few days, it will become second nature and no problem at all.
Fingerpicking pattern T213 in D major
Playing the T213 pattern over a D chord
Note the thumb playing the 4th string (as is the default for a D chord).
Fingerpicking pattern T213 in C major
Now we adapt the T213 to a C chord.
Note the thumb playing the 5th string (as is the default for a C chord).
Fingerpicking pattern T213 in G major
Now we adapt the T213 to a G chord.
Note the thumb playing the 6th string (as is the default for a G chord).
PRACTICE EXERCISE
Putting it all together
Now that you have practiced this pattern in each of the 3 chords, try to play them consecutively.
Take this nice and slowly. It’s really good fun but it does take a little while to master.
Watch out for the thumb – is it accurately playing the 4th, 5th and 6th string for the D, C and G chords respectfully?
Your exercise is to play this for 10-15 minutes. Feel free to try it with different chords. Feel free to play it faster or slower or even to make it sound ‘happy’ or ‘sad’. Play with it and make it your own!
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