D Minor / F Major Finger Picking Pattern 1
Outline
Pattern 1 for D minor and F is very similar to Pattern 1 for C Major / Am. We will be using different strings for this one though and I am already breaking the rule that the thumb is used for string 4, 5, and 6. Here we will also use it for string 3.
Concepts
* Four Note Picking Pattern
* Downbeats played with the thumb
* Offbeats played with fingers
Playing time: 6:14
Pattern 1 – Dm
This pattern uses strings 4, 3, 2 and 1.
Start by fretting D Minor with the left hand.
On the right hand, the thumb alternates between strings 4 and 3 on the down beats. Practice that until it’s comfortable. Again, you should sing the root note as you go.
In this pattern, your first finger will be used to play the second string and your second finger will be used to play the first string.
Add your second finger on the first string with the thumb on beat 1 and practice that counting out the beats while you’re playing.
Next, on the second half of beat two play the second string with your first finger.
Next step, on the second half of the third beat, play the first string with your second finger.
Final step, on the & of 4, play the second string with your first finger.
String Naming
41 3 2 4 1 3 2
Pattern 1 – F Major
This same pattern works well with the simple four note F Major chord.
Just change the chord with your left hand. Keep the right hand fingers doing the exact same thing as with D minor.
Practice that until you establish some comfort
Alternate Between D Minor and F Major
So now let’s slowly practice finger picking alternating between D minor and F Major.
Things To Work On
If you can’t play it slow, you can’t play it fast.
Start slowly and build up speed.
Hopefully, now that you’ve been practicing the finger picking pattern in C Major, you will pick up on this pattern more quickly. Keep going and you’ll get it.
Ear Training
Keep practicing singing the root notes.
Finger Picking Pattern 1 – C Major / Am
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Finger Picking Pattern 1 in E Minor / G
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