The Free Stroke and The “Touch, Rest, Move” Method

There are two main methods of right hand technique on the guitar, called “Free Strokes” and “Rest Strokes”.  For now, we will focus on our free stroke technique” as they are more natural to learn and serve as the basis for a majority of modern finger style guitar playing. We will cover the Rest Stroke later on in this book.

As we learn our free stroke technique, the method to playing Fingerstyle guitar involves a three step method to achieve the balance between good tone and projection of sound. Practice this method with each finger while paying close attention to the technique. There should be no weight in your fingertip, as your knuckle will push your finger through the string.

The concept behind this technique is simple, yet takes a long time to develop in the  player. Essentially, the goal is to relax the fingertip as we use the knuckle to “move” the finger through the string. 

Touch: Place the fingertip and nail on the string. Your finger should be relaxed with a soft “C” shape. There should be no pressure in your fingertip and no weight resting on the string.

Rest: Push your finger from your knuckle and let your fingertip straighten out and rest on the string. There should be no pressure in your fingertip, and the string should not move from its resting position, but should cause the fingertip to bend, as if the string is stronger than your fingertip. 

Move: Quickly move your finger through the string with your knuckle and back towards your palm. Your fingertip should be in the same position as it would be if you had made a closed fist. Angle the finger slightly upward to avoid hitting other strings. Immediately reset your finger back to the starting position and repeat.