Unlock the expressive world of guitar playing without a pick! Dive into 10 captivating acoustic fingerstyle guitar songs, complete with easy-to-follow TABs. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, this guide provides the resources you need to play beautiful music with your fingers.

With these Fingerpicking Guitar Tabs, you’ll quickly grasp essential techniques, enabling you to learn and play your favorite songs more efficiently. We offer downloadable PDF files of fingerstyle guitar tabs, making it easy to practice anytime, anywhere.

Beyond the song selections, you’ll discover:

A beginner’s guide to essential fingerpicking patterns.
A clear explanation of PIMA and T123 finger designations.
Techniques to expand your skills, including pinch harmonics and tremolo.
Proven strategies for learning songs effectively using TABs.

Let’s embark on your fingerstyle guitar journey!

10 Essential Fingerstyle Songs with Guitar Tabs

This curated list of songs begins with accessible fingerstyle guitar tabs perfect for beginners and gradually progresses to more challenging pieces, ensuring a smooth learning curve.

The first six songs are expertly composed by Collin Hill, a renowned fingerstyle guitar specialist.

Collin Hill is also the instructor behind Pickup Music’s comprehensive Fingerstyle Learning Pathway.

When starting with fingerstyle guitar, Collin advises focusing on developing a consistent tone with each finger. “Ideally,” he says, “we aim for each finger to produce a sound that is indistinguishable from the others.”

#1 Stepping Stones

#2 Coffee Break

#3 Beginnings

#4 Stargazing

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#5 Motion

#6 Lupin

#7 Happy Birthday

#8 Silent Night

#9 Danny Boy

#10 Hallelujah

We hope you find these free fingerstyle guitar TABs inspiring and helpful!

Continue reading to understand why tablature is so beneficial for learning fingerstyle and to explore our top recommendations for popular fingerstyle songs.

Why Fingerpicking Guitar Tabs are a Game Changer for Learners

Learning fingerstyle guitar often presents challenges. Discerning which fingers to use for specific strings or identifying underlying chords can be tricky when watching your favorite guitarists. The guitar neck’s layout, with multiple positions for the same note, further complicates the learning process.

Guitar TABs provide a crucial visual aid, simplifying the learning curve and accelerating your progress. They offer a clear pathway to understanding song structure and finger placement, making it easier to learn songs accurately and efficiently.

TABs and Rhythm Notation: What to Watch Out For

It’s important to note that standard guitar TABs frequently lack detailed rhythm notation. To overcome this, always use a recording of the song you are learning as a reference. Listening closely will help you internalize the rhythm and timing.

Distinguishing between note durations like quarter notes and half notes can also be challenging in TAB. In standard music notation, a half note is represented by an open note head, while a quarter note has a filled note head.

In TAB, however, the fret number replaces the note head. Consequently, half notes and quarter notes appear visually identical, represented only by the fret number.

All other rhythmic elements, such as rests and ties, are typically notated in TAB just as they are in standard musical notation.

Begin your fingerstyle journey with beginner fingerstyle guitar TABs and gradually progress to more intricate songs as your skills develop.

Below is a helpful video lesson from guitarist and music theory expert Jamey Arent, offering a concise explanation of rhythm notation:

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TABs and Expressive Techniques: Adding Flavor to Your Playing

Classic fingerstyle guitar TABs often present the basic notes needed for a song. However, as you venture into genres like fingerstyle blues or chord melody arrangements of popular songs, you’ll encounter additional symbols. These symbols indicate various expressive playing techniques that add depth and character to your performance.

Hammer-on

The letter “H” in a TAB indicates a hammer-on. This technique involves striking a string with a fretting finger to produce a note, relying on the force of the hammer-on rather than the picking hand.

Pull-off

The letter “P” signifies a pull-off. In this technique, you fret a note and then pull your finger off the string, causing it to sound a lower note that is already fretted on a lower fret.

Bend

Bend notations in TABs often use arrows. The first type, a curved arrow followed by “r,” indicates a half-step bend that is then released back to the original pitch. Other arrows, often upward-pointing, denote a whole-step bend, typically without release unless otherwise indicated.

Slide

A diagonal line connecting notes, or the abbreviation “sl.”, indicates a slide. To perform a slide, play a note and then smoothly slide your fretting finger up or down the fretboard to the next noted fret, without lifting the finger from the string.

Muted Notes and Ghost Notes

The symbol “X” in TAB represents a muted note. This is achieved by lightly resting your fretting hand fingers on the strings to dampen them, producing a percussive, muted sound rather than a clear pitch. These are also sometimes referred to as ghost notes.

For a comprehensive guide to all TAB symbols, check out our detailed article: The ultimate guide to reading guitar TAB.

Which Fingers to Use for Fingerpicking: PIMA & T123

In fingerstyle guitar, each finger of your picking hand has a specific role. Instructions often use either the PIMA system (rooted in Spanish guitar) or the T123 system. Both systems essentially map fingers to numbers or letters:

P or T = Thumb
I or 1 = Index finger
M or 2 = Middle finger
A or 3 = Ring finger

While even advanced fingerstyle guitar TABs might not always specify finger assignments for each note, the diagram below serves as a helpful general guideline.

Keep in mind that musical styles and player preferences vary. Not all songs require or utilize all four fingers. Some players may primarily use just the thumb and index finger, or perhaps thumb, index, and middle finger. Experiment to discover what feels most natural and effective for you.

Beginner-Friendly Fingerpicking Patterns with Tabs

To get you started, here are TABs for three popular and foundational fingerpicking patterns. Begin practicing these patterns with your fretting hand muting the strings. This allows you to focus solely on your picking hand technique without the distraction of chords. Once comfortable, apply these patterns to chord shapes you already know.

Fingerstyle Picking Pattern #1 – T123

In this pattern, your thumb (T) is responsible for plucking the bass notes, typically the lower strings (E, A, D). Your index (1), middle (2), and ring (3) fingers will pluck the higher strings (G, B, high E), creating a balanced and rhythmic foundation.

Fingerstyle Picking Pattern #2 – T12321

This pattern, T12321, is particularly well-suited for songs in 6/8 or 3/4 time signatures, offering a flowing, waltz-like feel. It expands on the previous pattern by adding a return sweep with the middle and index fingers, creating a more intricate and melodic texture.

Fingerstyle Picking Pattern #3 – Incorporating the Pinch

For those seeking a greater challenge, this pattern introduces “the pinch,” a technique where you pluck two strings simultaneously. This adds a dynamic and percussive element to your fingerstyle playing, creating a richer and more complex sound.

Top 10 Fingerstyle Guitar Songs to Learn

Stuck on choosing your next fingerstyle piece? Here are 10 highly recommended and beloved fingerstyle songs, perfect for expanding your repertoire. These songs sound fantastic on both electric and acoustic guitars, so choose the instrument that inspires you most!

10 – Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotton (Classic folk fingerpicking at its finest)

9 – Look Up by Joy Oladokun (Contemporary fingerstyle with soulful vocals)

8 – More Than Words by Extreme (Acoustic ballad showcasing delicate fingerstyle)

7 – Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton (Emotionally resonant fingerstyle ballad)

6 – Fast Car by Tracy Chapman (Simple yet powerful fingerstyle accompaniment)

5 – Jolene by Dolly Parton (Country classic with a driving fingerstyle rhythm)

4 – The Wind by Yusuf / Cat Stevens (Gentle and melodic fingerstyle folk)

3 – Heartbeat by José Gonzalez (Intricate nylon-string fingerstyle)

2 – Hallelujah as played by Jeff Buckley (Soulful rendition with dynamic fingerstyle arrangement)

1 – Blackbird by The Beatles (Iconic fingerstyle pattern and melody)

Level Up Your Fingerstyle: Advanced Techniques to Explore

Hybrid Picking: Best of Both Worlds

Why choose between fingers and a pick when you can use both? Hybrid picking combines the precision of a pick with the versatility of fingerstyle. Chet Atkins, a fingerstyle legend, frequently employed a thumb pick in his playing. Many hybrid pickers hold a standard pick between their thumb and index finger, using it for the lower strings while their remaining fingers handle the upper strings.

Molly Miller, instructor for Pickup Music’s CAGED Learning Pathway, is a modern master of hybrid picking. Explore our beginner guide to hybrid picking to delve deeper into this technique.

Using a Capo: Change Keys Effortlessly

A capo is a clamp-like device that you attach to your guitar neck to raise the pitch of all strings. It effectively shortens the playable string length. In TABs, when a capo is used, the fret where the capo is placed becomes fret 0.

If you’re new to capos or seeking tips on optimal usage, learn how to use a guitar capo in our detailed guide.

Alternate Tunings: Expand Your Sonic Palette

Standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) is just the starting point. Many fingerstyle guitarists experiment with alternate tunings to achieve unique sounds and textures. Drop D and DADGAD are two of the most popular alternate tunings in fingerstyle guitar.

Pro Tip: Always check for tuning instructions at the top of any TAB you use. Fret numbers remain consistent in TAB regardless of tuning, but using the wrong tuning will drastically alter the song’s sound.

6 Fingerstyle Guitarists You Should Know

To broaden your musical horizons, here are six influential fingerstyle guitarists who have shaped the landscape of the genre. Creating your own list of favorite players can be a powerful source of inspiration and direction for your practice.

Jewel: Storytelling Through Fingerstyle

Jewel, the Alaskan singer-songwriter, captivated audiences with her raw emotion and acoustic guitar skills. Her fingerstyle playing, alongside her strumming, beautifully complements her lyrical storytelling.

Must-Watch Fingerstyle Video: You Were Meant For Me by Jewel

Paul Simon: Folk Fingerpicking Pioneer

Paul Simon’s intricate fingerpicking patterns, like those in The Boxer, deeply influenced generations of guitarists. From his folk and blues roots with Simon & Garfunkel to his genre-bending solo work, Simon’s guitar work is instantly recognizable.

Must-Watch Fingerstyle Video: Still Crazy (unfinished version) by Paul Simon

José Gonzales: Minimalist Fingerstyle Virtuoso

Swedish singer-songwriter José Gonzales rose to fame with his minimalist indie-folk sound on nylon-string guitar. His delicate and dynamic fingerstyle creates a perfect backdrop for his introspective vocals.

Must-Watch Fingerstyle Video: Heartbeats by José Gonzales

Chris Buck: Blending Pick and Fingers Seamlessly

British guitarist Chris Buck is admired for his versatile playing, seamlessly integrating fingerpicking techniques even while holding a pick. Watch how he makes his electric guitar sing with a blend of pick and fingers.

Must-Watch Fingerstyle Video: Warm Love by Cardinal Black

Simon Kempner: R&B Fingerstyle Innovator

German guitarist and producer Simon Kempner is known for crafting catchy R&B riffs using fingerstyle on electric guitar. Pickup Music members can study his compositions with TABs and video instruction.

Must-Watch Fingerstyle Video: Freestyle Chordin’ by Simon Kempner

Molly Miller: Hybrid Picking Powerhouse

LA-based guitarist Molly Miller’s exuberant hybrid-picking style shines across genres, from jazz with her trio to pop tours with Jason Mraz. Her playing is characterized by joy, energy, and incredible technique.

Must-Watch Fingerstyle Video: The Weight by Molly Miller Trio

Exploring Different Fingerstyle Guitar Techniques

Fingerstyle guitar offers a vast palette of techniques beyond basic patterns. Here are a few unique styles to explore and incorporate into your playing.

Percussive Techniques: Adding Rhythm and Groove

Many contemporary fingerstyle guitarists integrate percussive elements, mimicking drum sounds directly on the guitar. A simple starting point is adding a “kick drum” sound by gently striking the guitar body with your palm.

Travis Picking: The Rolling Bassline

Fingerstyle pioneer Merle Travis developed a distinctive playing style now known as Travis picking. This technique primarily uses the thumb and index finger to create an alternating bassline on the lower strings while the index finger picks out melody notes on the higher strings.

Tremolo: Rapid Note Repetition

Tremolo picking, a classical guitar technique, is characterized by rapid, repeating cascades of notes. It creates a sustained, almost shimmering sound. Try droning a note on the high E string while playing a bassline, alternating between your index and middle fingers on the high E string for the tremolo effect, and using your thumb for the bass notes.

My 5-Step Guide to Master Fingerstyle Guitar Tabs

Years of learning fingerstyle songs have taught me the importance of patience and breaking down songs into smaller, manageable parts. Here’s my proven 5-step approach to learning fingerstyle guitar TABs effectively:

#1 – Match Tabs to Audio: Hear What You See

Your first step should always be to align the TAB with an audio recording of the song. This crucial step helps you understand how the TAB translates into sound, ensuring you grasp the rhythm and phrasing accurately.

#2 – Map Out the Song’s Structure: Understand the Form

TABs sometimes only include sections of a song, like an intro or a single verse. Listen to the complete song and outline its structure – identify the order of sections (intro, verse, chorus, bridge, etc.), determine the time signature, and note the number of bars in each part.

#3 – Identify Chord Shapes: Find the Familiar

Analyze the notes within each bar of the TAB to identify the underlying chord progressions. Look for familiar chord shapes, use your ear to recognize chord changes, or consult a chord chart for the song. Often, complex-looking TABs are built upon chord shapes you already know. Practice playing through the song using just the chord shapes, ideally using chord voicings that align with the TAB.

#4 – Practice the Bass Line (Thumb): Isolate the Foundation

If the song uses a pattern where the thumb plays a distinct bassline, practice this bass part in isolation first. Focus on the notes on the lower three strings and ensure your thumb is playing them smoothly and consistently.

#5 – Integrate Fingers and Build Speed: Put It All Together

Once you’ve mastered the individual components, start combining them gradually, bar by bar if needed. Learn the song in small sections, and use a tool to slow down the recording to a comfortable practice tempo. Focus on playing accurately and cleanly at a slow speed. Avoid practicing mistakes – instead, gradually increase the tempo as your proficiency improves. Consistent daily practice and focused repetition are key to faster progress.

Finding More Fingerstyle Guitar Tabs and Resources

Looking for more fingerstyle guitar tabs? YouTube is an excellent starting point. Search for the song title plus “TAB” and you’ll likely find numerous results. Many talented content creators produce fingerstyle guitar videos with accompanying TABs. Check video descriptions for PDF download links.

Ultimate Guitar offers a vast archive of TABs contributed by users. Be aware: Free TABs on such platforms may vary in accuracy. If something sounds off, trust your ear. However, even imperfect TABs can provide a helpful starting point for learning riffs and solos by ear.

For slow fingerstyle guitar TABs, Soundslice is a valuable resource. It allows you to slow down audio tracks accompanying TABs, making it easier to learn complex passages.

For classic fingerstyle guitar TABs, explore your local library’s music section. Many libraries have instructional books that include TABs.

Generally, you’ll find more fingerstyle TABs online for intermediate players than beginners, as these are the songs learners often struggle with. If you’re just beginning, consider learning the fundamentals through online courses or with a teacher before spending excessive time searching for “easy fingerstyle riffs and guitar TABs.”

FAQs: Your Fingerpicking Guitar Tab Questions Answered

Can you learn fingerstyle guitar techniques from TAB?

Yes, you can learn fingerpicking patterns and songs from TABs. However, for guidance on hand positioning and picking hand technique, working with a teacher or using video lessons is highly recommended.

What tabs should I practice for fingerstyle guitar?

Begin with easy fingerstyle guitar TABs like Fast Car by Tracy Chapman or simple fingerpicking riffs to familiarize yourself with reading TABs and basic patterns.

What tabs should I try for fingerstyle soloing?

Choose any popular guitar solos you enjoy, search for fingerstyle guitar solo tabs online, and practice playing them without a pick. Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton features a short, melodic intro lick that’s great for fingerstyle soloing practice, including a fun double-stop at the end.

Can you learn fingerstyle guitar using only TAB?

While possible, learning fingerstyle guitar solely from TABs can be challenging, especially beyond the beginner level. I initially learned this way using a TAB book with audio but struggled to progress beyond basic songs. There’s a risk of developing inefficient techniques that can hinder your development. Learning with teachers or video instruction is generally more effective and easier.

How to read fingerstyle guitar TABs for beginners?

Read guitar TABs from left to right, like reading sentences. The six horizontal lines represent the six guitar strings, with the bottom line being the low E string and the top line the high E string. Numbers on the lines indicate the fret to be played on that string. For a more in-depth guide, see our ultimate guide to reading TABs.

Is fingerstyle harder than picking?

Difficulty is subjective and varies from person to person. Some find holding and using a pick challenging, while others feel intimidated by coordinating fingers for fingerstyle. It’s largely a matter of personal preference and what feels most natural to you.

Is it ok to learn fingerstyle guitar with TABs?

Yes, using TABs to learn fingerstyle guitar is perfectly acceptable. While it may not be the absolute easiest method, especially without supplementary resources, it is a viable and widely used approach.

Are fingerstyle guitar TABs hard?

Fingerstyle guitar TABs can be more complex to decipher than simple chord charts. However, a supportive community of fingerstyle enthusiasts is readily available to assist beginners with TAB notation and techniques.

Wrapping Up

Guitar TABs are an invaluable visual tool for mastering fingerpicking patterns and intricate fingerstyle arrangements. While numerous free fingerstyle TABs are available online for beginners, combining TABs with video lessons and expert feedback is highly beneficial for developing solid technique.

Pickup Music’s dedicated Fingerstyle Learning Pathway is an excellent resource for structured learning. This course equips you with the skills to learn fingerstyle songs using guitar TABs, empowering you to create your own music or tackle previously challenging songs.

Yes, I’d Love A Free 14-Day Trial Of Pickup Music To Learn Fingerstyle Guitar From Experts >

Author: Julia Mahncke

Julia Mahncke is a journalist and musician based in Pittsburgh, PA. Holding a degree in musicology from the University of Bonn and having studied guitar at the University of Oregon, Julia is a skilled guitarist with a knack for communicating musical concepts in a straightforward manner.

She has written, recorded, and performed music as a solo artist, as part of a duo, and as the lead guitarist for the band Meeping. With hundreds of shows under her belt, Julia plays bass in various projects, enjoys participating in jam sessions in Pittsburgh, and remains active as a singer-songwriter.

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