Notes - Guitar Technique
Fingering and Plucking

There are two hand fingerings techniques that the student needs to master in order to produce proper
intonation: Left Hand and Right Hand
LEFT HAND FINGERS
 
RIGHT HAND FINGERS
Thumb
*
 
T or P
Index
1
 
i
Middle
2
 
m
Anular
3
(ring)
a
Pinkie
4
(little)
**
Practicing Scales With The Right Hand (Nylon Strings)

Practice all scales by using the right hand fingering options listed below.  This technique was
used by the legendary Andres Segovia.  He published a small booklet titled, "Diatonic and Minor
Scales."  In it, he advised to practice scales at least two hours a day in order to "correct faulty
hand positions, gradually increase the strength of the fingers, and prepare the joints for later
speed studies."
* Note: The thumb is rarely used by the left hand.  
Traditionally, the thumb is used as a pivot behind the
guitar neck in order for the fingers to move with ease.  
Some musicians occasionally use it for personal reasons.  
It is not recommended, however.
** Note: The pinkie is rarely used by the right  hand.   
Some musicians occasionally use it for personal reasons.  
It is not recommended, however.
i  m  i  m  i  m  i   m    
a  m a  m  a  m  a  m
m a  m a  m  a  m  a
i  a  i  a  i  a  i  a
a  i  a  i  a  i  a  i
i  m  a  i  m  a  i
Practicing Scales With A Pick (Steel Strings)

Practice all scales by plucking the strings Down and Up consistently with a pick.

Down  Up  Down  Up  Down  Up  ...

This technique is used mainly by musicians that play steel string guitars.  Failure to
follow this simple yet essential guideline, will result in improper intonation and
confusion when trying to tackle more complex and fast lines.