Finger Style
Also known as Finger Names
Each finger has a specific name associated to it so that in describing which finger... my index finger, for instance, is communicated clearly and undestood to the person I'm speaking with even when i display it proudly. See Finger gestures in our Finger Tips section for more on that topic... Anyways, here below are the common names we all were taught eary on.
- The thumb
- Index finger (next to the thumb)
- Middle finger (in the middle)
- Ring finger (though this is customarily used for the left hand only)
- The "little finger" or the "pinkie" (the smallest and last finger)
This is what we are most familiar however there are different names for each finger depending on what you are doing
Finger names are differently named specifically in guitar playing to better identify the finger to use. It's often referred to as a finger style. For instance, in classical guitar playing techniques the left hand is named and referenced by number:
index = 1st,
middle =
2nd,
ring =
3rd, and
pinky =
4th finger
But the right hand is named a bit differently – and lettered based on the traditional Spanish references
P – pulgar or thumb
I – indice or index finger
M –medio or middle finger
A – anillo or ring finger
Pinky finger is typical not used unless for playing flamingo style guitar
There are a lot of links, definitions, and explanations about finger style. The best i've found is on Wikipedia:
Finger picking, or playing finger style guitar, is a technique for playing the guitar, or some other stringed instrument using the fingertips and/or fingernails, rather than with a plectrum (or "pick"). It is used for classical guitar, and some other acoustic styles, but it has found its way into other genres as well.
