Guitar Finger Sequence Exercises
In this lesson we’re going to take a look at some guitar finger exercises that are useful for isolating problematic finger patterns. These exercises will help build coordination and finger independence. Let’s dive in.
Finger Sequences
The exercises in this lesson are permutations of 1234.
- 1 = index finger
- 2 = middle finger
- 3 = ring finger
- 4 = pinky finger
In some cases, a sequence may exclude a finger from the exercise.
The exercises will be performed 3 ways:
- Statically
- Vertically
- Horizontally
We’ll start with the static exercises to build familiarity with the sequences and fingerings, then begin to move them around the fretboard.
Static Sequence Exercises
For the static exercises, we’re just playing on one string and utilizing one position. There won’t be any vertical or horizontal movements.
For the static exercises, each finger is assigned a specific fret.
- 1st fret = index finger
- 2nd fret = middle finger
- 3rd fret = ring finger
- 4th fret = pinky finger
While the frets will change when we get to the horizontal movements, the finger sequence should remain the same.
Ex. S1 – 1234
Ex. S2 – 4321
Ex. S3 – 1324
Ex. S4 – 1423
Ex. S5 – 3421
Ex. S6 – 2434
Note that on this exercise you are omitting the index finger and using only the middle, ring, and pinky fingers.
Ex. S7 – 4342
Similar to above, you’re omitting the index finger with this exercise.
Vertical Sequence Exercises
Now we’ll take the sequences from above and move them vertically across the fretboard. The examples in this section are played from string 6 to 1, but the exercise can be applied from string 1 to 6 as well.
Ex. V1 – 1234
Ex. V2 – 4321
Ex. V3 – 1324
Ex. V4 – 1423
Ex. V5 – 3421
Ex. V6 – 2434
With this exercise you’re omitting the index finger and just using the middle, ring, and pinky fingers.
Ex. V7 – 4342
Similar to above, with this exercise you’re omitting the index finger.
Horizontal Sequence Exercises
Now we’re going to take these sequences and move them horizontally up and down the fretboard. These get a little trickier as you’ll need to be sure to continue the proper sequence for the duration of the exercise. Unlike the previous exercises, the fret numbers won’t necessarily correspond to the fingers you’re supposed to use.
The examples here are played ascending the fretboard from fret 1 to 12, but can be played descending as well from fret 12 to 1.
Ex. H1 – 1234
Ex. H2 – 4321
Ex. H3 – 1324
Ex. H4 – 1423
Ex. H5 – 3421
Ex. H6 – 2434
With this exercise you’re omitting the index finger and just using the middle, ring, and pinky fingers.
Ex. H7 – 4342
Similar to above, with this exercise you’re omitting the index finger.
Wrap Up
These types of exercises have their limitations, but they can also be useful for working out problematic fingering patterns. They allow you to isolate the issue and give you plenty of repetition to work through any sticking points. The examples in this lesson are just a few of the possible combinations you can work through. However, you can experiment with your own patterns to solve any specific issues you may be having.
More sequence exercises are available on Patreon.
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