# Fingerstyle lab

> Interactive page: [`fingerstyle.html`](fingerstyle.html)

Folk Travis is a *seed*. This page takes the same thumb-plus-fingers split and runs it over **G C Am Em** — *pima* arpeggios, independence loops, and a small pattern library. The full classical method stays on [Classical drills](drills-classical.md).

Pair with [Folk drills](drills-folk.md) · [Classical drills](drills-classical.md) · [Classical exercises · pima](exercises-classical.md).

On the HTML page, Play becomes Stop on the same button. Tempo follows the metronome. Letters: *p* thumb, *i* index, *m* middle, *a* ring. TAB is high e on top — [Foundations · TAB](foundations.md).

**Sources (two-check):** Giuliani-style right-hand patterns (our own models, not numbered studies) · Hal Leonard / folk Travis seed · Carcassi / Sor planting and independence. No copyrighted arrangements.

## pima over G C Am Em

Hold the open shape. Thumb takes the bass root; *i m a* sit on G, B, and high e. One cycle of p–i–m–a per beat (sixteenths at 60). Do not re-press the left hand between notes.

```
G                     C                     Am                    Em
e|-----------3-----   e|-----------0-----   e|-----------0-----   e|-----------0-----   a
B|--------0--------   B|--------1--------   B|--------1--------   B|--------0--------   m
G|-----0-----------   G|-----0-----------   G|-----2-----------   G|-----0-----------   i
D|-----------------   D|-----------------   D|-----------------   D|-----------------
A|-----------------   A|-3---------------   A|-0---------------   A|-----------------   p
E|-3---------------   E|-----------------   E|-----------------   E|-0---------------   p
```

One bar each on the HTML progression loop. Keep the right hand moving through the change — same rule as [Folk · boom-chick through a change](drills-folk.md).

## Thumb independence

The thumb is a clock. Fingers decorate around it. Start with bass only, then add off-beats, then a walking bass under a frozen treble.

```
    1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
e|----0-------0---   m
B|--0-------0-----   i
G|----------------
D|-0---0---0---0-   p   (thumb-only omits the treble)

Walking: p on E–A–D–A while i–m–a stay on open G B e.
```

Deeper gym: [Classical · independence](drills-classical.md) and [Classical exercises · independence seed](exercises-classical.md).

## Classical crossover

Fingerstyle on this page is **folk / campfire pima**: nails optional, sitting however you already sit, open chords. The classical door is the same four letters with extra rules — rest stroke vs free stroke, planting, first-position reading, and studies.

When p–i–m–a over Em is even, take it to the method page. Do not skip planting; that is what kills buzz.

Next: [Classical drills](drills-classical.md) · [pattern library](drills-classical.md) · [i–m alternation](drills-classical.md).

## Pattern library

Four right-hand jobs on one held chord (or around G–C–Am–Em). Pick a pattern, pick a shape, loop to the click.

- **p–i–m–a** — four sixteenths, bass then treble rise
- **p–i–m–i** — thumb plus i/m; *a* stays out
- **Travis** — thumb on 1 and 3 (root / fifth), fingers on 2 and 4
- **Boom + brush** — bass on 1 and 3, down-strum on 2 and 4

The HTML page loops one chord or walks G–C–Am–Em.

## Dynamics / nail vs flesh

**Flesh only** is the right starting point — quieter, fewer variables. **Flesh plus nail** (when you add nails): a short ramp, polished, so the string leaves the nail in a straight line. Flesh first, nail as the release.

Thumb is usually flesh (or the side of the nail) and a little louder than the fingers — that is the folk / classical bass-melody split. The HTML model plays two gain levels; the samples are one recorded spot, so loud/soft is gain, not a real nail.

Contact point: over the soundhole is warmer; toward the bridge is brighter. That drill is ears-only. Full tone note: [Classical · nails, flesh, contact](drills-classical.md).

## Three tracks

- **Beginner** — p–i–m–a on Em, then G. Thumb-only loop. Boom + brush on G. Near 60.
- **Intermediate** — All four chords. Travis and p–i–m–i. Thumb + i–m. Progression loop.
- **Advanced** — Walking thumb under frozen treble. Pattern around the four-chord loop without pausing the right hand. Then the classical page.

Next: [Folk drills](drills-folk.md) · [Classical drills](drills-classical.md) · [Classical exercises · pima](exercises-classical.md).