Guitar Q&A: Picking, Rhythm, Counting, Finger Independence & Tricky Chords Explained

🎸 My First Guitar AMA!

Hey, it’s James here from GoodGuitarist.com. In this brand-new series, I’m answering questions directly from students and viewers all around the world.

For this first round, I picked five great questions covering everything from alternate picking to tough chord changes. If you’d rather read through than watch the video, I’ve outlined the key takeaways for you below.

1. Alternate Picking vs. Just Strumming

Mark asked about picking styles and whether alternate picking is really necessary.

Here’s the deal:

• If your current style works and sounds good, you don’t have to change.
• But if you hit a roadblock, alternate picking might be the answer.
• The easiest way to start is to think of it like strumming. Use a strumming pattern, but apply it to one string at a time (down on numbers, up on the “ands”).
• Mix in single-string picking with your strumming until it feels natural.

👉 I cover this step by step in a full lesson here.

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2. Adding Riffs and Licks to Rhythm Playing

Elise wanted to know how to make rhythm guitar less repetitive.

My advice:

• Don’t just strum endlessly—add fills.
• Practice your lick first, then plug it into a strumming pattern.
• Example: strum a measure of A major, then insert a short riff before returning to strumming.
• Over time, this builds toward improvising fills on the fly.

👉 Check out my lesson on Don’t Look Back in Anger (intermediate version) where I show exactly how to insert riffs into rhythm.

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3. Why Do We Count if We Already Know the Chord Changes?

Joe asked why counting matters when he already knows where the chords go.

Here’s why:

• Counting isn’t just about chord changes—it’s about timing.
• At first, you physically count out loud. Eventually, it runs in the background of your brain.
• When you tackle harder rhythms, counting becomes essential to break them down.
• Just 5 minutes of daily rhythm exercises (clapping, counting, tapping) can transform your playing.

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4. Finger Independence Exercises

Matt struggled with his ring and pinky sticking together when fretting. Totally normal!

Two exercises I recommend:

1. Static String Drill – Lay all fingers on one string. Move just one finger at a time to a neighboring string, keeping the others down.
2. Controlled Lifts – Place all fingers down, then lift each finger just slightly (not flailing way out) to build precise control.

👉 I teach both of these fully in dedicated lessons – here’s a link to my “warmups” page

If you’re part of my All-Access Pass, you can ask me questions like Matt did and I’ll answer directly inside Ask James. Click here to learn more.

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5. Cleaning Up Tricky Chords (Like Multiple F Variations)

Paul from the UK asked about a passage that uses several F shapes high on the neck with a capo.

Tips that help:

• Practice it without the capo first—more space makes it easier.
• Try lowering the capo (e.g., to the 5th fret) and work up gradually.
• Use your index finger like a bar chord, not straight on the tips.
• As frets get tighter, angle your finger slightly to avoid crashing into the capo.
• Always check thumb and elbow positioning for the best leverage.

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Wrap-Up

That’s all five questions for today—huge thanks to Mark, Elise, Joe, Matt, and Paul!

I’d love to do more of these AMA sessions. If you want me to answer your guitar question in the next one, head over to ama.goodguitarist.com. If submissions are full, you can hop on the waitlist to be first in line for the next round.

Have a fun time practicing and I’ll see you soon!
– James