The Evolution of Finger Picking on the Guitar: From Lutes to Modern Times

For hundreds of years, playing guitars with the fingers has been the standard technique, particularly when using soft gut strings. This natural and traditional approach to playing has deeply influenced the art of guitar playing. However, as historical changes and innovations in guitar manufacturing began to emerge, a new method with the introduction of steel strings and picks came about. This article delves into the evolution of finger-picking techniques, exploring how the guitar has changed and how lutes, a direct ancestor to the guitar, played a significant role in this transition.

Historical Background of Finger Picking

Lutes and Early Guitars were long part of the rhythm section, functioning as a metronome that had to be heard over the sounds of other instruments, especially the drums. Prior to the invention of amplifiers and electric pickups, the loudness of the guitar was crucial for performances during the live shows. This need for consistent volume was a driving force behind the development of picks and steel strings.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, lute players used their fingers to play. Although the exact timing is sometimes debated, it is believed that this practice began even earlier. Guitarists, upon adopting the new lute, adhered to the same finger-picking techniques. This tradition continued well into the 19th century, with notable players such as Fernando Sor in the 1800s utilizing finger-picking to create distinct and intricate melodies.

Technology Revolution and the Birth of Steel Strings

The introduction of steel strings in the early 20th century marked a significant shift in the guitar's design and playing technique. Until then, guitars were typically strung with soft gut strings, which were easier to play with the fingers. However, the transition to steel strings demanded more precise and detailed finger-picking techniques to avoid the harsh and unwieldy sound they produced when strummed traditionally.

Steel-string guitars were introduced in 1922 by both Gibson and Martin, in response to the increased demand for louder acoustic instruments. These new machines required a different approach to playing, with the addition of picks and thumbpicks. The idea was to achieve even more volume and clarity, making the guitar an essential tool in the rhythm section.

The Role of Picks and Amps

Before the era of amplification, guitarists like Enrico Caruso used finger-picks and thumbpicks to play steel-string guitars, emphasizing the need for volume in large venues without amplification. The introduction of amplifiers and pickups in the mid-20th century further altered the landscape of guitar playing, making finger-picking more about tone and style rather than sheer volume.

Jurado, a Spanish luthier, is credited with shaping the modern guitar's form in the 1850s. His innovations in design and construction have had a lasting impact on the guitar world, emphasizing the importance of both form and function. The evolution of the guitar from its gut-stringed modest predecessors to the robust, amplified instrument we know today is a testament to the ingenuity of luthiers and musicians.

Conclusion

The finger-picking technique on the guitar has undergone significant changes over the centuries, from the lutes of the 17th and 18th centuries to the modern guitars of today. Understanding this evolution is crucial for guitarists looking to trace the lineage of their instrument and appreciate the art form more deeply. By recognizing the influence of predecessors like the lute, players can better understand and apply the same techniques they used centuries ago, preserving this rich and storied tradition.