Question about fingerpicking scales

[gomez799]

how exactly am i suppose to finger pick scales (major scale)

[JustinR]

Using your fingers! :D
I don't think there is one set in stone way of doing it.

What i tend to do, if i I am playing fingerstyle, is use the thumb for the lower two strings and index, middle, ring fingers for the higher strings. playing fingerstyle through scales I tend to use alot more legato, since the fingers have a softer attack then a pick, generally speaking.

[jessmanca]

Ideally you should practice your scales in these combinations of fingerpicking: PIPI, IMIM, IAIA, MAMA, and other patterns once you are comfortable with alternating, such as IMAIMA, PIMPIM etc.

P=thumb
I-index
M=middle
A=ring

Practice using both rest strokes and free strokes.

I'd reccomend you pick up a copy of "Diatonic Major and Minor Scales" by Andres Segovia. It's used in most major universities and you can get a copy on Amazon for $5-10. Very easy to use, all the fingerings for both left and right hand are right there.

If any of the above terms are unfamiliar to you I suggest taking a few lessons from a classically trained guitarist. That will give you the most benefit.

[AndyPollow]

slow - any way you want. fast - most flamenco guitarists use only the index and middle fingers. I tried and couldnt do it much - only on the low e. I think you have to have finger nails. I think just like with the pick if you consciously focus on what your doing you will only get a little fast and really fast it has to be more like subconciouse flicking thing that you control with your ears?