Have you ever wondered why the guitar sounds so different in rock, jazz, or folk music, even though it’s the same instrument? The answer lies in the wide variety of guitar playing styles. Each style brings out a unique flavor, from smooth fingerpicking to powerful rock riffs, making the guitar one of the most versatile instruments in the world.
If you’re just starting out, exploring the types of guitar playing techniques is a fun way to discover your sound. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the most popular and beginner-friendly styles so you can understand them, try them, and see which ones inspire you the most.
1. Strumming – The Heartbeat of Songs
For beginners, strumming is often the first style learned. Using a pick or your fingers, you simply brush across the strings in rhythm. Strumming forms the backbone of genres like folk, pop, and country. It’s straightforward but extremely powerful—you’ll be surprised how many of your favorite songs rely mainly on strumming.
2. Fingerpicking – Strings with Soul
Fingerpicking is a beautiful way to play melodies and harmonies at the same time. Instead of using a pick, each finger plucks different strings, creating intricate patterns. Popular in classical, folk, and acoustic music, fingerpicking is one of the popular guitar styles for beginners once they’ve mastered basic strumming. It helps build coordination and gives your playing a delicate, soulful sound.
3. Flatpicking – Precision with a Pick
Flatpicking uses a guitar pick to play single-note melodies, scales, and solos. This technique is common in bluegrass and country but has also found its way into rock and blues. If you love quick runs and want to explore melodic playing, flatpicking is a great next step after learning the basics.
4. Power Chords – Rock’s Secret Weapon
No list of guitar playing styles would be complete without mentioning power chords. These simple, two-note chords form the foundation of rock and punk music. Easy to play and extremely effective, they allow beginners to sound powerful almost instantly. Turn on a distortion pedal, and suddenly you’re rocking out like your favorite band.
5. Slide Guitar – Adding a Bluesy Touch
Slide guitar involves using a glass or metal slide to glide across the strings, creating a smooth, vocal-like sound. It’s one of the most expressive types of guitar playing techniques, especially in blues and country music. While it takes practice to master, experimenting with a slide can open up a whole new dimension of sound.
6. Jazz Chords – For the Adventurous Player
Jazz guitar introduces complex chords and smooth improvisation. Unlike standard major or minor chords, jazz uses colorful voicings that can sound rich and sophisticated. While it might feel overwhelming at first, even learning a few jazz chords can expand your understanding of harmony and make your playing more versatile.
7. Percussive Guitar – Rhythm Meets Melody
In percussive style, the guitar becomes both a string and a drum instrument. Players tap, slap, and knock on the guitar body while playing chords or melodies. This contemporary style is popular among solo acoustic performers and shows how creative the guitar can really be.
Why Learning Different Styles Matters
Exploring different types of guitar playing techniques isn’t just about variety—it helps you grow as a musician. Each style improves a different skill, whether it’s rhythm, coordination, or creativity. Even if you’re a complete beginner, dabbling in different styles keeps your practice exciting and helps you discover what kind of guitarist you want to be.
Start Your Journey with FSM
At Furtados School of Music (FSM), we believe anyone can pick up the guitar—whether you’re a beginner, a curious non-musician, or someone looking to sharpen their skills. Our expert instructors make learning easy, interactive, and fun. From mastering popular guitar styles for beginners like strumming and fingerpicking to exploring advanced techniques, FSM’s guitar courses are designed to help every student find their unique sound.
So pick up that guitar, explore these guitar playing styles, and let FSM guide you toward becoming the musician you’ve always wanted to be.