Hi ! A question about fake fingernails. I was not planing to learn fingerstyle playing at all. But watching Justins video saying he used faked fingernails for years talks to me. I’m thinking about give it a try. Some questions. Do I just buy a finger nails kit (on Amazon) or do I have to go to a professional shop ? Are there special kinds of fake finger nails (for guitarists…) ? If somebody have some experience in this area and wants to give me some hints … you’re welcome to express yourself 
. If nobody writes, I will just give it a try and buy a finger nails kit on Amazon. And we’ll see. Have a good day everybody ! 
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Fake fingernails that are not applied properly can allow fungus to grow on your nails and if not treated can destroy your nail bed killing your fingernails.
My wife worked in a full service Salon that did fake nails and had seen first hand what can happen when people tried to save a few dollars by applying nail themselves.
Let a professional nail tech apply them. Or just use your nails or fingertips.
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Thank you Rick ! Very important informations ! Thanks a lot !
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A great beginner fingerstyle song to begin learning on using the D-Chord is “into Dust” by Mazzy Star. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCF9iJJRtaU
I’m 72
I’ve picked up the guitar above 3 years ago. I’m slowly picking it up, and just got to finger style and picking it well but slowly.
Stephen
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Can’t do the pinky anchor for the life of me but can pick okay without doing so. 
You don’t have to. Justin says he can’t use his pinkie to anchor either.
I notice the G Chord finger style Justin presents seems to only use the 1st and 3rd intervals and not the 5th. Wouldn’t it be better to include the 2nd 3rd and 4th strings instead of the highest three (that way the 4th string will hit the 5th interval of scale for a fuller sound)?
One tip which really made practicing the “super easy pattern” less boring for me: use the chord progressions from the previous module.
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Take your time - and do it right. Relax. You’re doing it: JUST LOVE YOUR WORK! Thank you.
just started this today, am I right in thinking that when I play the Em chord finger style I do not need to hold the chord shape as I do not play the A and D strings just the open E and G B E
When first learning fingerstyle it best to play the full chord even when those notes aren’t played. When you get into more complicated pieces of music you’ll be adding bass lines and chord melodys using those notes.
OK thanks also is it OK to combine the sus chords into fingerstyle sort of 2 lessons in one
John, that is a good idea ( combining fingerstyle and sus chords) when you learn each separately first. I did that and recorded for my learning log when I finished.
Hi everyone!
Is there any disadvantage to using a pick as my thumb and using digits 3-4-5 instead of 2-3-4 when learning fingerstyle?
Thanks a lot!
I guess you’re talking about hybrid picking. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_picking
You could also get a thumb pick, which would free-up your index finger to pick.
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Hi Daniel, welcome to the community! I’m a fellow beginner, in the first modules of Grade 3. My advice to you would be to follow Justin’s methods as much as possible. The techniques and information he introduces build on each other. If he feels there are alternatives to the main technique he’s presenting he usually states that explicitly in the lesson. That said: asking questions here is great too! Just be aware that some of the responses you get might not be the best advice for beginners.
To your questions specifically: As @jacksprat Chris pointed out, using a pick and fingers is called hybrid picking, and is a more advanced technique. I’d suggest that it’s best to be able to control your fingers on the strings before introducing the pick.
As for which fingers to use on the strings: In my experience, all finger style techniques primarily use the thumb and first three fingers. Many people use the pinky as an anchor finger when playing finger style. Some don’t, but they still primarily play with thumb and first three fingers. Having been through this recently, I’d recommend you spend significant time trying to use the pinky as an anchor.
I’m not experienced enough to explain the advantages of using thumb-1-2-3, but the fact that most guitarists play this way and most teachers teach this way must be rooted in some logic!
I love playing finger style, but it definitely took me some time to teach my hand how to do it.
Keep us posted on how it’s going! And definitely keep asking questions. Finally, if you’re up for it, head over to the Introduce Yourself topic and say hello!
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Thanks for the kind answers. Yeah, I think hybrid picking is what I mean. I noticed it when watching some jazz guitarists on Youtube. I like the clarity and tonal qualities of strumming and picking single notes with a pick all while still being able to play chords in a non arpeggiated way.
Ideally, I’d like to learn one technique and stick to it instead of having to change the way I play once I get to more complex pieces or when I finally get to explore some genres I like (jazz mostly).
I’m very thankful to be part of this community!
Firstly, I just want to say how fantastic this lesson was! I’m really starting to feel like I’m exploring the instrument now. Huge thanks to Justin and the whole team!
One thing I’ve noticed in my practice—and perhaps others have experienced this too—is that when changing chords (e.g. from G to D), I can hear an open string ringing as I lift my fingers. This is especially noticeable in fingerstyle, as it adds an unintended note. I’d really appreciate any advice on muting this, particularly when lifting off the G chord and hearing the low E string ring out.
Thanks a million!