fingerpicking

[/ˈfɪŋɡərpɪkɪŋ/]
noun
técnica de dedilhado
1. A guitar playing technique where the player plucks the strings individually with their fingers or fingernails rather than using a pick
The musician demonstrated impressive fingerpicking on the acoustic guitar.
O músico demonstrou um impressionante dedilhado na guitarra acústica.
2. The act or practice of playing stringed instruments by plucking with fingers
Fingerpicking requires years of practice to master properly.
O dedilhado requer anos de prática para ser dominado adequadamente.
3. A style of music that predominantly features this technique
Folk and classical music often employ fingerpicking styles.
A música folclórica e clássica frequentemente empregam estilos de dedilhado.
Fingerpicking is fundamental in Brazilian music traditions, particularly in bossa nova and choro, where it creates the characteristic rhythmic and melodic patterns. In the USA, it's iconic in folk, country, and blues music. The technique represents a bridge between classical and popular music traditions in both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
finger-pickingfingerstylefinger pluckingclassical technique
Antonyms / Antônimos
pick playingflatpickingstrumming

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
dedilhado
Most common term used in music instruction and contexts
São Paulo
técnica de dedilhado or fingerpicking
Both terms are used; English term sometimes preferred in modern music communities
Rio de Janeiro
dedilhado
Predominant term in samba and bossa nova contexts
Portugal
pestaneja or dedilhado
Traditional Portuguese term 'pestaneja' less commonly used; 'dedilhado' is standard

Related Words

fingerstylepluckingstringsguitartechniquenailsclassical guitar

Related Idioms & Phrases

fingerpicking style
fingerpicking pattern
fingerpicking technique
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