fingerstyle

[/ˈfɪŋɡərstaɪl/]
nounpl: fingerstyles
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 or plectrum
He learned fingerstyle guitar to play classical and folk music.
Ele aprendeu a técnica de dedilhado para tocar música clássica e folclórica.
2. The style of music or composition written specifically for this playing technique
Fingerstyle has become increasingly popular in contemporary music.
O dedilhado tornou-se cada vez mais popular na música contemporânea.
Fingerstyle is particularly valued in Brazilian music traditions including choro, samba, and bossa nova, where the dedilhado technique is fundamental. The term 'dedilhado' is deeply rooted in Portuguese-speaking musical heritage, while 'fingerstyle' is increasingly used among younger musicians and in international contexts. In the USA, fingerstyle guitar experienced a renaissance in folk music and contemporary acoustic genres.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
fingerpickingclassical guitar techniquefingering technique
Antonyms / Antônimos
pick playingplectrum techniqueflatpicking

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
dedilhado
Standard term used across Brazil for fingerstyle guitar playing
São Paulo
dedilhado / fingerstyle
Both terms used, fingerstyle gaining popularity among younger musicians
Rio de Janeiro
dedilhado
Traditional term preferred, especially in choro and samba contexts
Portugal
técnica de dedilhado / fingerstyle
Portuguese speakers use dedilhado as primary term; fingerstyle used in contemporary musical circles

Related Words

guitarpluckingarpegggioclassical guitaracoustic guitartechnique

Related Idioms & Phrases

fingerstyle guitar
play fingerstyle
fingerstyle technique
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