The Boom-Chick (Bass-Chord) Method

This section covers the boom-chick fingerstyle technique, which takes the idea of playing with more than one finger at a time to its logical next level. In the examples that follow, the i-m-a fingers strike a triad on the top three strings on the offbeats of each bar (beats 2 and 4). The thumb goes first, moving between the root note and the 5th of each chord on beats 1 and 3. This style of playing (often heard in country music) was sometimes referred to as the boom-chick method, due to the sound it creates. Today, however, many teachers refer to it as the bass-chord method.

This example uses simple open chords, which work best for this technique. Notice that the bass notes create a bounce-type of effect. Try to cut off or choke (quickly mute) the top three strings right after you strike them. This will help create the illusion of a horse gallop.

This example gives the thumb a chance to work out. The thumb moves from the root down to the 5th in bars 1–6, then from the root up to the 5th in bars 7 and 8. In order to get the triads to stop sounding after one beat, just grab the strings again with the same fingers that struck them.

This next example combines the boom-chick technique with a common descending sequence in D major.