Why This Intro Is Harder Than It Looks
The fingerpicking pattern uses all four right-hand fingers
Unlike simpler picking patterns that use two or three fingers, the Nothing Else Matters intro requires your thumb, index, middle and ring fingers to each play specific strings in sequence. Training four fingers to move independently takes dedicated slow practice.
The stretch on some chord shapes is wide
Several of the chord voicings require stretching your fretting hand across four or five frets. At full speed, you need to land these shapes instantly while your right hand keeps the picking pattern going without interruption.
The dynamics between picked notes matter
This intro is not just about hitting the right notes - it's about how loud or soft each note is relative to the others. The melody notes need to sing out while the accompanying notes stay quieter. Getting this dynamic balance right is what makes the intro sound musical rather than mechanical.
How to Practice This Intro
Open the pre-configured practice session
Click the button above to load PracticeLoop with the intro already looped from 0:00 to 0:45 at 50% speed.
Learn the picking pattern on open strings first
Ignore the left hand completely. At half speed, train your right-hand fingers to play the correct strings in the correct order. Each finger has an assigned string - get that automatic first.
Add the left hand once the pattern is automatic
Only when the right-hand picking is on autopilot should you start adding chord shapes. This way you can focus entirely on the fretting hand without the picking falling apart.
Focus on even volume across all strings
Listen carefully at slow speed. Every picked note should be clear and even. Then start bringing out the melody notes slightly louder while keeping the bass notes steady.
Speed Progression Plan
Build up speed gradually. Only move on when the picking pattern feels effortless.
Train the right-hand pattern
Focus entirely on the picking pattern. Each finger learns its assigned string. Practise on open strings first, then add chord shapes once the right hand is automatic.
Coordinate both hands
Add all the chord shapes and focus on smooth transitions. The right hand should keep the picking pattern steady while the left hand changes shapes underneath.
Work on dynamics
Now bring out the musical phrasing. The melody notes should sing a little louder than the accompanying notes. Match the dynamic feel of the original recording.
Full speed
Play along with the original. The intro should sound fluid and musical. If notes start dropping out or the dynamics flatten, drop back to 75%.
Practice Tips for This Intro
Open Strings First
Learn the right-hand picking pattern on open strings before adding any chord shapes. This isolates the hardest part and builds muscle memory faster.
One Hand at a Time
If coordinating both hands is overwhelming, practise each hand separately at slow speed. Only combine when each hand can play its part without thinking.
Even Volume Matters
Listen for notes that are louder or softer than they should be. The ring finger is usually the weakest - give it extra attention during slow practice.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Space to play/pause, [ and ] for loop points, L to toggle loop. Keep your hands on the guitar as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nothing Else Matters easy to play?
The chord shapes are relatively simple, but the fingerpicking pattern is the real challenge. It uses all four right-hand fingers and requires even dynamics between notes. Many guitarists can learn the chords in minutes but spend weeks getting the fingerpicking smooth and musical. It sits at that frustrating level of "easy to learn, hard to play well."
What speed should beginners start at?
Start at 50% speed. This gives each finger time to learn its assigned string without rushing. The picking pattern needs to become muscle memory before you speed up. Once it's automatic at 50%, move to 65%, then 75%, then full speed.
Does slowing down help with fingerpicking?
It's the single most effective way to learn fingerpicking. At full speed, there's no time to think about which finger goes where. Slowing down lets you train the correct movements until they become automatic. Every professional guitarist uses slow practice for new picking patterns.
Does slowing down change the pitch?
No. PracticeLoop preserves the original pitch at all speeds. The guitar sounds in tune whether you're playing at 50% or 100%, making it easy to play along.