Finger Patterns—not only do they help improve your dexterity, strength, and technique when playing jazz guitar, they’re also one of the best practice methods to utilize when mapping out the fretboard and learning the subtle nuances of hand-positioning.

As part of his collection of jazz guitar lessons, award-winning master guitarist and former member of the Stanley Turrentine Quintet, Dave Stryker, walks us through a series of his favorite finger patterns that are both great warmups and helpful tools to assist in learning the layout of the fingerboard.

“Finger patterns are great because you can make different combinations,” Stryker explains. “They’re a perfect way to practice our rudiments and alternate picking, and a great way to get our time together when playing with a metronome.”

By alternating between your various fingers, whether you begin the pattern with your index, middle, ring, or pinky in the left hand, you’re able to build your finger strength and increase your physical comfort level while navigating the fingerboard.

“This is a great way to warm up,” Stryker goes on to explain. “Already, I’m feeling more connected. It’s a great technique to help get your sound and finger placement together.”

So, grab your six-string and check out Dave Strykers’ full lesson on using finger patterns to learn the neck below: