Are you ready to take your guitar playing beyond simple strumming? In our latest featured lesson, we dive into the beautiful, melancholic world of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Favorite Crime.” This tutorial is perfect for players who are just starting to explore fingerstyle and want a song that challenges their dexterity while remaining accessible.
What’s Inside the Lesson?
This session focuses on the two core components you need to master the song’s signature sound: the A Major chord and a syncopated picking pattern.
1. Two Ways to Play A Major
The instructor breaks down two distinct methods for tackling the A Major open-position chord:
- The Bar Method: Great for building the finger strength necessary for advanced bar chords later on.
- The Three-Finger Method: A more traditional approach using your middle, ring, and pinky fingers—perfect if you’re struggling with the reach of a bar.
2. Nailing the Fingerstyle Technique
Fingerstyle can be intimidating, but this video simplifies the process using the P-I-M-A system (Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring). You’ll learn:
- Proper Hand Positioning: How to keep your hand relaxed and your thumb in the lead.
- “Escape Strokes”: A technique to help your fingers pluck the strings cleanly without getting “stuck” or creating unwanted noise.
3. The “Favorite Crime” Riff
Once your hands are in position, the lesson walks you through the specific roll used in the track. It’s a combination of forward and backward rolls that creates that flowing, ethereal backdrop Olivia is known for.
Key Highlights & Timestamps
[00:27] – Introduction to the A Major chord
[01:47] – String numbering and naming
[02:45] – Alternative fingering for A Major
[06:25] – Tips for barring the chord
[07:35] – Right-hand finger placement
[08:26] – Understanding “escape strokes”
[10:48] – Breaking down the song’s picking riff
[14:04] – Reviewing the P-I-M-A pattern
Why This Lesson Works
The instructor emphasizes that while this pattern is a bit more advanced than a total beginner level, it’s the perfect “challenge song.” By practicing these movements for just five minutes a day, you’ll build the “agility and muscle memory” needed to progress to more complex acoustic tracks.
Ready to start? Grab your guitar and follow along with the full video below!
Watch: Olivia Rodrigo – Favorite Crime Guitar Lesson
Looking for more personalized instruction? Check out our other tutorials or reach out to McMusic Lessonsfor more information on upcoming sessions!
