Basic Techniques

String Indication

	First string (the thinnest string farthest on the left-hand side).
	Second string
	Third string
	Fourth string
	Brackets that surround a string number to indicated an open string (one that is not fingered).

Fingering

	First finger (index finger)
	Second finger (middle finger)
	Third finger (ring finger)
	Fourth finger (pincky finger)
	Thumb

Plucking and Striking

	The right index finger plucks one string in an outward motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The right thumb plucks one string in an inward motion (towards the right-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	Both the right hand index finger and thumb pluck two strings at the same time with the top of the nail. The index finger plucked outward, the thumb inward.
	The right hand index and middle fingers pluck two strings in an outward motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The right middle finger plucks one string in an outward motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	Both the right hand index finger, middle finger, and thumb pluck three strings at the same time with the top of the nail. The index and middle fingers plucked outward, the thumb inward.
	The right index finger plucks one string in an inward motion (towards the right-hand side of the pipa) with the bottom of the nail.
	The right thumb plucks one string in an outward motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the bottom of the nail.
	Both the right hand index finger and thumb pluck two strings at the same time with the bottom of the nail. The index finger plucked inward, the thumb outward.
	The right middle finger plucks one string in an inward motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the bottom of the nail.
	Both the right hand index finger, middle finger, and thumb pluck three strings at the same time with the bottom of the nail. The index and middle fingers plucked inward, the thumb outward.
	The right index finger plucks two strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The right thumb plucks two strings together in an inward, sweeping motion (towards the right-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The right index finger plucks three strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The thumb plucks three strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The right index finger plucks four strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	The thumb plucks four strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail.
	Mute the strings by using the fingers or the palm of the right hand.

Multi- Finger Circular Tremolo

	Using three fingers; starting with the index, and then middle, pluck a string in a swift, outward motion from right to left, followed by the thumb plucking in an inward motion from left to right. Depending on context, the order of middle, index, and thumb may be more efficient.
	Using four fingers; starting with index, followed by middle, ring, and pinky, pluck a string in a swift, outward motion from right to left. The reverse order of fingers may also be acceptable, and in some contexts the pinky may be substituted for the thumb.
	Using every finger; starting with index, followed by middle, ring, and pinky, pluck the a string in a swift, outward motion from right to left, followed by the thumb plucking in an inward motion from left to right. It may also be acceptable to start with the pinky and conclude with the thumb.
	Using the five finger motion, pluck all four strings, starting from the fourth and moving to the first.
	Use the three finger motion continuously.
	Use the four finger motion continuously.
	Use the five finger motion continuously.
	First, pluck a string in an inward motion with the thumb, followed by the five finger motion used continuously.
	First, pluck a string using the underside of the thumb in an outward motion, followed by the five finger motion used continuously.
	Use the four finger motion contiusouly across two strings, starting with the indicated bottom string and moving upwards.
	First, use the right index finger to pluck two strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail, followed by the five finger motion used continuously.
	First, use the right index finger to pluck four strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail, followed by the five finger motion used continuously.
	First, use the thumb to pluck four strings together in one outward, sweeping motion (towards the left-hand side of the pipa) with the top of the nail, followed by the five finger motion used continuously.
	First, use the index finger (in an outward motion) and the thumb (in an inward motion) to pluck two strings simultaniously, followed byt the five finger motion used continusouly.