Category Archives: Guitar

101 Flatpicking Guitar: Beginner’s Crash Course

Welcome to the Pickin’ Lessons Beginner’s Crash Course in Flatpicking Guitar!

This crash course is for the complete beginner wanting to learn to flatpick. Focusing on Bluegrass and other folk styles, the course will get you pickin’ some of your favourite melodies and learn how to accompany others by learning the common chords played on the guitar. Go to lesson...

102 Flatpicking Guitar: Beginner’s Crash Course

G’day and welcome to the second instalment of the beginner’s crash course, 102 Flatpicking Guitar: Beginner’s Crash Course. In this next level, we’ll continue to learn new techniques, new tunes and expand your ability and knowledge on the guitar, focusing on Bluegrass and other folk styles.

This crash course is for the complete beginner wanting to learn to flatpick. Go to lesson...

Amazing Grace: Fingerstyle Guitar

In this lesson we’ll look at a beautiful fingerstyle arrangement of Amazing Grace. There are two variations, a basic version plus a more advanced version, both suitable for the intermediate picker. The guitar is tuned in Drop D and for this lesson I’ve used the capo at fret 2, putting us in the key of E. Go to lesson...

Angeline The Baker: Fingerstyle Guitar

Angeline The Baker is a popular fiddle tune and in this lesson we’ll look at a Travis picking arrangement. In the key of D, the guitar is tuned to Open D (DADF#AD), which works great for the melody and as part of this lesson we’ll break down the tune, working through the rhythm & technique. Go to lesson...

Arkansas Traveler: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this jam packed Arkansas Traveler: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun & challenging arrangement for the intermediate/advanced picker, containing 2 variations of the melody for both Part A & B. Arkansas Traveler is a traditional fiddle tune in the key of D.

The first variation is played on the lower strings in the open position, built for speed and ease featuring a range of ornaments. Go to lesson...

Arpeggio Licks: Guitar

In this guitar lesson we’ll follow up the Guitar Arpeggios 101 mini-course by learning and analysing multiple licks that feature & focus on arpeggios. Make sure you’ve learnt the arpeggio patterns in the previous lesson, as in this lesson we won’t spend much time on the patterns, but rather analyse how to use them. Go to lesson...

Arpeggios 101: Guitar

Arpeggios are broken chords, in other words, the notes used to form a chord, played individually. Understanding how arpeggios are built and fluently being able to play many arpeggio variations will help your playing on all levels – improv, melody creation/analysis, building harmony lines, back-up…

In this Guitar Arpeggios 101 mini-course, we’ll cover:

  • Common intervals used in arpeggios;
  • Major & minor arpeggios;
  • 4 note extensions – major 7, minor 7 & dominant 7 arpeggios;
  • How to move the patterns to any position & octave;
  • Learn an example solo, using only arpeggio notes from each chord change;
  • Plus, beginning strategies for developing the use of arpeggios in your own playing.
Go to lesson...

Ash Grove, The: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

In this Celtic fingerstyle guitar lesson we’ll take a look at a pretty arrangement of a Traditional Waltz, The Ash Grove. The tune is in the key of D Major and we are in drop D tuning (DADGBE). The time signature we are in is 3/4 (three quarter note beats per measure), also commonly known as waltz time. Go to lesson...

Away In A Manger (Duet): Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Away In A Manger is traditional Christmas Carol, played at a slow tempo in 3/4 time. This arrangement is in the key of G, has two variations and features the ‘Cradle Song’ melody, being the most popular setting outside of the United States. Both variations are suitable for the intermediate picker, and work equally well in duet with the mandolin or played solo.  Go to lesson...

Back Side Of Albany: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

The Back Side of Albany is a traditional American reel in the key of Em (dorian). In this fingerstyle arrangement, the melody is supported by harmonising bass notes that compliments the tune in a pretty way, with some really interesting chord movements throughout. This is suited to the advanced fingerstyle player, especially as the tune requires a quick, lively tempo.  Go to lesson...

Back Side of Albany: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Back Side of Albany: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun & challenging arrangement for the beginner & intermediate picker, containing 2 variations of the melody for both Part A & B. Back Side of Albany is a traditional American reel in the key of Em (dorian). Go to lesson...

Banish Misfortune: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar

Banish Misfortune is a traditional Irish Jig (6/8), in the key of D (mixolydian – 5th mode of G). We’re in open Dsus4 tuning (DADGAD), and this fingerstyle arrangement is suited to the advanced picker, with challenging left & right hand positions, that require strong technique to play clearly and fluently. Go to lesson...

Big Sciota (Version 2): Guitar Lesson

Big Sciota is certainly one of my all time favourite fiddle tunes, and this is the second version here on the website. In the key of G, this arrangement is suited to the advanced picker, with challenging techniques that include deep tones, floating and chordal, that all require strong technique to play clearly and fluently. Go to lesson...

Big Sciota: Guitar Lesson

Howdy! Big Sciota is one of my all time favourite fiddle tunes. It has a sweet sounding melody and is great fun to play! In this Big Sciota: Guitar Lesson we’ll take a look at an intermediate guitar arrangement of the tune, played in the key of G. The melody sits in the open position for Part A, using the G major scale, and moves a little further up the neck in Part B. Go to lesson...

Bill Cheatham: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

Bill Cheatham is a popular, traditional American fiddle tune, in the key of A (capo 2). With a melody that is often picked at a fast tempo, it features double stops, crosspicking arpeggios, some great scale movement and making use of both the first & second positions. If you’re familiar with the open G major scale, it will certainly help, as I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Billy In The Lowground: Guitar Lesson

In this flatpicking guitar lesson we’ll take a look at Billy in the Low Ground, a popular fiddle tune played in the key of C. There are 2 variations in this arrangement, a basic, intermediate version and a more advanced variation. Spending some time on this tune will certainly develop your picking and will be a great addition to your session tune list! Go to lesson...

Black Mountain Rag (A): Guitar Lesson

Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. This version is in the key of A (capo 2) and will pair great with the version in D. It’s a popular way to play the tune, jump back and forth between the two keys! I’d suggest the arrangement is suited to the advancing intermediate picker, but as always, in this lesson we’ll break down the tune and look at some helpful tips. Go to lesson...

Black Mountain Rag (D): Guitar Lesson

Black Mountain Rag is a popular fiddle tune, commonly played in 3 parts. While the key can vary  depending on the instrument/version, a popular variation is to play in the key of D. This arrangement is in standard tuning (capo 2) and features some great crosspicking passages for the right-hand and plenty of left-hand challenges to build your picking strength! Go to lesson...

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 1: Guitar Lesson

In many styles of music, having some knowledge of how to phrase licks and ‘get the sound’ is important, and in this lesson, we’ll do exactly that, by learning some great sounding bluegrass licks! In the key of G, we’ll focus on licks played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Go to lesson...

Bluegrass Licks Vol. 2: Guitar Lesson

In this second instalment of Bluegrass Licks, we’ll dive into a more modal set of licks, in the key of G. We’ll focus on licks played over the G, D & F chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. Our example chord progression is the old standard ‘Little Maggie’, but there are many great tunes and songs that feature the F chord in the key of G. Go to lesson...

Blues Lead Break (G): Guitar Lesson

Let’s learn a blues lead break in the key of G on the guitar! 12 bar blues with a shuffle feel, twice round, with lots of licks using the major & minor blues scale, up & down the neck. Also featuring double stops, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and a bend, this will certainly challenge the advancing intermediate picker! Go to lesson...

Bobby Casey’s | Floating Technique | Guitar Lesson

In this guitar lesson for the traditional Celtic tune, Bobby Casey’s, we’ll take a look at an arrangement that uses the floating technique. Often referred to as ‘harp’ like, the floating technique allows us to stack our melody notes over each other, creating a very pretty, unique sound to the guitar. Go to lesson...

Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine: Guitar Lesson

In this guitar lesson we’ll take a look at an Old Time tune, Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine. The tune is in the key of D Major and we are in drop D tuning (DADGBE). The arrangement features crosspicking, triplets and other articulation and is suited to the advanced intermediate student. Go to lesson...

Bonaparte’s Retreat: Guitar

Bonaparte’s Retreat is a traditional tune in the key of D Major and we’re in Drop D tuning. This tune has such a great melody and within this arrangement we’ll focus on two main techniques, crosspicking & triplets. The form we’ll play for this version is ABBCBB, but once you know the parts, you may hear it played with a different structure, so be adaptable! Go to lesson...

Boys of Ballycastle: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Boys of Ballycastle: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun arrangement for the advancing intermediate picker, containing various ornaments within the melody. The tune is a traditional Irish hornpipe in the key of Em and the arrangement is played in both the open position & up the neck in the 7th position. Go to lesson...

Boys Of Bluehill: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

The Boys Of Bluehill is a popular traditional Irish hornpipe, in the key of D. In this arrangement, we’ll learn a finger style version that takes the tune and places it in DADGAD tuning, adding embellishments to the melody and mixes it with some really interesting harmony accompaniment. Often played at a fast tempo, I’d suggest this arrangement is suited to the advanced finger picker…but don’t be put off by the tempo; I think it also works beautifully at a slower tempo! Go to lesson...

Celtic Backup in D: Guitar Lesson

In this lesson we’ll learn 8 chord variations in Drop D tuning, while we learn several rhythm variations in 4/4 time. We’ll use the traditional Celtic reel, The Merry Blacksmith, as an example during the lesson, but these chord voicing’s can work with any tune in the key of D and the rhythms will work with any reel. Go to lesson...

Cherokee Shuffle (V3): Guitar Lesson

This is the third variation on the melody of Cherokee Shuffle here on Pickin’ Lessons. It is a popular fiddle tune, a common tune in bluegrass sessions and one of my personal favourites. In the key of A (capo 2), this is an intermediate arrangement, with a handful of great bluesy licks, working around a nice, straight ahead version of the melody. Go to lesson...

Cherokee Shuffle: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

In this arrangement of Cherokee Shuffle for the guitar, there are 2 versions.

Form played in the preview = AABB – A1 (Basic) A2 (Variation) B1 (Basic) B2 (Variation)

The first is the basic melody, played in the open position. The second variation introduces more bluegrass licks, cross-picking, harmonises the melody in places plus also moves up the neck using a floating technique. Go to lesson...

Childgrove: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Childgrove is a traditional English country dance, played in the key of Am. In this lesson. we’ll dive into an arrangement that works its way up the neck in part A, with plenty of triads and harmony, while playing down the neck in part B with the melody and deep tones really setting the mood. Go to lesson...

Cold Frosty Morning: Solo Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

Hey! In this guitar lesson we’ll learn a solo flatpicking arrangement of Cold Frosty Morning. This version will work equally well as a solo piece or with back up. The arrangement focuses on the floating technique, utilising open strings and fretted notes up the neck to create harmony and allow for the notes to ring out as long as possible. Go to lesson...

Colonel John Irwin: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Colonel John Irwin is an Air (6/8), composed by Turlough O’Carolan, in the key of D (drop D tuning), and has a very sweet melody. This fingerstyle arrangement is suited to the advanced picker, with challenging left-hand positions that require strong technique to play clearly and fluently. As part of this lesson, we’ll cover the techniques needed to play this beautiful tune. Go to lesson...

Connaughtman’s Rambles: Guitar Lesson

The Connaughtman’s Rambles is a great jig in the key of D, played at a fast tempo, and suited to the advancing intermediate picker. There are two parts to the tune, each presenting their own challenges; cross picking, arpeggios and the picking technique required ensuring the 6/8 feel is accented. Spend some time on this tune, it will certainly develop your picking and will be a great addition to your repertoire! Go to lesson...

Cooley’s Reel: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Cooley’s Reel: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun arrangement of the melody for the intermediate/advanced picker, containing 2 variations of the melody within part A & B. Cooley’s Reel is a traditional Irish reel in the key of Em (Dorian). It has challenging left hand note combinations featuring chordal accents, arpeggios and triplets and is a great work out for your right hand with a lot of movement over the strings, but is super fun to play & sounds great! Go to lesson...

Cripple Creek: Guitar Lesson

Cripple Creek is a popular fiddle tune, played in the key of A. This is the second version on the site, with the first version found in the flatpicker crash course. In this arrangement, there are four variations, starting out with a basic version of the melody, through to more advanced variations featuring double stops, ornaments, blue notes and embellishment around the melody. Go to lesson...

Da New Rigged Ship: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Da New Rigged Ship is a traditional Scottish reel, with a 3 part form. Part A & C are in Am (dorian), while part B modulates into A Major. In this lesson we’ll dive into an arrangement that contains two variations, that will suit the advanced picker.

The first variation sets the melody & positions, while the second variation includes more variation and articulation. Go to lesson...

Devil’s Dream: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Devil’s Dream: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune for the intermediate picker, which includes some great cross picking passages. Devil’s Dream is a traditional fiddle tune in the key of A. It has challenging left hand note combinations featuring both arpeggios and scale passages and is a great work out for your right hand featuring many 8th note passages plus several cross picking arpeggios, but is darn fun to play & a great session tune! Go to lesson...

Eleanor Plunkett (O’Carolan): Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Eleanor Plunkett is an Air (3/4), composed by Turlough O’Carolan and in the key of G. It has a very sweet melody, moves along gently and very rewarding to play. In this arrangement, we’ll learn a fingerstyle version, well suited to the intermediate picker wanting a challenge and sounds great played solo or with accompaniment, take your pick! Go to lesson...

Father O’Flynn: Guitar Lesson

Father O’Flynn is a great tune, in the key of D. It’s a jig, and in this lesson we’ll cover how to approach the right-hand to effectively capture the rhythm and pulse for the 6/8 time signature. Played at a fast tempo, this tune is well suited to the advanced picker, and this arrangement incorporates some advanced articulations for the right-hand. Go to lesson...

First Noel, The: Christmas Fingerstyle Guitar

‘Tis the season! The First Noel is a traditional English Christmas carol and in this lesson we’ll look at an intermediate fingerstyle arrangement, in the key of D, played in drop D tuning. There are two variations within the arrangement, the first sticking close to the melody with a focus on 2 part harmony, while the second variation embellishes the melody while also developing a 3 part harmony. Go to lesson...

Flowers Of Edinburgh: Guitar Lesson

The Flowers Of Edinburgh is traditional Scottish reel, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of G. Well suited to the intermediate flatpicker, and with a fluent knowledge of the G Major scale, this tune is awfully fun to pick. Part A keeps us in the open position, while Part B takes us up to the 7th position with some lovely movement. Go to lesson...

Foxhunters, The: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In The Foxhunters: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune. The Foxhunters is a traditional Irish Slip Jig (9/8 time) in the key of D. The left hand note combinations are relatively straight forward, but is quite a challenge for your right hand! As part of this lesson we’ll look at the advanced picking techniques required to fluently play the tune and help the pulse and accents be present. Go to lesson...

Fretboard Freedom 101: The Musical Alphabet

Fretboard Freedom: The Musical Alphabet is the first lesson in a course that will help you unlock the fretboard, enabling you to find any note, double stop, chord, scale, arpeggio in any position. It will give you the freedom to find your way in any key and have the ability to transpose/reposition breaks, melodies & chord progressions and improve your ability to improvise. Go to lesson...

Fretboard Freedom 102: The Guitar Octave Pattern

Using the guitar octave pattern to gain fretboard freedom is a crucial and quick step to locate a note anywhere on the fretboard. By using the guitar octave pattern and your knowledge of the notes on one or two strings (see Fretboard Freedom 101: The Musical Alphabet) it becomes quite simple to locate any note on any string, then play a chord, scale, arpeggio, etc. Go to lesson...

George Brabazon: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar

George Brabazon is a beautiful Turlough O’Carolan tune and in this lesson we’ll look at an intermediate Celtic Fingerstyle arrangement. In the key of G, we’ll focus on left hand position, with extra attention given to the 4th finger while developing good right hand habits. Part A stays in the open position and as we venture into Part B, we’ll need to work on quick position changes to ensure a smooth melody. Go to lesson...

Good Natured Man: Guitar Lesson

Good Natured Man is a traditional Irish hornpipe, with a 2 part form, in the key of G. The arrangement combines several great techniques including crosspicking, floating, triplets, all combined with the hornpipe feel. The tempo is reasonably fast, making it a great tune for the advanced picker wanting a challenge, especially combined with the other techniques! Go to lesson...

Handsome Molly: Fingerstyle Guitar

Handsome Molly is a traditional ballad and in this arrangement there are 2 solo variations, plus an accompaniment variation and outro. Played in the key of G in Drop D tuning, the Travis picking technique is a feature of this version. The parts can be arranged to suit many forms of the song, either with a singer or played as an instrumental. Go to lesson...

Improv Up The Neck (w/ Worried Man Blues): Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Improv Up The Neck: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at improvising up the neck for the advanced picker. We’ll learn 3 major chord arpeggio shapes in the key of A, the major & minor blues scales, identify chord tones & passing tones, including the b3, b5 & b7, plus learn some example licks that are featured in the up the neck break for “Worried Man Blues”. Go to lesson...

John Hardy (Ver 2): Guitar Lesson

John Hardy is a traditional American folk song, and a session regular. In this lesson. we’ll dive into an arrangement that has 3 bluegrass style breaks, in the key of G. The first break is great for a kick off, and is also the easiest of the 3. As we progress, the breaks become more involved, and the 3rd break is up the neck and suited to the advanced picker. Go to lesson...

John Ryan’s Polka: Guitar Lesson

John Ryan’s Polka is a well known traditional Irish polka, played in the key of D (Drop D Tuning). There are two variations within this arrangement, a basic version of the melody and a variation focused on the deeper tones in the drop d tuning with some interesting syncopation. It’s a fast tune, perfect for an advancing picker, and the basic version is great to get up to speed, while the variation adds a bit of flare to the tune! Go to lesson...

Joy To The World: Bluegrass Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Joy To The World: Bluegrass Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun arrangement of this Christmas Carol played in a bluegrass style, for the both the intermediate & advanced picker. The arrangement is played out of G shapes, capo’d at the 2nd fret, putting us in the key of A. Go to lesson...

Kid On The Mountain: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

The Kid On The Mountain is traditional Irish slip jig (9/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Em. There are five parts to the tune, each containing some excellent, yet demanding picking passages. This fingerstyle arrangement will suit the advanced picker and will be a great addition to your repertoire…who doesn’t love a slip jig! Go to lesson...

King Of The Fairies: Guitar Lesson

King Of The Fairies is a traditional Irish hornpipe, in the key of Em. This arrangement is well suited to the intermediate picker with a nice variety of articulation, rhythm variation and ornaments. It has a very intriguing melody, which is really great to play on the guitar and in this lesson we’ll cover how to capture the hornpipe feel and the challenging melody we’re faced with.  Go to lesson...

La Bastringue: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this La Bastringue: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a fun arrangement for the intermediate picker, containing various ornaments within the melody. The tune is a traditional French Canadian reel in the key of D and the arrangement is played in an open tuning: DADAAD.

Lesson #1:

  • Tuning: DADAAD
  • Learn the melody for Part A;
  • Exercises for learning the ornaments and rhythm.
Go to lesson...

Lazy John: Fingerstyle Guitar

Lazy John is an American Old Time song with a really sweet melody. In this lesson we’ll look at an intermediate fingerstyle arrangement, in the key of G, with 2 variations.  We’ll focus on the right-hand techniques used which include Travis picking & the floating technique and I’d suggest this arrangement is suitable for the intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Learn The Neck With Triads: Guitar Lesson (Part One)

In this course, we’ll cover a way of looking at the fretboard that is beneficial in building your knowledge of melody & harmony. By learning the neck with triads, you’ll look at the fretboard in a completely new way, giving you an awful lot of choice & freedom in your playing. Go to lesson...

Learn The Neck With Triads: Guitar Lesson (Part Two)

In this course, we’ll cover a way of looking at the fretboard that is beneficial in building your knowledge of melody & harmony. By learning the neck with triads, you’ll look at the fretboard in a completely new way, giving you an awful lot of choice & freedom in your playing. Go to lesson...

Liberty: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Liberty: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune for the  intermediate picker, with some basic cross picking. Liberty is a traditional fiddle tune in the key of D, and this arrangement is played in standard tuning, capo 2. The right-hand is alternating through the tune, with some basic cross picking passages included in the melody. Go to lesson...

Lord Inchiquin: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

In this Celtic fingerstyle guitar lesson we’ll take a look at a pretty arrangement of the Turlough O’Carolan tune, Lord Inchiquin. The tune is in the key of D Major and we are in ‘Drop D’ tuning (string 6 = D). Interestingly, the time signature we are in is 6/4 (six quarter note beats per measure). Go to lesson...

Maid Behind The Bar: Guitar Lesson

The Maid Behind The Bar is a traditional Irish reel, with a 2 part form, in the key of D. The melody is challenging on the guitar, with a wide range of movement. The tempo is fast, making it a great tune for the advanced picker wanting a challenge! In the lesson, we’ll cover the important techniques to focus on to help you get the tune up to speed.  Go to lesson...

Monaghan Jig: Guitar Lesson

The Monaghan Jig is an awesome tune in the key of Em, played at a fast tempo, and suited to the advanced picker. There are four parts to the tune, each presenting their own challenges; cross picking, arpeggios, picking technique, 16th note rhythms plus ensuring the 6/8 feel is accented. Spend some time on this tune, it will certainly develop your picking and will be a great addition to your repertoire! Go to lesson...

Mug of Brown Ale: Guitar Lesson (Intermediate Benchmark)

The ‘Mug of Brown Ale’ is a great traditional Jig in the Key of Am (dorian mode), and the techniques required make it an excellent benchmark tune for the intermediate picker. The right-hand picking is certainly a challenge, and the left-hand needs to accomodate position changes and be efficient. In this lesson, we’ll break down the techniques to ensure you can get around the tune! Go to lesson...

Munster Cloak, The: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

In this Celtic fingerstyle guitar lesson we’ll take a look at a pretty arrangement of the Traditional Irish tune, The Munster Cloak. The tune is in the key of G Major and we are in standard tuning. The time signature we are in is 3/4 (three quarter note beats per measure), also commonly known as waltz time. Go to lesson...

O Come All Ye Faithful: Christmas Fingerstyle Guitar

‘O Come All Ye faithful’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this fingerstyle guitar lesson, we’ll learn a variation that supports the melody in both 2 & 3 part harmony. In the key of G (drop D tuning), the dynamic rises and falls as the harmony moves in and out of 2 & 3 part, high & low, creating a lovely sense of contrast to the piece. The Go to lesson...

O’Carolan #174: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

In this fingerstyle guitar lesson, we’ll take a look at O’Carolan #174, written by the blind Irish harpist Turlough O’Carolan in the 17th century. The title, devoid of a specific name, reflects the historical convention of cataloging O’Carolan’s vast repertoire by number. #174 captivates with its intricate harmonies and emotive nuances, and this arrangement takes the beautiful melody and develops the harmony and movement for the advancing fingerstyle guitarist. Go to lesson...

O’Carolan’s Draught: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

O’Carolan’s Draught is a beautiful Turlough O’Carolan melody, in the key of G. In this fingerstyle arrangement, we have some great movement and some challenging left-hand positions, suited to the advanced player. In the lesson we’ll break down the technique, fingering and positions for both A & B. Played at a slow tempo, this piece is  a challenge, but very rewarding and well worth getting to know. Go to lesson...

O’Carolan’s Dream: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this O’Carolan’s Dream: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a pretty fingerstyle arrangement of the tune for the intermediate picker. O’Carolan’s Dream is a Slow Air composed by Turlough O’Carolan in the key of Am. It’s really important for the flow of this tune that we let all the notes ring out & as part of this lesson we’ll look at the techniques needed to help play the tune fluently. Go to lesson...

Over The Waterfall: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Over The Waterfall is a popular traditional tune, with a 2 part form, in the key of D. This fingerstyle arrangement has both a basic & advanced variation and the guitar is tuned to the lovely sounding DADGAD tuning. Featuring a variety of intricate techniques, including drones, triplet slurs, octaves and left-hand taps, the arrangement is certainly one of my favourites. Go to lesson...

Pig Ankle Rag: Guitar Lesson

Pig Ankle Rag is an awesome fiddle tune in the key of D (capo 2). There are 2 parts to the tune and it has the typical characteristics of a rag and is well suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Featuring a shuffle groove, crosspicking and syncopation there are some challenges in performing this arrangement, but we’ll break it down together in the lesson.  Go to lesson...

Ragtime Annie: Guitar Lesson

Ragtime Annie is a quick tempo, trad fiddle tune, played in the key of D (capo 2). It’s a great session tune, and this guitar arrangement features double stops & triads as part of the melody, making it a challenging tune to pick.  As we break down the tune slowly, it is quite manageable, all with the aim of once memorised, you’ll be able to dial up the tempo as needed! Go to lesson...

Rakes Of Kildare: Guitar Lesson

The Rakes Of Kildare is traditional Irish jig, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of Am (dorian). During the lesson we’ll spend time working on the picking structure suited to the accents found in the 6/8 time signature, an important part of playing a jig. Part A keeps us in the open position, while Part B takes us up to the 5th position with some lovely movement, making the tune well suited to an intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Red Haired Boy: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this guitar lesson we’ll take a look at 2 different ways of playing the same melody for Red Haired Boy on the guitar. The basic version is played out of the open position, the second version is the exact same melody but played with a floating technique, fretting the notes further up the neck allowing the open strings to resonate longer. Go to lesson...

Road To Lisdoonvarna: Guitar Lesson (Celtic Fingerstyle)

In this lesson, we’ll take a look at a Celtic fingerstyle arrangement of Road To Lisdoonvarna. It is a traditional Irish Single Jig in the key of Em (dorian), sharing the same key signature as D (F# & C#). The left hand note combinations are relatively straight forward, but is quite a challenge for your right hand! Go to lesson...

Rolling Waves, The: Guitar Lesson (Celtic Fingerstyle)

G’day! In The Rolling Waves: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a Celtic fingerstyle arrangement of the tune, for the advanced picker. The Rolling Waves is a traditional Irish Jig in the key of D, and in this arrangement the guitar is tuned in DADGAD (open Dsus4). The left hand note combinations feature a number of hammer-on, pull-off and tapping ornaments and is also quite a challenge for your right hand! Go to lesson...

Sailor’s Hornpipe: Guitar Lesson

Sailor’s Hornpipe is a well known, traditional hornpipe, played at an up-beat tempo, in the key of G. With a jolly melody, the tune features arpeggios, some great scale movement, modulation and movement up & down the neck of the guitar. If you’re familiar with the open G major scale, it will help you get started, as I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advancing intermediate picker. Go to lesson...

Sailor’s Wife, The: Guitar Lesson

The Sailor’s Wife is a traditional Irish jig (6/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Dm. The structure of the melody provides some challenging picking passages and left-hand movement, making it an appropriate study for the advanced intermediate picker. As part of the lesson, we’ll analyse the melody and picking technique within the 6/8 time signature and learn a fun tune! Go to lesson...

Salt Creek: Crosspicking Guitar Lesson

G’day! This guitar lesson is in 2 parts; first we’ll be working on some crosspicking technique and several exercises to help improve accuracy; in the second part of this lesson we’ll apply the technique to an arrangement of the picking session standard, Salt Creek, out of capo 2 in the key of A. Go to lesson...

Scales & Technical Practice | Guitar | Level 1

A course focusing on the flatpicking technique including scales, arpeggios, chords, rhythm, improvisation, speed development, general technique exercises & sight-reading.

Scales & Technical Work should form an important, structured part of your practice routine. It will improve your general technique, practical theory knowledge, improvisation, understanding of melody & harmony, rhythm, tone, and so on. Go to lesson...

Scales & Technical Practice | Overview

Scales & Technical Work should form an important, structured part of your practice routine. It will improve your general technique, practical theory knowledge, improvisation, understanding of melody & harmony, rhythm, tone, and so on.

Check out the Pickin’ Lessons structured, 2 part, scales & technical practice below. Give it a shot & I’m positive you’ll find yourself moving forward in no time! Go to lesson...

Shuckin’ The Corn: Guitar Lesson

Shuckin’ The Corn is certainly a favourite fiddle tune of many banjo picker’s, for good reason, it’s great! This guitar arrangement will allow you to pick along with the tune, and impress those banjo picker’s who may lay claim to the tune 😉

In the key of G and played at a fast tempo, this arrangement is suited to the advanced picker, with challenging techniques that all require strong technique to play clearly and fluently. Go to lesson...

Silent Night: Bluegrass Christmas

A bluegrass arrangement of the Christmas Carol ‘Silent Night’ for guitar, banjo & mandolin!

Here’s a preview for the guitar, banjo (0.46)  & mandolin (1.30) arrangements:

MP3 Play-Along (all instruments) & Backing Track (rhythm guitar & mandolin)

Go to lesson...

Smash The Windows: Guitar Lesson (Celtic Fingerstyle)

G’day! In this Smash The Windows: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at a Celtic fingerstyle arrangement of the tune. Smash The Windows is a traditional Irish Jig in the key of D (Drop D tuning). The arrangement is at an intermediate level, with challenging positions for the left hand and a solid technique in your right hand required. Go to lesson...

Southwind: Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

Southwind is a traditional Irish waltz, played in the key of G. It has a very beautiful melody that we’ll learn in a fingerstyle arrangement, in 2 different variations. First, we’ll first learn it in its basic form, with minimal support from the bass notes found in the harmony. Then we’ll spice it up with a more advanced arrangement that features more support and embellishment around the melody. Go to lesson...

St Anne’s Reel (Version 2): Guitar Lesson (Floating & Crosspicking Techniques)

In this guitar lesson for the traditional tune, St Anne’s Reel, we’ll take a look at an arrangement that uses the floating & crosspicking techniques. Often referred to as ‘harp’ like, the floating technique allows us to stack our melody notes over each other, creating a very pretty, unique sound to the guitar. Go to lesson...

Star of Munster: Celtic Fingerstyle Guitar Lesson

The Star of Munster is a traditional Irish reel, in the key of Am (dorian). In this lesson we’ll dive into a fingerstyle arrangement that will suit the advanced picker. Featuring some challenging articulation, the melody moves in an interesting way, which will certainly present a challenge at times. Played at a fast tempo, the Star of Munster will make an excellent addition to your fingerstyle repertoire! Go to lesson...

Star of Munster: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Star of Munster: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at an arrangement of this traditional Celtic reel for the advancing beginner/intermediate picker. The arrangement is played in both position 1 & 2, in the key of Am (dorian mode).

A feature of this arrangement is the lack of articulation, which makes for a great picking study, but also gives the tune a real drive. Go to lesson...

Sweet By And By: Guitar Lesson

‘In The Sweet By And By’ is a popular, old gospel song that is always a great session sing-along!  In the key of C, this arrangement features some lovely crosspicking, with a variation for both the verse & chorus melodies. I’d suggest this tune is suited to the advanced picker, but as always, in this lesson we’ll break down the tune and look at some helpful tips. Go to lesson...

Temperance Reel: Flatpicking Guitar Lesson

The Temperance Reel is a popular fiddle tune, with a fantastic melody and chord progression. In the key of G, there are 2 parts, played at a quick tempo. The techniques required as we cover the movement of the melody are suited to the advanced intermediate picker, but we’ll break this down within the lessons. Go to lesson...

Ten Penny Bit: Guitar Lesson

G’day! In this Ten Penny Bit: Guitar Lesson, we’ll take a look at the basic melody of the tune. The Ten Penny Bit is a traditional Irish Jig in the key of Am (dorian), sharing the same key signature as G (F#).The left hand note combinations are relatively straight forward, but is quite a challenge for your right hand! Go to lesson...

The Black Nag (Crosspicking & Floating): Guitar Lesson

The Black Nag is traditional Irish jig (6/8), played at a fast tempo, in the key of Am. The structure of the melody allows for a great study of 2 techniques; crosspicking and floating. We’ll analyse the melody and compare the floating to single-string approach, while also applying the crosspicking techniques within the 6/8 time signature. Go to lesson...

Three Sea Captains: Guitar lesson

The Three Sea Captains is a traditional Irish jig, played at a medium tempo, in the key of G. With a jolly melody, both the A & B parts are longer than the usual fiddle tune, making for a more substantial tune to pick. I’d suggest that you need to be comfortable with the jig structure, as this tune takes it up a notch with a variety of rhythmic variation featured throughout, making this tune more suited to the advanced intermediate picker.  Go to lesson...

Turkey In The Straw: Guitar Lesson

Turkey In The Straw is a popular American folk song, commonly played as an instrumental in bluegrass sessions. In the key of G, this is an arrangement of the basic melody, suited to the intermediate picker. Featuring some hammer-on & pull-off slurs, we’ll focus on technique as we work our way through the tune.  Go to lesson...

We Three Kings of Orient Are: Christmas Fingerstyle Guitar

‘We Three Kings of Orient Are’ is a beautiful Christmas carol and in this fingerstyle guitar lesson, we’ll learn three verse variations and two chorus variations. In the key of Am, first up, we’ll cover a basic, beginner fingerstyle version of the melody. We’ll then move on to a pretty version of the melody in the open position for the intermediate picker, then, moving up the neck, we’ll look at a great version, with a lovely variation of harmony, suited to the advanced intermediate picker. The Go to lesson...

We Wish You A Merry Christmas: Bluegrass Guitar Lesson

We Wish You A Merry Christmas is a traditional English carol, and in this guitar arrangement we’ll look at a bluegrass style version in the key of G, with two variations of the melody. The first variation is the basic melody, suited to the advanced beginner; while the second is a bluegrass inspired take on the melody, suited to the advancing picker. Go to lesson...

Whiskey Before Breakfast: Guitar Lesson

Hey! In this guitar lesson we’ll take a look at Whiskey Before Breakfast. There are 2 versions in this arrangement – the first is played mainly in the open position around open chords, while the second is played using the floating technique and ventures up the neck.

Floating is a technique of playing open strings in combination with fretted strings. Go to lesson...

Worried Man Blues: Beginner Guitar

Check out the free updated lesson for Worried Man Blues here Flatpicking Guitar: Beginner’s Crash Course!

The crash course is for the complete beginner wanting to learn to flatpick. Focusing on Bluegrass and other folk styles, the course will get you pickin’ some of your favourite melodies and learn how to accompany others by learning the common chords played on the guitar. Go to lesson...

You Are My Sunshine: Crosspicking Guitar Lesson

You Are My Sunshine is a very popular song, and in this guitar lesson we’ll look at an arrangement that features the crosspicking and floating techniques, suited to the intermediate picker. In the key of G, this arrangement has 2 variations that both require a strong left-hand technique and a high level of right-hand control. Go to lesson...