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 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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
‘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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Trip To Sligo is a beautiful tune and in this lesson we’ll look at an advanced Celtic Fingerstyle arrangement. We’ll look at the tune in the key of G#m (capo 4), but it can be easily transposed. It’s a Jig and there are two variations within the arrangement.
‘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...