Category Archives: Guitar

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...