Tag Archives: Flatpicking

Worried Man Blues: Guitar Lesson

Worried Man Blues is a traditional American/Bluegrass folk song, and this arrangement for the guitar is in the key of G. Perfect for a kick-off or break, we’re taking the basic melody and adding a bunch of licks and variation, perfect for the intermediate picker! This is a companion lesson for the Beginner Bluegrass Licks lesson, where we discuss how to approach playing licks over this progression and break down some fundamental theory. Go to lesson...

Beginner Bluegrass Licks (Part 2): Guitar Lesson

In part two of this lesson, we’ll learn some more great beginner bluegrass licks on the guitar, perfect to further develop improvisation in the bluegrass style for the intermediate picker! Firstly, the example solo/licks for part two are in the key of G, played over the chord progression from Old Home Place. Go to lesson...

Salt Creek (w/ Harmony): Guitar Lesson

Salt Creek is a classic bluegrass fiddle tune, and you can never have too many versions! This guitar arrangement in A (capo 2) features both a melody and harmony break that combine into a fantastic variation.

In this lesson, we’ll learn both parts plus a harmonised tag. Played at a fast tempo with some challenging passages, it’s ideal for advanced intermediate pickers. Go to lesson...

Smash The Windows: Guitar Lesson

Smash The Windows – Lively Traditional Irish Jig in D

In this lesson we break down a fun intermediate arrangement featuring classic 6/8 jig rhythms, common flatpicking patterns, tasteful slurs, and nice chord voicings in drop D tuning. Perfect for building confidence with Irish timing and ornamentation. Jump in and let’s learn it together! Go to lesson...

Cherokee Shuffle (V4): Guitar Lesson

Cherokee Shuffle is a popular American fiddle tune, played in the key of A (capo 2). This is the fourth arrangement here at Pickin’ Lessons on the guitar and is a variation that approaches the melody in a more advanced way, highlighting the melody while introducing some great bluegrass licks and movement all around the neck. Go to lesson...

Mountain Dew: Guitar Lesson

Mountain Dew is a fantastic traditional Appalachian folk song, popular in bluegrass circles. This arrangement on the guitar has 2 variations, with a bunch of great lick ideas, recorded in the key of A (capo 2), but can be transposed easily. The first variation is inspired by The Stanley Brothers recording and the second break launches up the neck with a lot more bluegrass flair! Go to lesson...