In lesson 16 of the Flatpicker’s Crash Course, we’ll dive in to the crosspicking technique! As part of the lesson we’ll learn an arrangement of Banks of the Ohio in the key of G that features the crosspicking technique and some cool beginner friendly bluegrass licks! Breaking down the technique during the lesson, we’ll also cover 4 great exercises that cover the forward and backward style crosspicking patterns. Go to lesson...
In this sixth volume of Bluegrass licks on the guitar, we’ll follow up on the previous lesson in the key of C. This time we’ll cover licks for the 1 4 5 & 6m chords (C F G Am) both up & down the neck that incorporate the major blues scale, arpeggios, triads, all while building on concepts and ideas from the previous lessons. Go to lesson...
In this fifth volume of Bluegrass licks on the guitar, we’ll look at a bunch of lick ideas in the key of C. In the lesson we’ll cover licks for the 1 4 & 5 chords (C F G), analyse the ideas and learn the scales & arpeggio shapes that have help build the licks. Go to lesson...
Leather Britches is a great old-time fiddle tune, played at a medium/fast tempo, in the key of G. This arrangement features 2 variations for each section, played over a Texas Swing style backing. With a number of challenging techniques used throughout the tune, it’s well suited to the advanced picker. This is a fantastic tune to pick on the guitar, jump into the lesson and we’ll break it down together. Go to lesson...
Fishers Hornpipe is a popular bluegrass fiddle tune, played at a moderately fast tempo, in the key of D (capo 2). This arrangement stays pretty true to the melody, featuring some challenging techniques, well suited to the advanced picker. While a traditional hornpipe tends to ‘swing’, more often than not you’ll hear Fishers played straight and fast! Go to lesson...
Go Tell It On The Mountain is a traditional Gospel Christmas Carol. This arrangement on the guitar is in the key of G, played at a medium tempo, and will be a great tune for the advancing beginner picker as there are a variety of techniques worth spending time on which will help develop your playing. Go to lesson...
In this fourth volume of Bluegrass licks on the guitar, we’ll focus on applying licks to a melody. In the lesson we’ll be using the melody from ‘My Walkin’ Shoes’ in the key of B (capo 4), utilising the ‘G’ shapes against the capo, so can be transposed easily. There are two breaks in the lesson, and we’ll analyse both breaks against the basic melody and chord progression, working through the thought process and application of a variety of licks from the earlier lessons – some more generic, and others that are manipulated to fit the melody and even harmonise against it. Go to lesson...
The Finnish Polka is a traditional polka, in the key of Bm. This arrangement is played with the capo at fret 2, and features the 2/4 time signature, played at quite a brisk tempo. For the intermediate picker wanting to work on increasing speed, this lively tune is a great technique workout for the right-hand, but equally as fun for the more experienced picker! Go to lesson...
Old Grimes is an excellent traditional bluegrass tune, in the key of D. This arrangement is played in the open D position and is well suited to the intermediate picker. It will be a great addition to your repertoire! It’s a wonderful tune to pick and the combination of melody & chord movement has certainly moved this tune to quickly become one of my personal favourites. Go to lesson...
Blackberry Blossom is a popular bluegrass fiddle tune in the key of G. In this lesson, we’ll look at a straight ahead, basic version of the melody, well suited to the intermediate flatpicker. You’ll need to have a solid technique in both hands to play this tune well, and if you have a solid grasp of the open position G major scale, it will certainly help. Go to lesson...