Hi, everyone. I wanted to start us off with a comment to get the ball rolling. I would LOVE it if you could leave a short comment introducing yourself to the other members. ο»ΏIβm Dan Thorpe, from Birmingham, UK (not Alabama!). I love fingerpicking – Paul Simon, James Taylor, Tommy Emmanuel and about a gazillion others! My favourite thing about playing guitar is having some quiet time to play for myself (music is a great outlet for everything in life) and to jam with my 4 year old boy, Archie! I used to be terrible at guitar but after years… Read more »
Hey everyone, I would love to know what lessons you would like to learn. More on fingerpicking, Travis picking, chord changes, theory, jamming???… you name it, leave your ideas below!! This is the place to do so.
Hi Dan, I am an intermediate player, but am fascinated about finger style, and very anxious to get started. But i must admit i do struggle a bit with the dreaded Barr Chords, but am improving a bit. I am a Viet Nam vet, who suffers from PTSD, I am very private, so if you don’t hear much from me please understand. Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for getting in touch. It`s great to have you here. Barre chords are tough but do make sure you take your time and use good technique with them.
No problem at all regarding being private and I hope you are doing well regarding the PTSD. Just know that the comments section and the mini-forum is there for you when needed. All the best.
Cool, for sure, let us know some more details. What sort of slaps and slides? The crazy stuff or solid on beats 2 and 4 type thing? What sort of guitarists have inspired this? (I ask, so I know I’m on the right path). π
No particular artist comes to mind but I would say on beats 2 and 4 nothing crazy (yet). Slapping all the strings I find okay, it’s the thumb slap I have trouble with on the low E A strings.
I have come across slaps in the odd piece of music, done right sounds amazing. Just something I would like to add to my repertoire.
Ah, okay cool, thanks for letting me know. The slaps on beats 2 and 4 are very cool. The grooves these can add are great. Will get something ready on this. π
If you would like to submit a video, you can add it to your comment by including a video LINK (for example, a YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox link). (Email Dan for help if you get stuck uploading a video)
YouTube and Vimeo links are the preferred video format. Make sure that your links are set to unlisted (not private!) and then only we will see it.
Hopefully, you have all noticed the new comments section at the bottom of each page in the DTAA! I would love for you to comment, ask questions and say “hi”!
This Bootcamp course is bringing a lot of stuff together for me. I do enjoy your clear and concise teaching method.
Iβm having lunch with one of my piping friends today. She studied classical guitar and became discouraged by its complexity. Iβm going to tell her to try this! βΊοΈ
This is pleasing to read. Thanks. One thing I am keen on is helping students put the fragments of all their knowledge together. Knowing it has helped you is ace. Yes, do let your friend know, I think she will enjoy it. π
Looking at this lesson again today. Best one of boot camp so far. Makes more sense to me as I repeat it. Iβm a bit foggy headed sometimes.
Never thought boot camp could be fun. βΊοΈ
Hi Dan ..Iβm back after a few months awayβ¦.I gave up on Spanish romance when it got difficult with the bar code but I am determined to crack it this time
Welcome back, Doug. Do be patient with it, and isolate that barre. You may want to practice it multiple times a day in very short bursts. Often with this, you’ll find just the right positioning for it to click. Then you’ll be up and running for good with it. π
Guess Iβm overthinking.? Chord chart for this?
Iβm not a visual learner. Guess I like everything spelled out for me and then practice over and over and hope for muscle memory to kick in.
This is a great lesson that I will revisit often.
Iβm doing this for my own enjoyment and must remember that.
Of course I will enjoy the guitar more when I improve.
It’s the sort of thing I could create a chord chart for if you felt you’d need them, but truth be told, they’re quite simple and exploring the fretboard with these ideas is the main aim rather than having set points to use the shapes. That will help you use your ear and sense of musicality as for the type of sounds you want to achieve. Let me know if that makes sense. π
Make sense but I would still like chord chart. Iβll work on it this way but feel a chord chart would help me get it down and then musicality would kick in. Often times I work on chord inversions that are spelled out in books and then I βget it.β
I wish I had chord charts for each of these βexoticβ chords. A chord chart across the top of the page would be useful here. This is the most exciting lesson here in βbootcampβ so far.
There is a lot going on here with the caged thing. This is the most useful CAGED instruction I have seen. I think it will help me learn the fretboard notes. I know the E and the A string notes for purposes of Barre chording but I do want to know the entire fretboard. Barre chords are still hard for me. I have your Barre chord course and need to revisit it. I have to work on not being discouraged. My small hands and tiny pinky hinder me quite a bit. Yes, Django, and Mamsteen oh man π¨ You can… Read more »
That’s great to know. I find this to be a separate and more practical way of looking at the scales of CAGED rather than the often confusing CAGED chordal system. One thing I should say, is my hands and fingers are pretty normal in size. The camera lens distorts that and makes them look bigger. π
Wow! The camera makes your hands look enormous! Thanks for letting me in on that!
I still would like to get a prosthesis made for my tiny pinkie on left and right hands.
Would love to Brace like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel.
I do remember you said you donβt brace as it causes tension in your hand.
Sometimes I brace with ring finger and then pick with thumb, index and middle.
Maybe Iβll really be able to play when Iβm ninety! π€ͺπ
Yes, it really does, especially on my older wide angle lens camera. As long as you can avoid tension, bracing is not the end of the world but keeping close control with the picking hand, and having awareness of where the strings are is super powerful. π
I recall this from a DTAA lesson as you mentioned in todayβs email. Years ago, in what seems like another lifetime ago, I took classical lessons where I first encountered the free and rest strokes. The Level 3 little piece is pretty.
That’s great that you remembered the lesson and technique. Classical guitar technique is so good in many ways, even when we use it for non-classical stuff. Pleased you enjoyed this. π
I feel like Iβm βback in the saddle againβ with this Dusty Road song. Good background music for a cowboy picture. This is fun and sounds really cool.βΊοΈ
So pleased to hear it. Yeah, it’s good fun. I love how music can transport us to another time and place. The blues does that for me for sure, and happy this piece did that for you too. π
For sure, this sort of thing blew my mind at first but I was practicing it totally wrong, usually the wrong fingers etc. Was so much easier when I slowed it down and got the correct techniques. You will nail it soon too doing the same. π
That was a great warm up Dan. I practiced it for nearly an hour, so that next time I pick up my guitar it becomes second nature. Thank you for that, Dennis
Dan, there is so much to explore in DTAA and The Fingerpicking Bootcamp. Your lessons are straight to the point with no BS. Your lessons are so well thought out that it definitely shows your expansive expertise as a teacher.
βΊοΈ
The only place pressure is a problem for me is with my fretting hand and fingers. Otherwise the guitar and I get along well, even as we’re both trying to adapt to playing on my raised left knee. And I am, in fact, a hippie surfer, so I’ve got that…
Good stuff. It’s great you are aware of where the pressure is. That’s the first step to fixing it. Cool imagine you’re riding a big wave when playing, in that flowing, elegant way. I can’t wait to get back surfing again π
Iβm still working with the key of c part. I want to really emphasize the root notes as I go along. Iβm making sure my picking is accurate. Wish I could brace like Tommy Emmanuel or Chet Akins with my pinky but my pinky is too short. This leaves me playing in the classical style which isnβt all bad, I guess.
That’s good to know. Yes, the bracing thing you mention works for some but not for others. I do prefer not to brace the pinky on the fretboard as when I do it causes tension for me. Rest assured, many, many great guitarists can pick accurately without doing that, it’s mostly muscle memory and technique. You can do it. π
First off, I am working on and appreciate the advantage of the classical with strap position with the left foot elevated. I’m buying in, because what would be my counter? I hate change?
But I found I’m doing a lot right with regard to handling my shoulders, wrists, and fingers. Good exercise. I’m starting at the beginning with these.
It can be tricky changing to the classical position but do try. If not for you that is okay, all the other tips will help. I would say regarding classical position to get used to it, it is well worth taking one very simple piece of music (just 1-4 bars) and practice that in the classical position each day. You can then practice other stuff in the usual position. I find this can help the transition in the long-term should the classical position be the way to go for you. Keep using all the other tips too. π
The videos Iβve just watched are brilliant have learned a some useful tips from them they will definitely help me with few things I have on now Thank Dan
Iβve always liked playing in the classical position. I play using an armless chair. I do have a piano bench and Iβm going to copy you and use the piano bench as the one I have is much like yours in that it is height adjustable, unlike the chair. Good idea!
Positioning properly will hep me as I do have really small hands.
Also I am playing a three quarter size guitar which should help me too.
Glad to hear it. The height of the chair/seat is one of those things that can and does make a difference for sure, especially on the knees. It’s good you have a 3/4 size guitar. Now, with some subtle adjustments we can get you playing optimally for even more fun. π
This is fantastic! I too found it by accident( or maybe not??π) & so glad I did. What a lot of treasures there are to be found here. Love the string bending too!
However , this is something Iβll just have to come back too as Iβm trying to keep my focus on βIn Focusββ¦. Oh so easy to get sidetracked. Thanks Dan
Glad to hear it. It’s true, they are a little hidden away. I tend to keep these Supercharger lessons away from the front and centre of the Academy, so that students find them when they are looking (better than bombarding you with them). Glad you like them and do be patient with them! π
I did the day 1 wonderful warmup but I hesitate to mark it complete as I want to go over it several times today. Is this right or can I mark it complete and still go back to it?
Hi Everyone, Adam from New Zealand. Iβve been trying to learn on and off for the past couple of years but got somewhat disheartened as I just canβt get my fingers to move across the fretboard smoothly. However, with Danβs help I hope to get there.
Hi Adam, welcome to the course. You are in the right place for basic technique and learning to move the fingers more freely. If you need more on the basics, use the Breakthrough Beginner course too and enjoy! π
I’ve not tried that one. Yes, most fretboard lessons are dense and heavy, but this is all about the highly practical and fun stuff. Hope you enjoy it π
This is hard for me. Should I stay at this level until I can do the exercises well or proceed but keep going back to them? I really do want to be able to play barre chords.
I would say, give it a go for a few days coming back to it in short bursts and then move on. The chances are once you go through the course, and then revisit the lessons again, then once you get back to this point you will almost certainly see improvements on this. Keep at it and do remember, this is about the long game, so any small improvements will add up and go a long way. π
Iβm excited to begin. I have so much to work on as my mind has been in a muddle lately. Hoping this course will make the aha moment happen for me.
Ballβs in my court now. Been playing for more than fifty years but I am not very good yet.
Delighted you are here. Enjoy the course, and take it steady with the Level 1 lessons each day (but do feel free to dabble with the level 2/3 stuff). Remember, I encourage everyone to re-use the course multiple times in the future. Most of all, stick to the plan laid out, enjoy, and you will see progress. π
Yes, definitely a challenge compared to some pieces (but nice to mix things up a little and give you something to work towards). Do be patient, there is a lot going on and break it down. Most of all, keep enjoying. π
30 YRS. TO FIND A TEACHER WHO CAN TEACH.GREAT JOB DAN. I MIGHT BE A HEADACHE FOR YOU? BUT A GIFT TO YOUR STUDENTS THANK YOU. THIS OLD MAN WILL BE WITH YOU FOR AS LONG AS I KEEP LEARING.
30 years of trying to do bar chords. This is my second time going through this lesson and in three day I caught up 30 yrs of fighting Bar chords. THANK YOU DAN. FROM THIS OLD MAN
New guy felt like he wasn’t toeing the line, so he got serious tonight, and now I can play the piece. Fun. I’m excited to have my fingers know what they’re supposed to do and geting more comfortable playing it. I have been getting used to the twisted dyads (why are they called that?) and was having a tough time figuring out how you were fretting. I went with keeping middle on the high E and switching from index when they’re on the same fret (are those minors?) and ring when the G is fretted higher. Cool.
Glad to hear it, Tom. In terms of the name, Twisted Dyads, that is basically my way of giving the technique a unique name. Never seen anyone go in-depth on this specific technique. What we are doing is twisting the chord around (with the root note on the high string) and of course, part of the name comes from the fact that our fingers can feel a little twisted when playing this sort of thing. At least at first. Yes, same fret are minors by the way. Glad you’re enjoying it. π
These dyads are really beautiful but I’m wondering which fingers to use on the fretting hand. I start with my index on fret 1 of the G string then slide my index and middle fingers-index on the G string and middle on the high E string up to frets 2 and 4. But switching to the major chords – frets 5/6 and 7/8 are a little tricky for me. I’ve been switching -putting my index on the high E and middle on the G. Is this the right way to do it?
Glad you like them. There’s no definite right way but I try to keep the middle finger on the G string notes as much as possible. This frees up the ring finger so you can use middle and ring to play the minor shapes (e.g. 2/2) and it frees up the index so you can use middle and index to play the Major shapes (e.g. 5/6). π
Thanks Dan
You give such variety in the lessonsβ¦. And challenges too.
no 2 & no 5 probably faves but to Travis pick with a bluesy sound is also fun. Doing these has made me realise just how much fun it is the play blues. Iβve been pretty captivated by these this month.
That’s great, thanks, Diane. Very pleased you are enjoying the variety on offer. There are so many elements and parts of the blues it’s a joy to keep exploring them and sharing them. Happy you like it. π
I agree with everyone that this is just a beautiful sound, such an interesting mix of chord progressions & as you say β voicingsβ. Also perfect for just being able to pick up the guitar & play it over & over. Great for the x10 practice. Another thing I like about this Dan is the gentle training of fretting hand.Youβre a clever teacher. π
Pleased you like it, Diane. Yeah, that is one of the great things about the guitar and being a musician, just picking up and playing and letting everything wash over you. It’s great you find this piece useful with the 10x method. Ha, thanks for the kind words too. π
Ace. Pleased to hear it and can’t complain at that – love Cat Stevens. His music is super melodic and I see what you mean. Yeah, descending slides can be tricky for sure – but that on its own is a good little technical thing to work on. π
That’s a great lesson Dan. Just playing them sounds a lot brighter. Learning the slide will fit it all together. Thank you very much for that great sound and easy transition up and down the neck.
Love this lesson, look forward to working on it. Funny, as I was going to ask you about the best practice path to playing up and down the fretboard like I see so many examples of lately. I think this will be a great start to being able to do that.
That’s great. Pleased you like it and for sure, this will certainly help you move around the fretboard melodically and with confidence. Keep enjoying it and any questions let us know. π
I love the sound of this exercise. The chords are so beautiful, and it’s fun to play. I worked on it the whole month to get it “right,” and I play to continue to use it as a warm-up as I work my way through Fingerpicking 101.
Great tips Dan super duper π
Cheers, Angie. Glad to hear you like the lesson. Keep coming back to it too. π
Hi, everyone. I wanted to start us off with a comment to get the ball rolling. I would LOVE it if you could leave a short comment introducing yourself to the other members. ο»ΏIβm Dan Thorpe, from Birmingham, UK (not Alabama!). I love fingerpicking – Paul Simon, James Taylor, Tommy Emmanuel and about a gazillion others! My favourite thing about playing guitar is having some quiet time to play for myself (music is a great outlet for everything in life) and to jam with my 4 year old boy, Archie! I used to be terrible at guitar but after years… Read more »
Hey everyone, I would love to know what lessons you would like to learn. More on fingerpicking, Travis picking, chord changes, theory, jamming???… you name it, leave your ideas below!! This is the place to do so.
Hi Dan, I am an intermediate player, but am fascinated about finger style, and very anxious to get started. But i must admit i do struggle a bit with the dreaded Barr Chords, but am improving a bit. I am a Viet Nam vet, who suffers from PTSD, I am very private, so if you don’t hear much from me please understand. Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for getting in touch. It`s great to have you here. Barre chords are tough but do make sure you take your time and use good technique with them.
No problem at all regarding being private and I hope you are doing well regarding the PTSD. Just know that the comments section and the mini-forum is there for you when needed. All the best.
I would love to see some lessons on guitar slaps and slides please. That is if you possibly find time in your busy schedule.
Cool, for sure, let us know some more details. What sort of slaps and slides? The crazy stuff or solid on beats 2 and 4 type thing? What sort of guitarists have inspired this? (I ask, so I know I’m on the right path). π
No particular artist comes to mind but I would say on beats 2 and 4 nothing crazy (yet). Slapping all the strings I find okay, it’s the thumb slap I have trouble with on the low E A strings.
I have come across slaps in the odd piece of music, done right sounds amazing. Just something I would like to add to my repertoire.
Ah, okay cool, thanks for letting me know. The slaps on beats 2 and 4 are very cool. The grooves these can add are great. Will get something ready on this. π
If you would like to submit a video, you can add it to your comment by including a video LINK (for example, a YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox link). (Email Dan for help if you get stuck uploading a video)
YouTube and Vimeo links are the preferred video format. Make sure that your links are set to unlisted (not private!) and then only we will see it.
Post your video below…
Hopefully, you have all noticed the new comments section at the bottom of each page in the DTAA! I would love for you to comment, ask questions and say “hi”!
Iβm sure I will be coming back to repeat day 11 and a few other ones too. Nothing wrong with that. βΊοΈ
What guitar are you playing here? Sounds especially sweet?
That’s my Fender. Glad you like it. π
This Bootcamp course is bringing a lot of stuff together for me. I do enjoy your clear and concise teaching method.
Iβm having lunch with one of my piping friends today. She studied classical guitar and became discouraged by its complexity. Iβm going to tell her to try this! βΊοΈ
This is pleasing to read. Thanks. One thing I am keen on is helping students put the fragments of all their knowledge together. Knowing it has helped you is ace. Yes, do let your friend know, I think she will enjoy it. π
The Caged bonus is wonderful. Much more concise than the Fretboard Logic books I have.
Good to get to the fun quicker.
Very pleased to hear it. Yes, getting the knowledge that allows us to get to the fun is the name of the game. Glad it helped and keep using it. π
Another way to learn notes on the fretboard!
For sure, and I hope you enjoy this method. π
Great, fun lesson. Iβll work on this one quite a bit!
Thanks, very enjoyable this for sure π
Looking at this lesson again today. Best one of boot camp so far. Makes more sense to me as I repeat it. Iβm a bit foggy headed sometimes.
Never thought boot camp could be fun. βΊοΈ
That’s pleasing to know. I’m happy to know just how much you are enjoying it. Keep it up. π
I will be returning to theee lessons frequently!
Pleased to hear it. Enjoy! π
We do 6/8? quite frequently on bagpipes. I am a veteran of US Navy. This bootcamp is way more fun!βΊοΈπ
Cool, 6/8 is a great time signature. Ah, that must have been interesting being in the U.S. Navy! Glad you’re enjoying the bootcamp π
Hi Dan ..Iβm back after a few months awayβ¦.I gave up on Spanish romance when it got difficult with the bar code but I am determined to crack it this time
Welcome back, Doug. Do be patient with it, and isolate that barre. You may want to practice it multiple times a day in very short bursts. Often with this, you’ll find just the right positioning for it to click. Then you’ll be up and running for good with it. π
Gone back to this lesson after βexotic chordsβ lesson. Love the free flowing style.
Great stuff, pleased to hear it. π
Guess Iβm overthinking.? Chord chart for this?
Iβm not a visual learner. Guess I like everything spelled out for me and then practice over and over and hope for muscle memory to kick in.
This is a great lesson that I will revisit often.
Iβm doing this for my own enjoyment and must remember that.
Of course I will enjoy the guitar more when I improve.
It’s the sort of thing I could create a chord chart for if you felt you’d need them, but truth be told, they’re quite simple and exploring the fretboard with these ideas is the main aim rather than having set points to use the shapes. That will help you use your ear and sense of musicality as for the type of sounds you want to achieve. Let me know if that makes sense. π
Make sense but I would still like chord chart. Iβll work on it this way but feel a chord chart would help me get it down and then musicality would kick in. Often times I work on chord inversions that are spelled out in books and then I βget it.β
Okay, no probs, that will be a nice addition to the course I think. Will get that done when doing a small update on it.
I wish I had chord charts for each of these βexoticβ chords. A chord chart across the top of the page would be useful here. This is the most exciting lesson here in βbootcampβ so far.
There is a lot going on here with the caged thing. This is the most useful CAGED instruction I have seen. I think it will help me learn the fretboard notes. I know the E and the A string notes for purposes of Barre chording but I do want to know the entire fretboard. Barre chords are still hard for me. I have your Barre chord course and need to revisit it. I have to work on not being discouraged. My small hands and tiny pinky hinder me quite a bit. Yes, Django, and Mamsteen oh man π¨ You can… Read more »
That’s great to know. I find this to be a separate and more practical way of looking at the scales of CAGED rather than the often confusing CAGED chordal system. One thing I should say, is my hands and fingers are pretty normal in size. The camera lens distorts that and makes them look bigger. π
Wow! The camera makes your hands look enormous! Thanks for letting me in on that!
I still would like to get a prosthesis made for my tiny pinkie on left and right hands.
Would love to Brace like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel.
I do remember you said you donβt brace as it causes tension in your hand.
Sometimes I brace with ring finger and then pick with thumb, index and middle.
Maybe Iβll really be able to play when Iβm ninety! π€ͺπ
Yes, it really does, especially on my older wide angle lens camera. As long as you can avoid tension, bracing is not the end of the world but keeping close control with the picking hand, and having awareness of where the strings are is super powerful. π
Me.Blobby! So funny! Iβm not going to google it as I fear it will get stuck in my head like a broken record.π€£
Haha, yes avoid that tune! Nothing worse than a terrible novelty track getting stuck in your head! π
I have experience using a metronome but this is a good refresher.
Glad to hear it. Refreshers are always good. Keep having fun. π
I recall this from a DTAA lesson as you mentioned in todayβs email. Years ago, in what seems like another lifetime ago, I took classical lessons where I first encountered the free and rest strokes. The Level 3 little piece is pretty.
That’s great that you remembered the lesson and technique. Classical guitar technique is so good in many ways, even when we use it for non-classical stuff. Pleased you enjoyed this. π
I feel like Iβm βback in the saddle againβ with this Dusty Road song. Good background music for a cowboy picture. This is fun and sounds really cool.βΊοΈ
So pleased to hear it. Yeah, it’s good fun. I love how music can transport us to another time and place. The blues does that for me for sure, and happy this piece did that for you too. π
Yes, Travis picking! Syncopation is so much fun. I will have to practice this a lot! Gotta be patient with myself. βΊοΈ
For sure, this sort of thing blew my mind at first but I was practicing it totally wrong, usually the wrong fingers etc. Was so much easier when I slowed it down and got the correct techniques. You will nail it soon too doing the same. π
That was a great warm up Dan. I practiced it for nearly an hour, so that next time I pick up my guitar it becomes second nature. Thank you for that, Dennis
That’s brill, Dennis. Glad it helped and sounds like you are feeling really inspired. Keep it up! π
Dan, there is so much to explore in DTAA and The Fingerpicking Bootcamp. Your lessons are straight to the point with no BS. Your lessons are so well thought out that it definitely shows your expansive expertise as a teacher.
βΊοΈ
Thanks, Roxanne. So kind of you to say so. Very pleased you enjoy the lessons and keep up the great practice. π
The only place pressure is a problem for me is with my fretting hand and fingers. Otherwise the guitar and I get along well, even as we’re both trying to adapt to playing on my raised left knee. And I am, in fact, a hippie surfer, so I’ve got that…
Good stuff. It’s great you are aware of where the pressure is. That’s the first step to fixing it. Cool imagine you’re riding a big wave when playing, in that flowing, elegant way. I can’t wait to get back surfing again π
I play Wayfaring Stranger on the Bagpipe. It will be nice to play it on guitar as well.
That’s so cool you can play it on the bagpipes. Have fun playing it on the guitar too! π
Iβm still working with the key of c part. I want to really emphasize the root notes as I go along. Iβm making sure my picking is accurate. Wish I could brace like Tommy Emmanuel or Chet Akins with my pinky but my pinky is too short. This leaves me playing in the classical style which isnβt all bad, I guess.
That’s good to know. Yes, the bracing thing you mention works for some but not for others. I do prefer not to brace the pinky on the fretboard as when I do it causes tension for me. Rest assured, many, many great guitarists can pick accurately without doing that, it’s mostly muscle memory and technique. You can do it. π
It does sound pretty as I get more proficient in playing it.βΊοΈ
Brill, pleased to hear it. π
This is an easier lesson to do. It is helpful in learning the fretboard. Memorization is the harder part for me so I will do this lesson repeatedly.
Yes, it is hard memorizing but keep at it, once it sticks (and you keep refreshing it) it will be extra useful and even more fun. π
First off, I am working on and appreciate the advantage of the classical with strap position with the left foot elevated. I’m buying in, because what would be my counter? I hate change?
But I found I’m doing a lot right with regard to handling my shoulders, wrists, and fingers. Good exercise. I’m starting at the beginning with these.
It can be tricky changing to the classical position but do try. If not for you that is okay, all the other tips will help. I would say regarding classical position to get used to it, it is well worth taking one very simple piece of music (just 1-4 bars) and practice that in the classical position each day. You can then practice other stuff in the usual position. I find this can help the transition in the long-term should the classical position be the way to go for you. Keep using all the other tips too. π
The videos Iβve just watched are brilliant have learned a some useful tips from them they will definitely help me with few things I have on now Thank Dan
Great stuff. Really pleased you found them helpful. Keep using them and definitely worth coming back to this video a few times. π
This is very inspiring and informative. Iβm really getting it!
Ace, delighted to hear it. Keep having lots of fun with it! π
Hearing a little Cat Stephenβs Peace Train in this one. Love it!
Cool, the music of Cat Stevens has seeped its way into my sub-conscious no doubt. I love it and my dad used to play his stuff a lot. π
Iβve always liked playing in the classical position. I play using an armless chair. I do have a piano bench and Iβm going to copy you and use the piano bench as the one I have is much like yours in that it is height adjustable, unlike the chair. Good idea!
Positioning properly will hep me as I do have really small hands.
Also I am playing a three quarter size guitar which should help me too.
Glad to hear it. The height of the chair/seat is one of those things that can and does make a difference for sure, especially on the knees. It’s good you have a 3/4 size guitar. Now, with some subtle adjustments we can get you playing optimally for even more fun. π
This is fantastic! I too found it by accident( or maybe not??π) & so glad I did. What a lot of treasures there are to be found here. Love the string bending too!
However , this is something Iβll just have to come back too as Iβm trying to keep my focus on βIn Focusββ¦. Oh so easy to get sidetracked. Thanks Dan
Glad to hear it. It’s true, they are a little hidden away. I tend to keep these Supercharger lessons away from the front and centre of the Academy, so that students find them when they are looking (better than bombarding you with them). Glad you like them and do be patient with them! π
Where do I go to get guidance on scales? I know the minor pentatonic scale, but I’m mostly ignorant! Point me in the right direction here…
It’s in the 5-Star Resources section HERE. If you scroll down a little you will find the section on scales. Let me know if you get stuck.
I did the day 1 wonderful warmup but I hesitate to mark it complete as I want to go over it several times today. Is this right or can I mark it complete and still go back to it?
Yes, even once you mark it complete, you can revisit it as many times as you like. Have fun. π
Hi Everyone, Adam from New Zealand. Iβve been trying to learn on and off for the past couple of years but got somewhat disheartened as I just canβt get my fingers to move across the fretboard smoothly. However, with Danβs help I hope to get there.
Hi Adam, welcome to the course. You are in the right place for basic technique and learning to move the fingers more freely. If you need more on the basics, use the Breakthrough Beginner course too and enjoy! π
Years ago I did the entire Fretboard Logic course. Have you heard of it? I do think this course will be better with less extraneous information.
I’ve not tried that one. Yes, most fretboard lessons are dense and heavy, but this is all about the highly practical and fun stuff. Hope you enjoy it π
This is hard for me. Should I stay at this level until I can do the exercises well or proceed but keep going back to them? I really do want to be able to play barre chords.
I would say, give it a go for a few days coming back to it in short bursts and then move on. The chances are once you go through the course, and then revisit the lessons again, then once you get back to this point you will almost certainly see improvements on this. Keep at it and do remember, this is about the long game, so any small improvements will add up and go a long way. π
Iβm excited to begin. I have so much to work on as my mind has been in a muddle lately. Hoping this course will make the aha moment happen for me.
Ballβs in my court now. Been playing for more than fifty years but I am not very good yet.
Delighted you are here. Enjoy the course, and take it steady with the Level 1 lessons each day (but do feel free to dabble with the level 2/3 stuff). Remember, I encourage everyone to re-use the course multiple times in the future. Most of all, stick to the plan laid out, enjoy, and you will see progress. π
Wow, this is very nice, but extremely challenging for meβ¦something to work onβ¦good stuff.
Yes, definitely a challenge compared to some pieces (but nice to mix things up a little and give you something to work towards). Do be patient, there is a lot going on and break it down. Most of all, keep enjoying. π
I viewed the video found it very good and helpfully Iβm going to use this method all the time from now on thanks again Dan
Great stuff, David. Try and use it for one thing per day. More can be better but best to start slowly – it will work so keep using it and enjoy! π
30 YRS. TO FIND A TEACHER WHO CAN TEACH.GREAT JOB DAN. I MIGHT BE A HEADACHE FOR YOU? BUT A GIFT TO YOUR STUDENTS THANK YOU. THIS OLD MAN WILL BE WITH YOU FOR AS LONG AS I KEEP LEARING.
Thanks for the kind words. Just very pleased to know you are enjoying it and seeing progress. Keep up the fun! π
30 years of trying to do bar chords. This is my second time going through this lesson and in three day I caught up 30 yrs of fighting Bar chords. THANK YOU DAN. FROM THIS OLD MAN
Super stuff, delighted to hear it and pleased you are enjoying the progress. Well done applying the lesson and keep at it for more results. π
New guy felt like he wasn’t toeing the line, so he got serious tonight, and now I can play the piece. Fun. I’m excited to have my fingers know what they’re supposed to do and geting more comfortable playing it. I have been getting used to the twisted dyads (why are they called that?) and was having a tough time figuring out how you were fretting. I went with keeping middle on the high E and switching from index when they’re on the same fret (are those minors?) and ring when the G is fretted higher. Cool.
Glad to hear it, Tom. In terms of the name, Twisted Dyads, that is basically my way of giving the technique a unique name. Never seen anyone go in-depth on this specific technique. What we are doing is twisting the chord around (with the root note on the high string) and of course, part of the name comes from the fact that our fingers can feel a little twisted when playing this sort of thing. At least at first. Yes, same fret are minors by the way. Glad you’re enjoying it. π
These dyads are really beautiful but I’m wondering which fingers to use on the fretting hand. I start with my index on fret 1 of the G string then slide my index and middle fingers-index on the G string and middle on the high E string up to frets 2 and 4. But switching to the major chords – frets 5/6 and 7/8 are a little tricky for me. I’ve been switching -putting my index on the high E and middle on the G. Is this the right way to do it?
Glad you like them. There’s no definite right way but I try to keep the middle finger on the G string notes as much as possible. This frees up the ring finger so you can use middle and ring to play the minor shapes (e.g. 2/2) and it frees up the index so you can use middle and index to play the Major shapes (e.g. 5/6). π
Thanks Dan! I’ll give it a try!
That helps a lot! Thanks again!
Thanks Dan
You give such variety in the lessonsβ¦. And challenges too.
no 2 & no 5 probably faves but to Travis pick with a bluesy sound is also fun. Doing these has made me realise just how much fun it is the play blues. Iβve been pretty captivated by these this month.
That’s great, thanks, Diane. Very pleased you are enjoying the variety on offer. There are so many elements and parts of the blues it’s a joy to keep exploring them and sharing them. Happy you like it. π
I agree with everyone that this is just a beautiful sound, such an interesting mix of chord progressions & as you say β voicingsβ. Also perfect for just being able to pick up the guitar & play it over & over. Great for the x10 practice. Another thing I like about this Dan is the gentle training of fretting hand.Youβre a clever teacher. π
Pleased you like it, Diane. Yeah, that is one of the great things about the guitar and being a musician, just picking up and playing and letting everything wash over you. It’s great you find this piece useful with the 10x method. Ha, thanks for the kind words too. π
Love the sound! Hearing some Cat Stevens in there too. This is gonna be a fun one! That first reverse slide is a doozy, but I’ll work on it,
Ace. Pleased to hear it and can’t complain at that – love Cat Stevens. His music is super melodic and I see what you mean. Yeah, descending slides can be tricky for sure – but that on its own is a good little technical thing to work on. π
That’s a great lesson Dan. Just playing them sounds a lot brighter. Learning the slide will fit it all together. Thank you very much for that great sound and easy transition up and down the neck.
Glad you’re enjoying it, Dennis. Yeah, the slides tie them together nicely. Thanks for the comment and happy you like it. π
Love this lesson, look forward to working on it. Funny, as I was going to ask you about the best practice path to playing up and down the fretboard like I see so many examples of lately. I think this will be a great start to being able to do that.
That’s great. Pleased you like it and for sure, this will certainly help you move around the fretboard melodically and with confidence. Keep enjoying it and any questions let us know. π
I love the sound of this exercise. The chords are so beautiful, and it’s fun to play. I worked on it the whole month to get it “right,” and I play to continue to use it as a warm-up as I work my way through Fingerpicking 101.
That’s great. Pleased you enjoyed them. Lots of fun to play. Keep enjoying this and I hope it gives you ideas for your own creations. π