Cheers, Angie. Glad to hear you like the lesson. Keep coming back to it too. π
Admin
Dan Thorpe
5 years ago
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 »
Last edited 5 years ago by Dan Thorpe
Admin
Dan Thorpe
5 years ago
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
Admin
Dan Thorpe
5 years ago
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…
Admin
Dan Thorpe
5 years ago
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”!
DavidSmith
1 hour ago
Well worth watching the videos again. Helps with confidence thank Dan
TomPhillips
9 hours ago
Hey there Iβm Tom from San Diego, California and Iβm a student of Andy Schneiderβs. He endorsed this program and Iβm keen on learning how to play finger style like the old blues guys, so Iβm in. But if Iβm honest, itβs pretty intimidating so Iβm hoping to kind of ease into it slowly and get my head and fingers going in the right direction. Good to be with you all.
Leslie L Denning
16 hours ago
I do vibrato side to side, but I might try this as well.
RyanVargo
17 hours ago
Ryan Vargo, Carmel, IN, USA. Started playing in high school and took a long break in college and early in my career. Kids keep me busy as well. Looking to restart and progress forward as I have been playing one song for many years and want to expand my set list and skills. I also play ukulele, but only picked that up a few years ago.
Leslie L Denning
21 hours ago
I passed with 18/20 on Quiz 1. I know I was uncomfortable with playing one of the pieces, and I think I accidentally skipped one, but I’ll retake it when I finish the first star.
Well done, Leslie. Glad to hear it. 18 is a great score and a few above the pass so you are fine. Always a useful idea to retake if you want to get to 20 though or you can move on to the 2-star quiz when you’re ready π
LoganHager
23 hours ago
Hi Dan, After completing Test 1 – I realized I am extremely weak when it comes to knowing which notes are in each key, (I hope I’m saying that correctly) and how the notes are numbered as in the I IV V chord as an example. I asked jam buddy but it did not take me to this information – probably because I did not ask it correctly. Are there any specific lessons on this, or should I refer to the get theory book? Thanks Dan!
Yes, the Guitarists Get Theory book will definitely help with this. It covers all that you mentioned. I’ll make a note to tweak JamBuddy to assist with this stuff on the next update too. π
Hi David, welcome aboard, pleased you are here and enjoy the course. Stick with the lessons and do let us know how you get on. π
BillJames
1 day ago
key changes with bass runs
LoganHager
2 days ago
I am officially beginning my 5 star path today and am posting where I believe I currently stand foundationally:
Technique – 2
Motivation – 4
Repertoire – 2
Musicality – 2
Practice Plans – 1
Thanks for sharing, Logan. Just for clarity, the scores are out of 10. I would say your scores are much higher than that. You will definitely improve them for sure here either way. π
Thanks for letting us know, that is sorted now. You should be able to see November’s lessons. Let us know if any issues though. π
TomHerder
2 days ago
I wasn’t great on run two, either. Tonight I didn’t start the clock. I buzzed through some of them, but stayed with others for a minute or two until I was totally comfortable with the exercise. I can so strum in go-to, ultimate, and modern patterns! G major scale.
That’s better for sure. Keep it up, you will see more progress on the trickier areas for sure the more you do it. Good stuff with this. π
Debbie Jo Mitchell
3 days ago
Morning (or, evening?) Dan. You mentioned a personalized mini video in one of your recent emails. I could use some help in playing chords, specifically landing on the frets with all fingers at the same time. The G chord, in particular, is the most difficult for me. I begin by placing my little and ring fingers, and then reach up to place the index and middle fingers. I believe I should be landing them all at once. Any advice? Thanks!
Hi Debbie Jo, yes, placing them all at once is better for sure. I’ll get you your personalised video on this done, and give you some specific pointers to help. Cheers. π
RobertReynolds
3 days ago
Hi Dan,
I have really enjoyed working my way through the Breakthrough Beginner Course and I have completed parts 1-3. I tried to open the bonus course area but when I click on the links for Pro Secrets and Foundations of the Fretboard it says that I don’t have access to those.
Cheers, Robert. Thanks for letting me know regarding the bonuses. I have sorted that for you now so you can access now. Cheers π
RoxanneHobbs
3 days ago
Hi, Dan. Past several days I made comments but I think I commented in the wrong place somehow as the other comments were a couple years old.
So here I am right at the beginning of SSLA.
Been with you since 2020.
I love the way the new Academy is laid out. Yes, been playing for many years but I need to get my practice better organized and Iβm in the right place now. More later. Iβm going to be with the IN Focus stuff today.
Thanks, Roxanne. Delighted you are here and ready. I hope you keep enjoying the journey and pleased you like the way the Academy is laid out. Keep enjoying your playing! π
Jim
4 days ago
Great content here and helpful to review often. Thanks!
Glad it was useful, Anne. It’s crazy how rarely this stuff is taught but glad you see how powerful it is already. π
RoxanneHobbs
5 days ago
Iβm familiar with Jamie Andreas and I purchased her book several years ago . No songs just a real emphasis on the 3 pβs. Iβm glad I joined the SSLA. Iβm beginning to see how it differs from the DTAA. Never been an early adopter before. Glad I did. I print everything and put in a binder, all tabs, etc. I have to follow along with the text so to speak because I canβt just watch and play. I will probably be the slowest student here but thatβs ok. Iβm not out to win a race. Iβm honored to be… Read more »
That’s great, Roxanne. Really pleased you are a founding member and even more pleased that you see how useful it will be for you. Don’t worry about speed, just that you enjoy the journey. Slow and steady wins the race, as Archie likes to tell me. π
TomHerder
6 days ago
This is great, Sensei. I spent the time to watch your well-constructed intro and the guided workout, and I will find seven minutes of every day getting started with this.
First few runs are about getting used to it, so please don’t worry. I’d say, give it a few days to get used to it, then a week or so to see the benefits of it. Keep at it. π
Jim
6 days ago
Jim Powers, St. Augustine, Florida here. Have been a DTAA member for 2-3 years now. Progress has been slow but sticking with it. Hoping that someday playing the guitar won’t seem so stiff for me and will become more natural. Looking forward to this new program!
Hi Jim, welcome aboard. Delighted you have joined us here. It’s good to know you have been sticking with it and I am sure this new, focused programme with really help you kick on, get the guitar even more flowing, and help you have even more fun! Keep us posted with how you get on. π
MartinShannon
6 days ago
Hi Dan. I enjoyed our chat the other day on Teams. Looking forward to having some structure to my guitar journey, rather than using random Youtube videos. JamBuddy sounds really cool too.
BTW, England not looking too healthy in the 2nd test π
Hi Martin, me too. Glad to hear it and welcome aboard. I hope you love the structure and focus we have here. Do post comments as you go through it all and let us all know how you get on. Enjoy, I am certain you will. π
Glad you like it, Rich and I hope you enjoy the course. π
DavidSmith
7 days ago
Hi Dan started on the Travis Picking course having a little problem with the sound of notes compared with your guitar sound hope it will get better Thanks Dan Cheers David
Hi David, glad you’ve got started on this. In terms of the tone, please do watch the 10x method video on this page for more tips. (It’s a short video and in the last part of it I share some tips on this). We can cover this on the live call coming soon too. π
JoeStewart
8 days ago
Great thanks Dan. Noted a few things for the to do list of course. Iβm making a habit of playing something I love to finish my practice sessions regardless of whether I had a frustrating practice or a good practice.
Cheers, Joe. That’s a great habit to get in to. I always want you to keep having fun, and finishing with something enjoyable is a great thing to do. π
JaneFollett
8 days ago
Hi, I’m Jane from New Zealand. I would like to stop being a forever beginner guitarist and become a intermediate guitarist on this SSLA journey.
Hi Kelly, welcome to the course. It’s a great choice using the guitar to help you. There are, as I’m sure you know, so many benefits to playing this wonderful instrument. Delighted you are here and do keep us posted with how you get on. π
LarryFleeman
8 days ago
Dan, I have taken on a major role with a charity I volunteer for, and the work and the hours are very taxing. As a result, my guitar practice has suffered. You may remember that I use the London pattern extensively, and that’s not left me for sure, but I was amazed at the layers of rust that have built up on my Travis picking. I know I’ll pick it back up fairly quickly, but honestly I feel like a beginner with this lesson right now. Crazy that it’s not that different than the London that I use all the… Read more »
That’s totally understandable, Larry. Taking on a big charity role is amazing, but it will definitely pull some time and energy away from the guitar. The good news is the London Pattern has clearly stuck, and the βrustβ on your Travis picking will come off faster than you think. It always feels worse in the moment, but your foundation is solid. A little focused practice and itβll click back quickly. Youβre not starting over, just warming back up. Great to have you back at it. π
LoganHager
8 days ago
Hello, I’m Logan from Mankato MN. I am retired and had never played any music in my life, which had always been one of my biggest life regrets. So, I decided I was not going to waste my retirement and I was going to learn to play guitar. After stumbling around for the first year or so with random utube lessons, I stumbled upon one of Dan’s lessons and it changed everything for me. I really loved his style of teaching and made the change to the classical style of holding the guitar, stopped the stumming and began fingerstyle. I… Read more »
Thanks for sharing that, Logan. Deciding not to let that lifelong regret follow you into retirement is huge, and the fact that youβve stuck with the guitar and made so much progress says a lot about your dedication. Iβm really glad my lessons helped give you a clearer direction. As you know, I’ve always loved your comments and enthusiasm and long may that continue in the SSLA. Cheers, buddy. π
DavidSmith
9 days ago
Hi Dan Iβve chosen my first song Neon City Blues and started on it Thanks for everything hope Cheers Dewi
Hi Dewi, super stuff. I hope you enjoy it, it’s a fun piece. Let us know how you get on and enjoy. π
RoxanneHobbs
9 days ago
Iβm working on this. Iβm not an old fogey, Iβm an old folkie! Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell are a couple of my favorites. Iβm working on the In focus part of the SSLA more as I m appreciating its value more now! You more fully explained the Five Song Club so now I feel less intimidated to do it.
Iβve had a lot of distractions in my personal life but I want the SSLA to be me distraction now.
I need more self discipline too and by that I need to be in focus and practice these lessons more.
Glad to hear it. Love that, and βold folkieβ made me smile. Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell are great inspirations. Glad to hear the Five-Song Club feels better for you now! I hope all is well in your life and that the SSLA can become a positive distraction for you right now. Keep up the great practice! π
Leslie L Denning
9 days ago
Hi. I’m Leslie from Branson, MO. Lots of music going on around me, and there are some fantastic players in the shows that sometimes makes me feel like I suck at guitar. However, I’m learning songs and improving my playing. One thing I have problems with is making mistakes. Even though I’ve played a song for a year, I still have trouble playing the song without making a mistake. I’ve been a member of DTAA for a little over a year and have learned a lot, but I’m hoping this new program will get me even more focused on my… Read more »
Thanks for sharing, Leslie. Comparing yourself to great players is natural, but it doesnβt help. You donβt need to compete with anyone; just enjoy your own progress. Mistakes are normal, even after a year of playing a song. They usually come from tension or practising a bit too fast. Most songs only have a handful of spots that cause nearly all the issues, and isolating those parts is the key. Slow, relaxed repetitions tidy things up over time. The important thing is that youβre improving, learning songs, and putting the work in. That mindset leads to long-term success. You’re doing… Read more »
So excited to get started with breakthrough beginner courses and then starting the 5 Star program. Love your videos, they have been very informative and easy to listen to and pay attention.
Hi Robert, welcome. Delighted to hear you are enjoying the lessons and that you’re excited. Enjoy this course and the 5-Star Path when you are ready for it. π
DeniseGillard
9 days ago
I did my five songs a while ago; should I work on five new songs?
Great question, Denise! Once youβve done your first five, youβre in a great place. You can:
1) Refresh the originals now and then,
2) Start adding new songs one at a time (slowly building toward ten), or
3) Pick a fun βchallenge songβ that excites you without being overwhelming β a fingerstyle version of a favourite song is perfect.
Iβll also be creating a page soon that covers exactly what to do after completing your first five songs.
Hi everyone I am John from South Yorkshire in the uk and like many of you I have been trying to play the guitar properly for a few years now
But following various videos on you tube and others I found that I didnβt have a proper plan to follow
I have seen this course for a while and thought that it would help me to get better
Hi John, welcome to the course. I’m pleased you have taken the plunge with it. This course, and especially the lessons in part 1 will really help you right away, as they do for most. Have fun, be patient, and enjoy the journey. π
TomHerder
10 days ago
This is gonna be very helpful. It was a rainy day in Mobile and I didn’t have any work, so I dug into Travis picking on SSLA Day #1 and started addressing things needing addressing. I was looking for keys and scales and used Jam Buddy to find Pillar 5 and a bunch of other foundational things to keep me busy getting better. Cool. Pretty good first impression for someone challenged by change!
That’s great to know, Tom. JamBuddy has come in useful for you already then. Pleased to hear it, and I hope you enjoy these In Focus lessons. π
Debbie Jo Mitchell
10 days ago
Hi Dan! I just finished watching the introductory video. Iβm not a brand new player; I have been a member of DTAA since 2021. But, Iβm stuck, and am hoping that this new Academy will help unstick meπ. I love fingerpicked guitar music, especially when itβs used in classical music. Iβve sung in a church choir for almost 35 years now; I know how to read music. I also know how to read TAB, but would really prefer to keep to standard notation, if I could. Itβs good for my 70 year old mind!
Hi Debbie Jo. Pleased you have joined us here. Yes, the new academy will help. Try to join us on the live calls as they’re going to be great for motivation and do stick to the plans laid out here. Yes, reading standard notation is great if you do that already. Good for the brain for sure! Keep enjoying the lessons and let us know how you get on. π
J.P. Finn
10 days ago
Hello All, I’m J.P. Finn from West Michigan.
I’ve been following Dan for several years. I joined the DTAA a couple years ago. Recently I’ve lost some focus on my guitar playing and need to get back on track and continue expanding my guitar skills. I am hoping the SSLA will help accomplish that. For those of you new to Dan and his methods, you’re in for a treat. Dan has a knack for keeping things interesting and his students motivated.
Best Regards.
Hi J.P. Welcome aboard and I’m delighted you have joined us. This will no doubt help you get back on track and more focused again. Ah, that’s nice of you to say so too. Cheers for the kind words and enjoy the academy. π
RoxanneHobbs
10 days ago
Chord changes are not a problem for me. Itβs the right hand that needs a lot of work. I want to improve my tone and flow through more easily to increase my musicality.
That’s great that you are solid with your chord changes. Plenty here in the fingerpicking section to help you with your picking hand tone and flow. Do keep us posted with how you get on. π
RoxanneHobbs
10 days ago
Iβm going to stay on this lesson for awhile. I really need to focus on doing the inwards and outward patterns. I need to improve my finger dexterity!
Good stuff, Roxanne. It’s a good lesson for dexterity. I hope you keep enjoying the lesson and the dexterity will come. π
DeniseGillard
10 days ago
Hi! Iβm Denise Gillard. Iβve been with the DTAA four years in February 2026. Itβs been a great journey and Iβm looking forward to learning all about the SSLA. I moved to Washington state in 2020 ( in the middle of COVID) but was born in Southern California. My family and I have lived a bit in Denver and Cincinnati but spent 25 years in Overland Park, KS. To those who arenβt familiar with the area, it is a wonderful place to live. As far as my guitar playing goes, Iβd like to become good at everything, and thatβs my… Read more »
Hi Denise, pleased you have joined us. You’ve been a great member of the old DTAA and I am sure you will be in the SSLA too! Yes, it’s a common issue, but the path laid out here will help you for sure. Welcome aboard. π
Hi Denise, yes, they are (except for the process on how to get the 5th star which has been updated). We just need to update the branding on them. Cheers. π
DonMehan
10 days ago
Pretty cool sound obviously. I decided to use a thumb pick. And I was using a differing fingering but switched to yours since lβm guessing yours is easier overall. As always, now just have to get the muscle memory set.
Thanks, Don. Yeah, thumb picks can work great and in terms of fingerings, it is well worth trying one or two for sure. Sometimes you may find a different fingering easier or more practical, but I recommend when someone tries two, after experimenting, you stick with one. Anyway, do keep enjoying the lesson and hope you have loads of fun with it. π
LoganHager
11 days ago
Great Lesson Dan!! I especially love how you break it down and add to it step by step!! It’s going to be a lot of fun nailing this one…. Great kick off to the new academy!! Cheers!
Cheers, Logan. That’s great to know. Yeah, breaking things down in to methodical chunks has always been helpful for me learning anything, and very much for students too. Glad you like the structure and thanks for the kind words. π
JeffreyTomasi
11 days ago
Hiβ just joined up over from DTAA. 20/20 here on Quiz 1.
Great stuff, Jeffrey, and well done! Off to a super start. π
rogercreagh
11 days ago
in Ex3 it sounds much better to me if during the intro I also walk down the low E string one fret each bar as well as the high E. Have you specified repeating the low E (actually a C with capo 5) so as to make us work out a fingering that works for the high E string while holding the E (C) on the low E string?
Having got my fingering as per the Tab worked out I now prefer to play my version as it sounds nicer to me.
Susan C.
11 days ago
I feel like this first lesson was written specifically for me. Impatient, forgetful, rush, too fast. I squirrel off from your lesson or song I’m learning. I had the same issue 40 issues ago but gave up. This time is different. I’m still impatient but I’m persistent and determined now. x
It’s so common so please don’t be hard on yourself. Just be aware of it happening and try to pre-empt it happening. Even writing a word down like “commit” or even “no squirreling” (I love how you use the word “squirrel” in this context) and keep it in front of you can help. This course will help in many ways too. π
RoxanneHobbs
11 days ago
Hi, Dan. I joined Six String Life Academy as soon as you made it available. I think I own all your stuff and first joined up with you in 2020. Iβm wondering if your assistant can look at my account and let me know of any courses I donβt have? Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Roxanne, delighted you are here. I’ve always enjoyed your comments and enthusiasm. Yes, for sure. I will get Sofija to do that for you. As for now, have a look around and enjoy the new academy. Welcome aboard! π
Susan C.
11 days ago
Howdy! I’m Susan and have been playing for 6 years. I’ve taken one on one lessons, and probably have tried many of the same online resources as you have – and ALWAYS stick with Dan. There’s something about Dan’s technique, isn’t there? I’ve been with Dan for a few years now. I live in Florida and lived in Maine off and on for a few years. I will be changing my full time work status to part time in January 2026. That means… more guitar! WOOT WOOT. I look forward to this new journey w everyone. Nice to meet you… Read more »
Hi Susan, delighted you are here. Welcome aboard. Pleased to hear how much you enjoy the lessons and thanks ever so much for the kind words. Happy to hear them. 2026 will be ace for you then with more time to play. Let’s make the end of this year and then next an epic one for you. π
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”!
Well worth watching the videos again. Helps with confidence thank Dan
Hey there Iβm Tom from San Diego, California and Iβm a student of Andy Schneiderβs. He endorsed this program and Iβm keen on learning how to play finger style like the old blues guys, so Iβm in. But if Iβm honest, itβs pretty intimidating so Iβm hoping to kind of ease into it slowly and get my head and fingers going in the right direction. Good to be with you all.
I do vibrato side to side, but I might try this as well.
Ryan Vargo, Carmel, IN, USA. Started playing in high school and took a long break in college and early in my career. Kids keep me busy as well. Looking to restart and progress forward as I have been playing one song for many years and want to expand my set list and skills. I also play ukulele, but only picked that up a few years ago.
I passed with 18/20 on Quiz 1. I know I was uncomfortable with playing one of the pieces, and I think I accidentally skipped one, but I’ll retake it when I finish the first star.
Well done, Leslie. Glad to hear it. 18 is a great score and a few above the pass so you are fine. Always a useful idea to retake if you want to get to 20 though or you can move on to the 2-star quiz when you’re ready π
Hi Dan, After completing Test 1 – I realized I am extremely weak when it comes to knowing which notes are in each key, (I hope I’m saying that correctly) and how the notes are numbered as in the I IV V chord as an example. I asked jam buddy but it did not take me to this information – probably because I did not ask it correctly. Are there any specific lessons on this, or should I refer to the get theory book? Thanks Dan!
Yes, the Guitarists Get Theory book will definitely help with this. It covers all that you mentioned. I’ll make a note to tweak JamBuddy to assist with this stuff on the next update too. π
Thanks Dan, I already did some looking in the get theory book… but my mind is fried so I’ll look again tomorrow. π
Cheers
18 out of 20… and to think I was scared of a test – haha
Awesome stuff and well done, Logan. Glad you took the quiz and did so well. π
Hey Dan,
Very glad I watched this again for the SSLA. As a result, I tweaked some things and am feeling more comfortable. Thanks!
Hi Jim, glad to hear it, that’s excellent. Really important lessons these. Glad it was helpful for you. π
Hi My name is David I am 46 but just starting on guitar .I am from Ireland.
Hi David, welcome aboard, pleased you are here and enjoy the course. Stick with the lessons and do let us know how you get on. π
key changes with bass runs
I am officially beginning my 5 star path today and am posting where I believe I currently stand foundationally:
Technique – 2
Motivation – 4
Repertoire – 2
Musicality – 2
Practice Plans – 1
So anxious to begin this awesome journey!!!
Thanks for sharing, Logan. Just for clarity, the scores are out of 10. I would say your scores are much higher than that. You will definitely improve them for sure here either way. π
OH THAT”S FUNNY…. I thought they were 1 – 5 HAHAHA
I will redo them later
Cheers
π
Oh, no haha, well that makes more sense. π
Just checked again and November, 2025 is missing.π
Thanks for letting us know, that is sorted now. You should be able to see November’s lessons. Let us know if any issues though. π
I wasn’t great on run two, either. Tonight I didn’t start the clock. I buzzed through some of them, but stayed with others for a minute or two until I was totally comfortable with the exercise. I can so strum in go-to, ultimate, and modern patterns! G major scale.
That’s better for sure. Keep it up, you will see more progress on the trickier areas for sure the more you do it. Good stuff with this. π
Morning (or, evening?) Dan. You mentioned a personalized mini video in one of your recent emails. I could use some help in playing chords, specifically landing on the frets with all fingers at the same time. The G chord, in particular, is the most difficult for me. I begin by placing my little and ring fingers, and then reach up to place the index and middle fingers. I believe I should be landing them all at once. Any advice? Thanks!
Hi Debbie Jo, yes, placing them all at once is better for sure. I’ll get you your personalised video on this done, and give you some specific pointers to help. Cheers. π
Hi Dan,
I have really enjoyed working my way through the Breakthrough Beginner Course and I have completed parts 1-3. I tried to open the bonus course area but when I click on the links for Pro Secrets and Foundations of the Fretboard it says that I don’t have access to those.
Thanks,
Robert
Cheers, Robert. Thanks for letting me know regarding the bonuses. I have sorted that for you now so you can access now. Cheers π
Hi, Dan. Past several days I made comments but I think I commented in the wrong place somehow as the other comments were a couple years old.
So here I am right at the beginning of SSLA.
Been with you since 2020.
I love the way the new Academy is laid out. Yes, been playing for many years but I need to get my practice better organized and Iβm in the right place now. More later. Iβm going to be with the IN Focus stuff today.
Thanks, Roxanne. Delighted you are here and ready. I hope you keep enjoying the journey and pleased you like the way the Academy is laid out. Keep enjoying your playing! π
Great content here and helpful to review often. Thanks!
Cheers, Jim. Glad to hear it. π
I have not seen this talked about anywhere. So simple yet a game changer. Thanks for this great tip π
Glad it was useful, Anne. It’s crazy how rarely this stuff is taught but glad you see how powerful it is already. π
Iβm familiar with Jamie Andreas and I purchased her book several years ago . No songs just a real emphasis on the 3 pβs. Iβm glad I joined the SSLA. Iβm beginning to see how it differs from the DTAA. Never been an early adopter before. Glad I did. I print everything and put in a binder, all tabs, etc. I have to follow along with the text so to speak because I canβt just watch and play. I will probably be the slowest student here but thatβs ok. Iβm not out to win a race. Iβm honored to be… Read more »
That’s great, Roxanne. Really pleased you are a founding member and even more pleased that you see how useful it will be for you. Don’t worry about speed, just that you enjoy the journey. Slow and steady wins the race, as Archie likes to tell me. π
This is great, Sensei. I spent the time to watch your well-constructed intro and the guided workout, and I will find seven minutes of every day getting started with this.
Awesome, Tom. Pleased to hear it. This workout will help in many ways for sure. Enjoy and keep us posted with how you get on. π
I kinda sucked on my first run today. I’ll do better.
First few runs are about getting used to it, so please don’t worry. I’d say, give it a few days to get used to it, then a week or so to see the benefits of it. Keep at it. π
Jim Powers, St. Augustine, Florida here. Have been a DTAA member for 2-3 years now. Progress has been slow but sticking with it. Hoping that someday playing the guitar won’t seem so stiff for me and will become more natural. Looking forward to this new program!
Hi Jim, welcome aboard. Delighted you have joined us here. It’s good to know you have been sticking with it and I am sure this new, focused programme with really help you kick on, get the guitar even more flowing, and help you have even more fun! Keep us posted with how you get on. π
Hi Dan. I enjoyed our chat the other day on Teams. Looking forward to having some structure to my guitar journey, rather than using random Youtube videos. JamBuddy sounds really cool too.
BTW, England not looking too healthy in the 2nd test π
Hi Martin, me too. Glad to hear it and welcome aboard. I hope you love the structure and focus we have here. Do post comments as you go through it all and let us all know how you get on. Enjoy, I am certain you will. π
Dan, this layout is nice and clear, thx.
Glad you like it, Rich and I hope you enjoy the course. π
Hi Dan started on the Travis Picking course having a little problem with the sound of notes compared with your guitar sound hope it will get better Thanks Dan Cheers David
Hi David, glad you’ve got started on this. In terms of the tone, please do watch the 10x method video on this page for more tips. (It’s a short video and in the last part of it I share some tips on this). We can cover this on the live call coming soon too. π
Great thanks Dan. Noted a few things for the to do list of course. Iβm making a habit of playing something I love to finish my practice sessions regardless of whether I had a frustrating practice or a good practice.
Cheers, Joe. That’s a great habit to get in to. I always want you to keep having fun, and finishing with something enjoyable is a great thing to do. π
Hi, I’m Jane from New Zealand. I would like to stop being a forever beginner guitarist and become a intermediate guitarist on this SSLA journey.
Hi Jane, welcome aboard. That’s a great aim and you are in the right place for this. I hope you love the SSLA. π
Option number 1, 12 pm Eastern Tuesday is best option for me. Thank you
Okay, great thanks, Roxanne. π
Hello all,
I am Kelly from Oklahoma. I am new to guitar using this as a crutch to help with my PTSD. I would like to learn folk, country and gospel music.
I am pleased to have found your site and looking forward to being able to play the guitar and it being pleasing to the ear β¦. LOL
Hi Kelly, welcome to the course. It’s a great choice using the guitar to help you. There are, as I’m sure you know, so many benefits to playing this wonderful instrument. Delighted you are here and do keep us posted with how you get on. π
Dan, I have taken on a major role with a charity I volunteer for, and the work and the hours are very taxing. As a result, my guitar practice has suffered. You may remember that I use the London pattern extensively, and that’s not left me for sure, but I was amazed at the layers of rust that have built up on my Travis picking. I know I’ll pick it back up fairly quickly, but honestly I feel like a beginner with this lesson right now. Crazy that it’s not that different than the London that I use all the… Read more »
That’s totally understandable, Larry. Taking on a big charity role is amazing, but it will definitely pull some time and energy away from the guitar. The good news is the London Pattern has clearly stuck, and the βrustβ on your Travis picking will come off faster than you think. It always feels worse in the moment, but your foundation is solid. A little focused practice and itβll click back quickly. Youβre not starting over, just warming back up. Great to have you back at it. π
Hello, I’m Logan from Mankato MN. I am retired and had never played any music in my life, which had always been one of my biggest life regrets. So, I decided I was not going to waste my retirement and I was going to learn to play guitar. After stumbling around for the first year or so with random utube lessons, I stumbled upon one of Dan’s lessons and it changed everything for me. I really loved his style of teaching and made the change to the classical style of holding the guitar, stopped the stumming and began fingerstyle. I… Read more »
Thanks for sharing that, Logan. Deciding not to let that lifelong regret follow you into retirement is huge, and the fact that youβve stuck with the guitar and made so much progress says a lot about your dedication. Iβm really glad my lessons helped give you a clearer direction. As you know, I’ve always loved your comments and enthusiasm and long may that continue in the SSLA. Cheers, buddy. π
Hi Dan Iβve chosen my first song Neon City Blues and started on it Thanks for everything hope Cheers Dewi
Hi Dewi, super stuff. I hope you enjoy it, it’s a fun piece. Let us know how you get on and enjoy. π
Iβm working on this. Iβm not an old fogey, Iβm an old folkie! Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell are a couple of my favorites. Iβm working on the In focus part of the SSLA more as I m appreciating its value more now! You more fully explained the Five Song Club so now I feel less intimidated to do it.
Iβve had a lot of distractions in my personal life but I want the SSLA to be me distraction now.
I need more self discipline too and by that I need to be in focus and practice these lessons more.
Glad to hear it. Love that, and βold folkieβ made me smile. Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell are great inspirations. Glad to hear the Five-Song Club feels better for you now! I hope all is well in your life and that the SSLA can become a positive distraction for you right now. Keep up the great practice! π
Hi. I’m Leslie from Branson, MO. Lots of music going on around me, and there are some fantastic players in the shows that sometimes makes me feel like I suck at guitar. However, I’m learning songs and improving my playing. One thing I have problems with is making mistakes. Even though I’ve played a song for a year, I still have trouble playing the song without making a mistake. I’ve been a member of DTAA for a little over a year and have learned a lot, but I’m hoping this new program will get me even more focused on my… Read more »
Thanks for sharing, Leslie. Comparing yourself to great players is natural, but it doesnβt help. You donβt need to compete with anyone; just enjoy your own progress. Mistakes are normal, even after a year of playing a song. They usually come from tension or practising a bit too fast. Most songs only have a handful of spots that cause nearly all the issues, and isolating those parts is the key. Slow, relaxed repetitions tidy things up over time. The important thing is that youβre improving, learning songs, and putting the work in. That mindset leads to long-term success. You’re doing… Read more »
Thanks, Dan. You’re the best.
Cheers, Leslie. π
So excited to get started with breakthrough beginner courses and then starting the 5 Star program. Love your videos, they have been very informative and easy to listen to and pay attention.
Hi Robert, welcome. Delighted to hear you are enjoying the lessons and that you’re excited. Enjoy this course and the 5-Star Path when you are ready for it. π
I did my five songs a while ago; should I work on five new songs?
Great question, Denise! Once youβve done your first five, youβre in a great place. You can:
1) Refresh the originals now and then,
2) Start adding new songs one at a time (slowly building toward ten), or
3) Pick a fun βchallenge songβ that excites you without being overwhelming β a fingerstyle version of a favourite song is perfect.
Iβll also be creating a page soon that covers exactly what to do after completing your first five songs.
Thanks Dan!!
π
Hi everyone I am John from South Yorkshire in the uk and like many of you I have been trying to play the guitar properly for a few years now
But following various videos on you tube and others I found that I didnβt have a proper plan to follow
I have seen this course for a while and thought that it would help me to get better
Hi John, welcome to the course. I’m pleased you have taken the plunge with it. This course, and especially the lessons in part 1 will really help you right away, as they do for most. Have fun, be patient, and enjoy the journey. π
This is gonna be very helpful. It was a rainy day in Mobile and I didn’t have any work, so I dug into Travis picking on SSLA Day #1 and started addressing things needing addressing. I was looking for keys and scales and used Jam Buddy to find Pillar 5 and a bunch of other foundational things to keep me busy getting better. Cool. Pretty good first impression for someone challenged by change!
That’s great to know, Tom. JamBuddy has come in useful for you already then. Pleased to hear it, and I hope you enjoy these In Focus lessons. π
Hi Dan! I just finished watching the introductory video. Iβm not a brand new player; I have been a member of DTAA since 2021. But, Iβm stuck, and am hoping that this new Academy will help unstick meπ. I love fingerpicked guitar music, especially when itβs used in classical music. Iβve sung in a church choir for almost 35 years now; I know how to read music. I also know how to read TAB, but would really prefer to keep to standard notation, if I could. Itβs good for my 70 year old mind!
Hi Debbie Jo. Pleased you have joined us here. Yes, the new academy will help. Try to join us on the live calls as they’re going to be great for motivation and do stick to the plans laid out here. Yes, reading standard notation is great if you do that already. Good for the brain for sure! Keep enjoying the lessons and let us know how you get on. π
Hello All, I’m J.P. Finn from West Michigan.
I’ve been following Dan for several years. I joined the DTAA a couple years ago. Recently I’ve lost some focus on my guitar playing and need to get back on track and continue expanding my guitar skills. I am hoping the SSLA will help accomplish that. For those of you new to Dan and his methods, you’re in for a treat. Dan has a knack for keeping things interesting and his students motivated.
Best Regards.
Hi J.P. Welcome aboard and I’m delighted you have joined us. This will no doubt help you get back on track and more focused again. Ah, that’s nice of you to say so too. Cheers for the kind words and enjoy the academy. π
Chord changes are not a problem for me. Itβs the right hand that needs a lot of work. I want to improve my tone and flow through more easily to increase my musicality.
That’s great that you are solid with your chord changes. Plenty here in the fingerpicking section to help you with your picking hand tone and flow. Do keep us posted with how you get on. π
Iβm going to stay on this lesson for awhile. I really need to focus on doing the inwards and outward patterns. I need to improve my finger dexterity!
Good stuff, Roxanne. It’s a good lesson for dexterity. I hope you keep enjoying the lesson and the dexterity will come. π
Hi! Iβm Denise Gillard. Iβve been with the DTAA four years in February 2026. Itβs been a great journey and Iβm looking forward to learning all about the SSLA. I moved to Washington state in 2020 ( in the middle of COVID) but was born in Southern California. My family and I have lived a bit in Denver and Cincinnati but spent 25 years in Overland Park, KS. To those who arenβt familiar with the area, it is a wonderful place to live. As far as my guitar playing goes, Iβd like to become good at everything, and thatβs my… Read more »
Hi Denise, pleased you have joined us. You’ve been a great member of the old DTAA and I am sure you will be in the SSLA too! Yes, it’s a common issue, but the path laid out here will help you for sure. Welcome aboard. π
I live in Branson. I used to live in Belton. I’ve been a Missouri girl since 1981. Nice to meet a “neighbor.”
I printed out the 5 Star requirements for all five stars a year ago from the DTAA. Are they the same in the SSLA?
Hi Denise, yes, they are (except for the process on how to get the 5th star which has been updated). We just need to update the branding on them. Cheers. π
Pretty cool sound obviously. I decided to use a thumb pick. And I was using a differing fingering but switched to yours since lβm guessing yours is easier overall. As always, now just have to get the muscle memory set.
Thanks, Don. Yeah, thumb picks can work great and in terms of fingerings, it is well worth trying one or two for sure. Sometimes you may find a different fingering easier or more practical, but I recommend when someone tries two, after experimenting, you stick with one. Anyway, do keep enjoying the lesson and hope you have loads of fun with it. π
Great Lesson Dan!! I especially love how you break it down and add to it step by step!! It’s going to be a lot of fun nailing this one…. Great kick off to the new academy!! Cheers!
Cheers, Logan. That’s great to know. Yeah, breaking things down in to methodical chunks has always been helpful for me learning anything, and very much for students too. Glad you like the structure and thanks for the kind words. π
Hiβ just joined up over from DTAA. 20/20 here on Quiz 1.
Great stuff, Jeffrey, and well done! Off to a super start. π
in Ex3 it sounds much better to me if during the intro I also walk down the low E string one fret each bar as well as the high E. Have you specified repeating the low E (actually a C with capo 5) so as to make us work out a fingering that works for the high E string while holding the E (C) on the low E string?
Having got my fingering as per the Tab worked out I now prefer to play my version as it sounds nicer to me.
I feel like this first lesson was written specifically for me. Impatient, forgetful, rush, too fast. I squirrel off from your lesson or song I’m learning. I had the same issue 40 issues ago but gave up. This time is different. I’m still impatient but I’m persistent and determined now. x
It’s so common so please don’t be hard on yourself. Just be aware of it happening and try to pre-empt it happening. Even writing a word down like “commit” or even “no squirreling” (I love how you use the word “squirrel” in this context) and keep it in front of you can help. This course will help in many ways too. π
Hi, Dan. I joined Six String Life Academy as soon as you made it available. I think I own all your stuff and first joined up with you in 2020. Iβm wondering if your assistant can look at my account and let me know of any courses I donβt have? Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Roxanne, delighted you are here. I’ve always enjoyed your comments and enthusiasm. Yes, for sure. I will get Sofija to do that for you. As for now, have a look around and enjoy the new academy. Welcome aboard! π
Howdy! I’m Susan and have been playing for 6 years. I’ve taken one on one lessons, and probably have tried many of the same online resources as you have – and ALWAYS stick with Dan. There’s something about Dan’s technique, isn’t there? I’ve been with Dan for a few years now. I live in Florida and lived in Maine off and on for a few years. I will be changing my full time work status to part time in January 2026. That means… more guitar! WOOT WOOT. I look forward to this new journey w everyone. Nice to meet you… Read more »
Hi Susan, delighted you are here. Welcome aboard. Pleased to hear how much you enjoy the lessons and thanks ever so much for the kind words. Happy to hear them. 2026 will be ace for you then with more time to play. Let’s make the end of this year and then next an epic one for you. π