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”!
Leslie L Denning
5 hours ago
I love the instant feedback on the quizzes. I lost a lot of the lessons that I had completed due to the upgrade, so I thought I’d take the quizzes again.
John
1 day ago
Just a reminder to send us an email on what is new in the In Focus Essentials?
That’s great to know. Thanks, Brian. Keep up the good practice. π
Jonty
7 days ago
This is a good challenge! This might be a stupid question, but how do you strum up and down with your finger/thumb? When I strum down it’s with my index finger nail and sounds really sharp, but when I strum up I either try to use the same nail and it gets caught on the sixth string, or I use the pad of my finger and it sounds much ‘softer’. I hope that makes sense – do I just need to get harder skin on the tip of my finger?
Glad you’re enjoying it. Not a stupid question at all. Strumming is a delicate art. No need for harder skin. I strum down with the nail and up with the flesh. Personally, I love the contrast of the brighter sound and the mellow sound. Adds depth. It may be that your downstrums are a bit tense or aggressive (that’s common). I’d relax the finger, practice downstrums on their own, and upstrums on their own, and aim to get a sound with both that you like, then gradually put it together. It does take time refining an ideal strumming tone. Also,… Read more »
Hi Jim, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy the course. Keep us posted with how you get on. π
SusanneMeichsner
8 days ago
Hi, I am Susy from Scotland. I am over 60 and have started my guitar journey 4 months ago. Initially I had a few face to face lessons with a tutor, unfortunately that didn’t seem to work for me so I started an online course which actually brings some progress – albeit very slow (old age doesn’t come on its own). Then I came across Fingerstyle 101 and immediately signed up as this is what I really want to play.
Hi Susy, thanks for the comment and welcome aboard. It’s still early on in your guitar playing for sure, but I hope you are enjoying the journey. Would love to know how you get on so do keep us posted, and any questions any time, give us a shout. Enjoy the fingerstyle! π
CraigBurn
8 days ago
Hi, I’m Craig from the UK, joined Dan’s 101 course but I’m doing the 7 day one first. Played for years on and off with almost no progress other than a few chords. 58 years old, giving it one last go. Fingers crossed π€ this time , with some effort, I’ll see progress
Hi Craig, good stuff doing this course first. You will pick up some key things and fun ideas before you get into Fingerstyle 101. Enjoy and keep us posted with how you get on. Cheers. π
CraigBurn
9 days ago
Hi everyone, I’m Craig, from the uk. My story is typical I guess, been messing about with the guitar since I was 9 years old. I know a few chords, but never progressed. I’m Now 58, and really want to move forwards. I needed a plan, now with this course and Community, I have one. I’m looking forward to the journey.
Hi Craig, welcome aboard. It’s good you know a few chords, that always helps. Now with this course and the community, I hope you find your playing reaches new heights. Enjoy and let us know how you get on. π
AngelineMajeau
9 days ago
Hi, I’m Angie,82 years old. Play clawhammer banjo and am learning guitar. I know a few chords and can strum but want to try fingerpicking.
Hi Angie, welcome aboard. Pleased to see you here. Good stuff with your experience so far and now I hope you enjoy this course and the fingerpicking. Do let us know how you get on. π
I’m having a really tough time playing the modern strumming pattern. I broke out the Ultimate Guide to Strumming and the in Focus Essentials Video. I had trouble with it when I went through the strumming guide, and it’s hard to get excited about this lesson without some proficiency with the modern pattern… I’ll keep at it.
Do keep at it. One thing that will help is listening to it over and over and seeing if you can tap the rhythm. The rhythm can be learnt in 3 sections but then it’s super important to tap it or hum it. Without being able to do that, the strumming hand ends up guessing. Once you lock it in, you’ll generally have it sorted for life. We can do a few exercises on the live call to help which will help others too (please remind me on the call if you’d like that). In the mean time, you can… Read more »
I will. My difficulty in mastering this strumming pattern is making this one tough for me to enjoy. It ain’t coming fast, and I don’t fail well. Trying to get Basic down has been painful and joyless. Maybe I oughta practice the modern strumming pattern with Space Oddity. I’m pretty lost.
Ha. My continuing July drama. Rather than quit with a bad attitude and wait for August, I skipped to Level 1. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh. Some quick success and some relief, and painfully hammering on the modern pattern, which has always challenged me, had some value and seems to be falling into place. Phew. And fretting the D and the G with a single finger is SO COOL! Why not? A? (I never reverted to trying the pattern on Space Oddity. Another time. And I’ve never relied on a finger to strum.OMG. I played Jimmy Buffet’sThe Wino and I Know like I never… Read more »
That’s great to know. Sometimes trying it from different “angles” helps – like skipping ahead can be useful. It gives a bit more context and fun. Glad it’s coming together and keep at it. I’m confident you will nail it. Keep it up! (Yeah, Norway will be a huge test tomorrow!). π
ScottPfeifer
10 days ago
Hi Dan,
Iβm doing this because I have a few friends that play and I want to join in. Iβve been messing with cords and going nowhere for awhile. Figured a different method was in order. Bought the seven day challenge liked the way you teach so when this came up got it too!
Hi Scott, welcome aboard. Glad you enjoyed the 7-day course and I hope this one helps you on your journey too, both in the short term and the long term too. Enjoy the jamming with your friends when you’re ready to, and keep us posted with how you get on. π
RoseJackson
11 days ago
Hi Iβm in Perth Australia. I was about to sell my guitar as I must have been using the death grip and making it so hard to play my guitar. You have made me more conscious of this and now I do find it easier playing chords. I have been playing a Baritone ukulele because itβs easier, but I love the rich sound of my guitar and really happy to be giving it another go.
Hi Rose, welcome aboard. Pleased to hear you gave it another go and that the lessons are working well so far. Keep up the good practice and let us know how you keep progressing. Well done! π
Cheers, Diane. Pleased to hear it. It’s not always easy to find the melody for songs online. Some sites do teach or show them in TAB, but often songbooks which have notation for a song have two parts to it – the top part shows the melody and the bottom part shows the accompaniment. Usually you will need to read music to see it. I, personally use my ear and/or a songbook (physical or online) to help. If you have any songbooks, you’ll see what I mean. If not, let me know. Do let me know if you want more… Read more »
GeoffCartwright
13 days ago
Hi everyone, Iβm Geoff from Wrexham in North Wales UK. Iβm 68 and I started learning guitar in my 40βs. In that time Iβve not settled on any particular direction or genre, but, deep down Iβve always wanted to do fingerstyle acoustic folk and blues. After a couple of Dans mini courses Iβm excited to see what we all achieve in the academy.
Hi Geoff. It sounds like you are in the right place for sure. It’s great you enjoyed the mini courses, which are like the starters. Now, I hope you enjoy the main course. Keep us posted with how you get on and a big warm, welcome to you. π
Liz459
15 days ago
Hi – Iβm Liz, 73 and living in the rural west of Ireland. A violinist most of my life but eventually had to quit due to a combination of arthritis in my neck and failing eyesight. Not having an instrument just didnβt feel right. Was tempted by bagpipes or a harp but finally went for a classical guitar. Itβs really weird playing an instrument so badly π but I am excited to get started now as I love the style you are teaching
Hi Liz, welcome aboard. Glad you are here and I reckon you made the right choice with the guitar. Of course, I am biased though. Haha. I hope you enjoy the course, take your time and keep having fun. π
RoxanneHobbs
15 days ago
I guess this is new. Structure is good. Jamie Andreas wrote a whole book on minimum pressure required and correct positioning. Dan did you study with her? I bought her book but for 25.00 thought it was overkill.
I studied classical for awhile so these concepts are not new to me. I like the more expedient way you teach these things.
I have tension in my right shoulder all the time, even when not playing guitar. I think I might need to undergo hypnosis to get over this bad habit.
Hi Roxanne, yeah, Jamie is great, especially at teaching technique. Minimum pressure was something I discovered a long time back but went deeper on technique with Jamie. I found no one else was teaching this stuff. The tension in the shoulder is something to keep an eye on. Is there a particular cause or time when it happens? Let us know how you get on. π
AnneLudlow
19 days ago
Hi, I’m Anne (75 but still young at heart). I used to play ages and ages ago when the world was new, and I’m interested to see if my hands (considerably creakier now) can get back into action at all. I’ve also returned to playing my recorder and that is going really well, so I’m hoping this will, too! The 5-piece challenge gives me a great goal to work towards. I love challenges. Cheers!
Hi Anne, welcome aboard. It can be tough getting back to it but I’m sure you will love the journey, and hopefully learn things about technique which most people don’t come across (like on Day 1 of this course. :)) Enjoy the guitar and recorder too!. Keep us posted with how you get on. π
SeanBullinger
21 days ago
Hi Dan
I own an acoustic guitar but I don’t play it. I’m going use only the acoustic for this course. I can tell already I’m sloppy
especially not getting my fingers right behind the fret. I can get away with this on electric. So Beethoven works for me as a first lesson. Thanks
Hi Sean, that’s good you have had that realisation already. Good stuff. Hope you enjoy all the other tips and pieces in this course. π
SeanBullinger
21 days ago
Hello all My name is Sean and I’m from Pennsylvania. I have not committed myself to truly learning the guitar. I’ve learned the basic chords, some strumming and alternate picking but I haven’t learned a song yet. Not a one! Today I saw an interview with Tom Brady and he talked about commitment,working hard and and getting uncomfortable to become better. I realized that this is what I’ve been doing, just playing the cowboy chords running the Pentatonic scale but not trying something new just going through the motions. Not 5 minutes later I received an Instagram suggestion for Dan… Read more »
Hi Sean, welcome aboard. It sounds like you’ve got some basics under your belt which is good to know. Hopefully you enjoy this course and learn plenty to help you take your playing to the next level. Hoping to hear how you soon become the Tom Brady of the guitar. π π
JamesNevins
22 days ago
Really good lessons! Truly learning about the fretboard! Thanks again for your time in teaching us guitarists!
Glad you’re enjoying it, and my pleasure. Keep up the great practice! π
LillianBrochin
24 days ago
Hi everyone! I am Lillian, living in southern Arizona. I’m 64, I took lessons when I was a teenager, then I put the guitar down when I joined the Navy and didn’t pick it up again until about 4-5 years ago. I had found a program for veterans with PTSD diagnosis to complete 11 weeks of free lessons and was awarded a guitar upon completion of the program. I fell in love with classical guitar and Spanish guitar and bought a second, classical instrument. I tried to emulate concert guitarists and experts like Liona Boyd and Charo but got intimidated… Read more »
Hi Lillian, welcome aboard. That sounds like a great programme. I know what you mean, some of those classical players play some crazy stuff. Hope you enjoy the Day 7 Romanza lesson, that will be fun. The church gig sounds great. Hope you enjoyed it. Keep us posted with how you get on. π
ManuelMolles
24 days ago
Hi All, I am Manuel. I live in Colorado and am 77 years old. I took lessons long ago, learning basic chords and a bit of finger picking. It was a lot of fun to play guitar accompanying friends, as we sang folk and popular songs. Later, commitments that came with my career and raising a family left me with practically no time for the guitar. Now retired, I would like to start back at the basics of playing guitar to be able to enjoy playing guitar again.
Hi Manuel, welcome aboard. It sounds like you had some great times on the guitar and here’s to many more I hope now. Enjoy your guitar now you have more time. Keep us posted with how you get on. Cheers. π
PaulBrandimarto
25 days ago
Just starting out with “fingerpicking”. Comfortable with notes and some of the chords. The course looks well planned out and not intimidating. Will keep plucking away!
Hi Paul, welcome aboard. That’s good you’re comfortable with the notes and some chords. I hope you enjoy the course and keep us posted with how you get on. π
Nigel
25 days ago
Started lesson 1. Takes a bit of concentration to get it right but getting there
Good stuff, Nigel. Glad it is getting there. Keep us posted with how you get on and enjoy the journey. π
JamesNevins
26 days ago
I know that I have been on again, off again in lessons! I finally got my guitar, stand and music stand and put it close to my treadmill, so I have to step around my guitar to get on the treadmill. Then I got Danβs βFretboard Fireworks β text, and decided to check it out! Man, this really blew me away! Once again, Dan, you have made the fretboard way more uncomplicated! I was so confused before, not really knowing what to practice, but this, it is really good stuff! Thankyou, again!
Hi James, thanks for the comment. That’s great the guitar is on a stand and next to your treadmill. Good work and pleased you’re enjoying the course. Keep up the great practice. π
Leslie L Denning
27 days ago
I enjoyed working on the slide piece, but I’m finding it a little difficult to get as much sound when I slide down as when I slide up. Any suggestions?
Glad you enjoyed it. I find sliding down can be tricker as the arm is moving away and uses different muscles. I’d practice them higher up the fretboard where the arm is closer to your body and the frets are closer. From fret 12 to 11, then descend downwards. I’d try that. Let us know how you get on. π
That’s great to know, keep up the super practice. π
Owen Power
28 days ago
Found the introduction of the alternating high E to be challenging. I did better while using the thumb on the low E & index finger on the high E. This will take some repetition to get it smooth.
Yeah, that is a challenge for sure, but keep coming back to it. The more you develop with this course and the other lessons, the easier things like this will become. Practice it slowly and enjoy the process. I have faith you’ll nail it. π
Owen Power
29 days ago
Hi, I’m Owen, 76 years old. Fifty years ago, I used to play basic chords while camping, but can honestly say, without a shred of modesty, I was never any good. Up until about a year ago, I didn’t touch a guitar. In 2025, I was laid up for 5 months with torn ligaments & a torn tendon. During this time, I picked up the guitar again & became a You Tube guitar lesson junky. I’ve even tried a few online guitar courses but never found the structure that I’ve searched for. I’ve learned some scales & know parts of… Read more »
Hi Owen, welcome aboard. It sounds like you’ve had some good fun with the guitar so far. I hope you enjoy this course and the bonuses. Keep up the practice and let us know how you get on. We’re rooting for you. π
TeresaHalvorson
1 month ago
Just finished the Bootcamp (finally – let it sit untended for a very long time) and ready to dive in here!
Glad to hear it. The more you use it, the better, and hopefully it becomes more fun each time too. π
TaniaSt Clair
1 month ago
Enjoyed this one as it made me realise that I don’t have much strength in my pinky finger. I also have small hands and fingers so this will be a great exercise
Glad you enjoyed this and pleased it was helpful. I love musical exercises like this for both the fun side but also helping identify and improve those areas like your pinkie. Cheers. π
TaniaSt Clair
1 month ago
HI there, Looking forward to moving forward with everyone. So far so good π
I have been playing for a few months and am really keen to learn fingerpicking as it has such a lovely sound rather than just strumming all the time.
Im in Queensland Australia retired and in my 60βs so hoping that this will help me achieve everything I’m hoping for.
Hi Tania, welcome aboard. Yeah, fingerstyle gives so much more variety than pure strumming and it allows for the melody to be played too. Great to hear from you in Australia. Enjoy. π
WayneRasmussen
1 month ago
Hello everyone
My name is Wayne I live in Queensland Australia. I learnt to play guitar in my 20s never got ready good and gave up, not enough practice now I am 66 and about to retire. I am looking forward to getting back into playing,I love finger style guitar this looks like a great course can’t wait to get started Wayne
Hi Wayne, welcome to the course. Exciting times ahead with the guitar and your retirement. Enjoy the lessons and keep us posted with how you get on. Sounds like you’ll have lots of fun. π
MichelleMartin
1 month ago
OMG! this is amazing, and so simple. Everytime I practiced my wrist hurt and now, no pain.TY
Hi Charlie, welcome to the course. I hope you get lots of joy from it. Keep at it, keep using the ideas and the fingers will start finding their way round the fretboard for sure. Let us know how you get on π
John
1 month ago
Just really getting into this course. I have learned the octave shapes before – I have actually read a small book about it, BUT YOUR APPROACH is Really PUTTING THIS TOGETHER! Of course, it is still a lot to absorb and not sure if I will ever master this quickly, but I know I will be able to eventually be able to do it slowly! Dan the Man Has Done it Again!!!:)
Glad you’re enjoying it, John. Thanks for the kind words too. Don’t worry about mastering this quickly. Little and often is the best way. Digest things, apply them, and then revisit the lessons. It’s usually more enjoyable that way and will help things stick. Let us know how you continue to progress. π
BarrySnowdon
1 month ago
Hi Everyone, I have been noodling intermittently away at the guitar for a decade with out making great progress. I’ve always liked fingerstyle and now that I have retired–I thought, now is my change to make some real progress and have some fun. Barry
Hi Barry, thanks for the comment. Glad to hear you enjoy fingerstyle. I wish you many happy hours in retirement with your guitar and this course. Let us know how you get on. π
DeniseGillard
1 month ago
I am trying to use this tool but I keep getting the same questions over and over. Basically, I feel like my practice is all over the place and I canβt tell if Iβm making good progress. But then, maybe thatβs what practice is-doing different things. I warm up using chord changes and by practicing the F chord using the E bar chord shape. Then I play some songs that I already know and work on new songs. Does this sound like a good practice session?
Hi Denise, thanks for the feedback. This tool is more about helping students who are unsure of what to do next, to pick their next course. You will likely find the Jam Buddy tool in the SSLA to help more. I like the sound of your routine. If you want to refine it more, you can have 3-7 things on your list ordered by priority. On busy days, just do the first 1 or 2 and on days when you have more time, you can do them all. The key is to have a mix of fun and useful things… Read more »
Hi Ian, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy the course and let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy! π
Altavan Eck
1 month ago
Hi I am Alta, from Potchefstroom in South Africa. A total new beginner and still struggle to
learn the fret bord but i am sure I will get to playing the guitar!!
Hi Alta, welcome aboard. Great you are here. The Breakthrough Beginner course is in your account as part of the SSLA. It might be worth starting with that, but let us know how you get on or if you have any questions on the way. π
StephenWhite
1 month ago
I have had several teachers over the years and none of them addressed the the issue of pressing to hard and about posture/staying relaxed, really enjoyed the fingerpicking lessons itβs nice to play something and sound musical almost straight away, need to learn to play slowly and rush it. Thanks Dan great lesson.
That’s great, Stephen. Pleased to hear this is helpful and you enjoyed the early lessons. Onwards and upwards now. Enjoy the process. Let us know how you get on. π
Leslie L Denning
1 month ago
This lesson doesn’t have “lesson complete” or “next lesson” buttons on it.
John Maness from South Carolina in the United States. I am a current member of the SSLA and my goal with this course is to become better with knowing the Guitar Fretboard!!!
Cheers, Rich. Glad you are enjoying it. Level 3 is a big jump, which highlights how tough many fingerstyle songs can be, especially those that use fuller chords. Something I try to avoid in my arrangements (but added it here so I could teach how you can always strip it back a level). It’s great what you say about using the rolled chord idea from level 3 and using it with level 2. I like your thinking. π
Curious what other students have experienced with this course?
See their comments here βο»Ώ
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”!
I love the instant feedback on the quizzes. I lost a lot of the lessons that I had completed due to the upgrade, so I thought I’d take the quizzes again.
Just a reminder to send us an email on what is new in the In Focus Essentials?
Thank you!
hi, 77 yr old here
Hi Colin, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy the lessons and let us know how you get on or if you have any questions. π
The Clearest description of Metronome use that I have watched.
That’s great to know. Thanks, Brian. Keep up the good practice. π
This is a good challenge! This might be a stupid question, but how do you strum up and down with your finger/thumb? When I strum down it’s with my index finger nail and sounds really sharp, but when I strum up I either try to use the same nail and it gets caught on the sixth string, or I use the pad of my finger and it sounds much ‘softer’. I hope that makes sense – do I just need to get harder skin on the tip of my finger?
Glad you’re enjoying it. Not a stupid question at all. Strumming is a delicate art. No need for harder skin. I strum down with the nail and up with the flesh. Personally, I love the contrast of the brighter sound and the mellow sound. Adds depth. It may be that your downstrums are a bit tense or aggressive (that’s common). I’d relax the finger, practice downstrums on their own, and upstrums on their own, and aim to get a sound with both that you like, then gradually put it together. It does take time refining an ideal strumming tone. Also,… Read more »
Never forget the bass
So true. The bass adds the power, richness and depth. π
Sleep with your guitar behind your head
Can’t argue with that. π
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes!
So true. Noticing mistakes is good as it allows us to get to work fixing them. π
Great tips!! Thank you
Cheers, Altavan. π
Jim, I’m 71 and have been trying to teach myself for a year now.
Hi Jim, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy the course. Keep us posted with how you get on. π
Hi, I am Susy from Scotland. I am over 60 and have started my guitar journey 4 months ago. Initially I had a few face to face lessons with a tutor, unfortunately that didn’t seem to work for me so I started an online course which actually brings some progress – albeit very slow (old age doesn’t come on its own). Then I came across Fingerstyle 101 and immediately signed up as this is what I really want to play.
Hi Susy, thanks for the comment and welcome aboard. It’s still early on in your guitar playing for sure, but I hope you are enjoying the journey. Would love to know how you get on so do keep us posted, and any questions any time, give us a shout. Enjoy the fingerstyle! π
Hi, I’m Craig from the UK, joined Dan’s 101 course but I’m doing the 7 day one first. Played for years on and off with almost no progress other than a few chords. 58 years old, giving it one last go. Fingers crossed π€ this time , with some effort, I’ll see progress
Hi Craig, good stuff doing this course first. You will pick up some key things and fun ideas before you get into Fingerstyle 101. Enjoy and keep us posted with how you get on. Cheers. π
Hi everyone, I’m Craig, from the uk. My story is typical I guess, been messing about with the guitar since I was 9 years old. I know a few chords, but never progressed. I’m Now 58, and really want to move forwards. I needed a plan, now with this course and Community, I have one. I’m looking forward to the journey.
Hi Craig, welcome aboard. It’s good you know a few chords, that always helps. Now with this course and the community, I hope you find your playing reaches new heights. Enjoy and let us know how you get on. π
Hi, I’m Angie,82 years old. Play clawhammer banjo and am learning guitar. I know a few chords and can strum but want to try fingerpicking.
Hi Angie, welcome aboard. Pleased to see you here. Good stuff with your experience so far and now I hope you enjoy this course and the fingerpicking. Do let us know how you get on. π
I’m having a really tough time playing the modern strumming pattern. I broke out the Ultimate Guide to Strumming and the in Focus Essentials Video. I had trouble with it when I went through the strumming guide, and it’s hard to get excited about this lesson without some proficiency with the modern pattern… I’ll keep at it.
Do keep at it. One thing that will help is listening to it over and over and seeing if you can tap the rhythm. The rhythm can be learnt in 3 sections but then it’s super important to tap it or hum it. Without being able to do that, the strumming hand ends up guessing. Once you lock it in, you’ll generally have it sorted for life. We can do a few exercises on the live call to help which will help others too (please remind me on the call if you’d like that). In the mean time, you can… Read more »
I will. My difficulty in mastering this strumming pattern is making this one tough for me to enjoy. It ain’t coming fast, and I don’t fail well. Trying to get Basic down has been painful and joyless. Maybe I oughta practice the modern strumming pattern with Space Oddity. I’m pretty lost.
Ha. My continuing July drama. Rather than quit with a bad attitude and wait for August, I skipped to Level 1. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh. Some quick success and some relief, and painfully hammering on the modern pattern, which has always challenged me, had some value and seems to be falling into place. Phew. And fretting the D and the G with a single finger is SO COOL! Why not? A? (I never reverted to trying the pattern on Space Oddity. Another time. And I’ve never relied on a finger to strum.OMG. I played Jimmy Buffet’sThe Wino and I Know like I never… Read more »
That’s great to know. Sometimes trying it from different “angles” helps – like skipping ahead can be useful. It gives a bit more context and fun. Glad it’s coming together and keep at it. I’m confident you will nail it. Keep it up! (Yeah, Norway will be a huge test tomorrow!). π
Hi Dan,
Iβm doing this because I have a few friends that play and I want to join in. Iβve been messing with cords and going nowhere for awhile. Figured a different method was in order. Bought the seven day challenge liked the way you teach so when this came up got it too!
Hi Scott, welcome aboard. Glad you enjoyed the 7-day course and I hope this one helps you on your journey too, both in the short term and the long term too. Enjoy the jamming with your friends when you’re ready to, and keep us posted with how you get on. π
Hi Iβm in Perth Australia. I was about to sell my guitar as I must have been using the death grip and making it so hard to play my guitar. You have made me more conscious of this and now I do find it easier playing chords. I have been playing a Baritone ukulele because itβs easier, but I love the rich sound of my guitar and really happy to be giving it another go.
Hi Rose, welcome aboard. Pleased to hear you gave it another go and that the lessons are working well so far. Keep up the good practice and let us know how you keep progressing. Well done! π
Before moving on to July lesson I just want to say how much I enjoyed this teaching Dan. I have a question though & here it is : How do you find the melody notes of a song in the chords? I think that if you can play by ear it would easy but if not, how do you do it ?Does that question make sense Dan?
Thanks π€©
Cheers, Diane. Pleased to hear it. It’s not always easy to find the melody for songs online. Some sites do teach or show them in TAB, but often songbooks which have notation for a song have two parts to it – the top part shows the melody and the bottom part shows the accompaniment. Usually you will need to read music to see it. I, personally use my ear and/or a songbook (physical or online) to help. If you have any songbooks, you’ll see what I mean. If not, let me know. Do let me know if you want more… Read more »
Hi everyone, Iβm Geoff from Wrexham in North Wales UK. Iβm 68 and I started learning guitar in my 40βs. In that time Iβve not settled on any particular direction or genre, but, deep down Iβve always wanted to do fingerstyle acoustic folk and blues. After a couple of Dans mini courses Iβm excited to see what we all achieve in the academy.
Hi Geoff. It sounds like you are in the right place for sure. It’s great you enjoyed the mini courses, which are like the starters. Now, I hope you enjoy the main course. Keep us posted with how you get on and a big warm, welcome to you. π
Hi – Iβm Liz, 73 and living in the rural west of Ireland. A violinist most of my life but eventually had to quit due to a combination of arthritis in my neck and failing eyesight. Not having an instrument just didnβt feel right. Was tempted by bagpipes or a harp but finally went for a classical guitar. Itβs really weird playing an instrument so badly π but I am excited to get started now as I love the style you are teaching
Hi Liz, welcome aboard. Glad you are here and I reckon you made the right choice with the guitar. Of course, I am biased though. Haha. I hope you enjoy the course, take your time and keep having fun. π
I guess this is new. Structure is good. Jamie Andreas wrote a whole book on minimum pressure required and correct positioning. Dan did you study with her? I bought her book but for 25.00 thought it was overkill.
I studied classical for awhile so these concepts are not new to me. I like the more expedient way you teach these things.
I have tension in my right shoulder all the time, even when not playing guitar. I think I might need to undergo hypnosis to get over this bad habit.
Hi Roxanne, yeah, Jamie is great, especially at teaching technique. Minimum pressure was something I discovered a long time back but went deeper on technique with Jamie. I found no one else was teaching this stuff. The tension in the shoulder is something to keep an eye on. Is there a particular cause or time when it happens? Let us know how you get on. π
Hi, I’m Anne (75 but still young at heart). I used to play ages and ages ago when the world was new, and I’m interested to see if my hands (considerably creakier now) can get back into action at all. I’ve also returned to playing my recorder and that is going really well, so I’m hoping this will, too! The 5-piece challenge gives me a great goal to work towards. I love challenges. Cheers!
Hi Anne, welcome aboard. It can be tough getting back to it but I’m sure you will love the journey, and hopefully learn things about technique which most people don’t come across (like on Day 1 of this course. :)) Enjoy the guitar and recorder too!. Keep us posted with how you get on. π
Hi Dan
I own an acoustic guitar but I don’t play it. I’m going use only the acoustic for this course. I can tell already I’m sloppy
especially not getting my fingers right behind the fret. I can get away with this on electric. So Beethoven works for me as a first lesson. Thanks
Hi Sean, that’s good you have had that realisation already. Good stuff. Hope you enjoy all the other tips and pieces in this course. π
Hello all My name is Sean and I’m from Pennsylvania. I have not committed myself to truly learning the guitar. I’ve learned the basic chords, some strumming and alternate picking but I haven’t learned a song yet. Not a one! Today I saw an interview with Tom Brady and he talked about commitment,working hard and and getting uncomfortable to become better. I realized that this is what I’ve been doing, just playing the cowboy chords running the Pentatonic scale but not trying something new just going through the motions. Not 5 minutes later I received an Instagram suggestion for Dan… Read more »
Hi Sean, welcome aboard. It sounds like you’ve got some basics under your belt which is good to know. Hopefully you enjoy this course and learn plenty to help you take your playing to the next level. Hoping to hear how you soon become the Tom Brady of the guitar. π π
Really good lessons! Truly learning about the fretboard! Thanks again for your time in teaching us guitarists!
Glad you’re enjoying it, and my pleasure. Keep up the great practice! π
Hi everyone! I am Lillian, living in southern Arizona. I’m 64, I took lessons when I was a teenager, then I put the guitar down when I joined the Navy and didn’t pick it up again until about 4-5 years ago. I had found a program for veterans with PTSD diagnosis to complete 11 weeks of free lessons and was awarded a guitar upon completion of the program. I fell in love with classical guitar and Spanish guitar and bought a second, classical instrument. I tried to emulate concert guitarists and experts like Liona Boyd and Charo but got intimidated… Read more »
Hi Lillian, welcome aboard. That sounds like a great programme. I know what you mean, some of those classical players play some crazy stuff. Hope you enjoy the Day 7 Romanza lesson, that will be fun. The church gig sounds great. Hope you enjoyed it. Keep us posted with how you get on. π
Hi All, I am Manuel. I live in Colorado and am 77 years old. I took lessons long ago, learning basic chords and a bit of finger picking. It was a lot of fun to play guitar accompanying friends, as we sang folk and popular songs. Later, commitments that came with my career and raising a family left me with practically no time for the guitar. Now retired, I would like to start back at the basics of playing guitar to be able to enjoy playing guitar again.
Hi Manuel, welcome aboard. It sounds like you had some great times on the guitar and here’s to many more I hope now. Enjoy your guitar now you have more time. Keep us posted with how you get on. Cheers. π
Just starting out with “fingerpicking”. Comfortable with notes and some of the chords. The course looks well planned out and not intimidating. Will keep plucking away!
Hi Paul, welcome aboard. That’s good you’re comfortable with the notes and some chords. I hope you enjoy the course and keep us posted with how you get on. π
Started lesson 1. Takes a bit of concentration to get it right but getting there
Good stuff, Nigel. Glad it is getting there. Keep us posted with how you get on and enjoy the journey. π
I know that I have been on again, off again in lessons! I finally got my guitar, stand and music stand and put it close to my treadmill, so I have to step around my guitar to get on the treadmill. Then I got Danβs βFretboard Fireworks β text, and decided to check it out! Man, this really blew me away! Once again, Dan, you have made the fretboard way more uncomplicated! I was so confused before, not really knowing what to practice, but this, it is really good stuff! Thankyou, again!
Hi James, thanks for the comment. That’s great the guitar is on a stand and next to your treadmill. Good work and pleased you’re enjoying the course. Keep up the great practice. π
I enjoyed working on the slide piece, but I’m finding it a little difficult to get as much sound when I slide down as when I slide up. Any suggestions?
Glad you enjoyed it. I find sliding down can be tricker as the arm is moving away and uses different muscles. I’d practice them higher up the fretboard where the arm is closer to your body and the frets are closer. From fret 12 to 11, then descend downwards. I’d try that. Let us know how you get on. π
I like how quickly I improve!
That’s great to know, keep up the super practice. π
Found the introduction of the alternating high E to be challenging. I did better while using the thumb on the low E & index finger on the high E. This will take some repetition to get it smooth.
Yeah, that is a challenge for sure, but keep coming back to it. The more you develop with this course and the other lessons, the easier things like this will become. Practice it slowly and enjoy the process. I have faith you’ll nail it. π
Hi, I’m Owen, 76 years old. Fifty years ago, I used to play basic chords while camping, but can honestly say, without a shred of modesty, I was never any good. Up until about a year ago, I didn’t touch a guitar. In 2025, I was laid up for 5 months with torn ligaments & a torn tendon. During this time, I picked up the guitar again & became a You Tube guitar lesson junky. I’ve even tried a few online guitar courses but never found the structure that I’ve searched for. I’ve learned some scales & know parts of… Read more »
Hi Owen, welcome aboard. It sounds like you’ve had some good fun with the guitar so far. I hope you enjoy this course and the bonuses. Keep up the practice and let us know how you get on. We’re rooting for you. π
Just finished the Bootcamp (finally – let it sit untended for a very long time) and ready to dive in here!
Good stuff, well done finishing the Bootcamp. I hope you enjoy this one too. π
Going through this again and really enjoying it all over.
Glad to hear it. The more you use it, the better, and hopefully it becomes more fun each time too. π
Enjoyed this one as it made me realise that I don’t have much strength in my pinky finger. I also have small hands and fingers so this will be a great exercise
Glad you enjoyed this and pleased it was helpful. I love musical exercises like this for both the fun side but also helping identify and improve those areas like your pinkie. Cheers. π
HI there, Looking forward to moving forward with everyone. So far so good π
I have been playing for a few months and am really keen to learn fingerpicking as it has such a lovely sound rather than just strumming all the time.
Im in Queensland Australia retired and in my 60βs so hoping that this will help me achieve everything I’m hoping for.
Hi Tania, welcome aboard. Yeah, fingerstyle gives so much more variety than pure strumming and it allows for the melody to be played too. Great to hear from you in Australia. Enjoy. π
Hello everyone
My name is Wayne I live in Queensland Australia. I learnt to play guitar in my 20s never got ready good and gave up, not enough practice now I am 66 and about to retire. I am looking forward to getting back into playing,I love finger style guitar this looks like a great course can’t wait to get started Wayne
Hi Wayne, welcome to the course. Exciting times ahead with the guitar and your retirement. Enjoy the lessons and keep us posted with how you get on. Sounds like you’ll have lots of fun. π
OMG! this is amazing, and so simple. Everytime I practiced my wrist hurt and now, no pain.TY
That’s great to know, Michelle. Delighted to hear it. Keep up the great practice and let us know how you continue to get on. π
Hi
Iβm Charlie.
I want to get past being βtongue tiedβ when working with and describing the fretboard. Thanks
Hi Charlie, welcome to the course. I hope you get lots of joy from it. Keep at it, keep using the ideas and the fingers will start finding their way round the fretboard for sure. Let us know how you get on π
Just really getting into this course. I have learned the octave shapes before – I have actually read a small book about it, BUT YOUR APPROACH is Really PUTTING THIS TOGETHER! Of course, it is still a lot to absorb and not sure if I will ever master this quickly, but I know I will be able to eventually be able to do it slowly! Dan the Man Has Done it Again!!!:)
I believe my approach to this course is going to take this in slow, study, take it in slow, study, slow, study in order to absorb well…
Glad you’re enjoying it, John. Thanks for the kind words too. Don’t worry about mastering this quickly. Little and often is the best way. Digest things, apply them, and then revisit the lessons. It’s usually more enjoyable that way and will help things stick. Let us know how you continue to progress. π
Hi Everyone, I have been noodling intermittently away at the guitar for a decade with out making great progress. I’ve always liked fingerstyle and now that I have retired–I thought, now is my change to make some real progress and have some fun. Barry
Hi Barry, thanks for the comment. Glad to hear you enjoy fingerstyle. I wish you many happy hours in retirement with your guitar and this course. Let us know how you get on. π
I am trying to use this tool but I keep getting the same questions over and over. Basically, I feel like my practice is all over the place and I canβt tell if Iβm making good progress. But then, maybe thatβs what practice is-doing different things. I warm up using chord changes and by practicing the F chord using the E bar chord shape. Then I play some songs that I already know and work on new songs. Does this sound like a good practice session?
Hi Denise, thanks for the feedback. This tool is more about helping students who are unsure of what to do next, to pick their next course. You will likely find the Jam Buddy tool in the SSLA to help more. I like the sound of your routine. If you want to refine it more, you can have 3-7 things on your list ordered by priority. On busy days, just do the first 1 or 2 and on days when you have more time, you can do them all. The key is to have a mix of fun and useful things… Read more »
Thank you for you response! It feels good to know Iβm on the right track!π
My pleasure, Denise. Any questions on anything like this, feel free to ask. Happy to help and I reply to the comments on the site usually daily. π
Hi I’m Ian 66 looking to improve my guitar playing with the course
Hi Ian, welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy the course and let us know if you have any questions. Enjoy! π
Hi I am Alta, from Potchefstroom in South Africa. A total new beginner and still struggle to
learn the fret bord but i am sure I will get to playing the guitar!!
Hi Alta, welcome aboard. Great you are here. The Breakthrough Beginner course is in your account as part of the SSLA. It might be worth starting with that, but let us know how you get on or if you have any questions on the way. π
I have had several teachers over the years and none of them addressed the the issue of pressing to hard and about posture/staying relaxed, really enjoyed the fingerpicking lessons itβs nice to play something and sound musical almost straight away, need to learn to play slowly and rush it. Thanks Dan great lesson.
That’s great, Stephen. Pleased to hear this is helpful and you enjoyed the early lessons. Onwards and upwards now. Enjoy the process. Let us know how you get on. π
This lesson doesn’t have “lesson complete” or “next lesson” buttons on it.
Thanks for the heads up. Fixed that now. π
Hey Everyone,
John Maness from South Carolina in the United States. I am a current member of the SSLA and my goal with this course is to become better with knowing the Guitar Fretboard!!!
Hi John, welcome to this course. I hope you enjoy it and have a lot of fretboard fun, learning, and exploration with it. Cheers. π
Interesting lesson Dan. Level 3 is very tough for me, I would likely stick with level 2 but add in a finger roll chord. Thanks.
Cheers, Rich. Glad you are enjoying it. Level 3 is a big jump, which highlights how tough many fingerstyle songs can be, especially those that use fuller chords. Something I try to avoid in my arrangements (but added it here so I could teach how you can always strip it back a level). It’s great what you say about using the rolled chord idea from level 3 and using it with level 2. I like your thinking. π