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. I’m 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.
If you would like to submit a video, you can add it to your comment by including a video LINK (for example, a YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox link). (Email Dan for help if you get stuck uploading a video)
YouTube and Vimeo links are the preferred video format. Make sure that your links are set to unlisted (not private!) and then only we will see it.
Hopefully, you have all noticed the new comments section at the bottom of each page in the DTAA! I would love for you to comment, ask questions and say “hi”!
This would be very practical at the start of all warm ups. We forget how much is going on while playing. Sensory overload is an understatement with fretting, plucking /strumming, counting, foot tapping reading music or tabs and possibly singing. I whish this information was in front of me at the start of my guitar journey. If my mind is on something else, I might as well give up on practice in that moment. This reminds me of the illustration on FB several weeks back that Dan put up. The rollercoaster of ups and downs while learning. The days I… Read more »
Absolutely, great point you make there. Sensory overload is definitely possible as there is so much going on when playing guitar! Yeah, I wish I knew this back then too, but I’m glad we know it now and it is proving helpful. Yeah, keep the curve going upwards in a steady line and keep enjoying each moment – remember my #1 rule too – that is “try to improve one tiny thing each day and do something some fun on the guitar”. You’re doing well. 🙂
Dan, another excellent and very important lessons on the three Ps! A practice technique I was shown, and which ties in with this, is called the ‘heavy arm’. Basically, as you fret each note you allow the weight of the fretting arm to fall through each finger. This means that you’re not using finger and thumb pressure to fret the notes but instead you allow the weight of the arm to do the work for you. The helps to prevent over squeezing each fretted note and avoids tension build up in the fingers, hand, arm and shoulders. As a check… Read more »
Thanks, Antony. Yeah, the heavy arm is a great one – I teach that with barre chords especially as it is very powerful. Was it Jamie Andreas who taught you that by the way? Glad to hear this is useful and keep up the great practice. 🙂
Absolutely brilliant lesson, I will need to watch this a few times.
Your average YouTube lesson shows finger positioning, while your explanations and demonstrations take it so much further.
I am now aware about keeping my shoulders down and to refrain from keeping elbows in.
My left shoulder blade has been painful at times, I could be speculating but this might be the cause.
Glad to hear it, thanks. These are the details that make a huge difference to everything you play, so I’m glad it was helpful. I hope it helps with the shoulder and keep making those adjustments. 🙂
Good lesson though I do have one question.
I’m one of those people with a large tummy. This has always been a problem whilst playing the guitar.
I have lost a lot of weight through diet etc the ability to play a guitar has pushed me harder to loose this excessive weight.
Is it the case of putting up with incorrect positioning or is there anything I can do to help.
I do have a foot rest, purchased one shortly after getting first guitar. Thought they looked cool.
I used to have a large tummy myself. It was never easy, but sitting on a chair a little higher up with good posture so I could lean forward a little helped. I found when I was lower down my belly would get in the way more. You can even try standing too but when sitting, definitely try classical position and a strap should help too. Good stuff losing the weight too 🙂
Some handy tips mentioned here. Now I’m torn between using a notebook or putting a spreadsheet together. My largest goal is to memorise one song. I would love to walk into a guitar shop (I can hear my wife now lol) just to find that perfect connection. However I would be so embarrassed whipping out printed A4 guitar tablature or my phone just to play. I have tried learning from memory 1 bar at a time, 10 minutes later I couldn’t tell you the first note. I know this is holding me back as cannot read the music quick enough… Read more »
Either will work. Keeping it simple and using the method which is best for you is the way to go. Ha, I know what you mean, pulling out the TAB! 🙂 If 1 bar is a struggle, try breaking that bar up into smaller chunks. Most people struggle to remember anywhere from five and above things so definitely break that bar up, remember that (writing it down helps memory too), and then build up. You will get there. 🙂
Nice selection of workouts all in one place. I have really pushed myself with similar workouts over the last two months which has really helped. Though these were print outs, PDF files, post it notes and a whiteboard which meant everything all over the place.
Now everything in one place thank you.
These exercises are great to build on so you are always able to push yourself that bit harder.
Glad to hear it. Having a solid workout is so useful. I like to keep them short but full of key things to practice. This allows you to focus on them fully, then go have fun with other stuff too. Pleased you’re enjoying them so far and keep up the great practice. 🙂
Hello, Laurie in Massachusetts here. I’m ready to pick up my guitar again. I really enjoy your podcast and videos. I need encouragement to keep going even though it’s hard for me. I’m not sure enough about reincarnation to wait and hope to be born with more musicality next time around. 😉
Hi Laurie, welcome aboard. Ah, thanks, means a lot to hear. You can definitely do this. Start with small little victories each day, like what is mentioned in the course, and try to play something fun every day on the guitar. Do let us know how you get on and enjoy! 🙂
Hi all My name is Sean, I live in the city of York which is in North Yorkshire UK. I am 53 years old and have played guitar for around three years. I joined the DTAA as I do not believe my progression has been quick enough, despite the hours I practice. I practice every day, usually for at least an hour without any planning, then I can pick my guitar up several times a day killing time. Like many people on here I suffer with arthritis which is in my wrists and neck. I blame the cold damp weather… Read more »
Welcome Sean. I love how dedicated you are to practicing. That is great. The ‘In Focus’ course especially will really help you take the time you spend and use it wisely – massively helping with the things you mention. I hope you enjoy it, and we’re delighted you are here. Excited to hear about your progress. 🙂
I’m enjoying the course. I’ve picked up a lot of bad habits over the years and sold my guitar about five years ago — never was any good and thought I was getting too old anyway — so now much of my muscle memory has disappeared. At 80 I purchased a new guitar and immediately signed on to the website. I find replaying the various beginning sections extremely helpful even if I struggle with chord changes. It is baby steps so far, but I’m determined to practice a little bit each day and get better. This time I want to… Read more »
Super pleased to hear it, Carl. It’s great you are back and enjoying it! Yes, repetition is key with the guitar. Not enough people use repetition (it’s natural to want to move on to the next thing), but repeating the same lessons is crucial. That’s where a huge amount of progress is made. Keep up the wonderful practice. 🙂
Superb advice. I tried a footstool but found the pressure it created in my left hip and lower back soon got uncomfortable. So, I bought a Dynarette leg support (same thing that Dan demonstrates) twelve months ago and it’s been excellent. I’ve not touched the footstool since.
Glad to hear it. It really does make a huge difference getting comfortable and although foot stools are great, they can cause issues. Keep up the good practice. 🙂
Hi everyone. I joined yesterday and looking forward to working thru learning to play the guitar and having a blast. My name is John H. …I reside in Saugatuck Michigan , a small town on Lake Michigan. I am 70 years old and starting guitar for the third time …I’m hoping “ it’s the charm” this time around. Past efforts usually faded due to family & work schedules along with waning interest. Too many scales & exercises with no fun music ever coming along. I love the sound of solo acoustic guitar and dream of learning to play a couple… Read more »
Hi John, welcome aboard. Delighted you’re here and I hope you’re enjoying it so far. Scales and exercises can sure be boring if that’s all you do. I mean, they do help for sure, but having fun is absolutely crucial. I hope you find the songs and lessons a blast, and please do let us know how you get on. It sounds like you have a great set up and we’re looking forward to hearing about your progress. 🙂
Hi, I live in Shrewsbury which is not too far from Dan’s home town. I’ve been practicing acoustic guitar on and off for about three years. I’ve tried a couple of well known online training courses but found them quite boring. They lacked the strong structure and approach to correct technique and playing that Dan covers. For me, learning correct technique and correct practice is very important. I particularly like the approach that Dan has applied to his training by combining the technical aspects of classical guitar with contemporary fingerstyle playing. My main focus and goal for joining DTAA is… Read more »
Hi Antony, oh wow, you’re not too far from me at all. Glad you are on it with good technique – it is the backbone of everything on the guitar. Two very cool guitarists you mention there. Keep working on the basics, keep having fun, and you’ll get there. With the right focus, you can achieve so much on the guitar. A really big welcome to you and hope you enjoy it here. 🙂
Dan, any advice for building up a pinkie pull off? I can get the first four notes of lick 6 most of the time, but the pinkie is weak on the pull off note. (Actually all four notes are weaker than I’d like them to be.)
Isolate it. Try a pinkie pull-off on its own. Do 10x perfect reps, and then increase the difficulty level slightly. You could start off with the pinkie at fret 8, index fret 5, and go from there. Do that and then build up to using it in the lick. I hope that helps. 🙂
I’m making progress with Lick 6! And I went back to the Toccata and Fugue in the Acoustic Asylum material, and guess what – the opening notes were much easier this time around! I was able to do them with pull offs and hammer ons! I had gotten discouraged on that before. Still needs a lot of work, but I will work on it, and can see some light in the tunnel!
This has been a lot of fun – I am not quite all the way through yet but am wondering if the 12 Bar Blues for Beginners course offers a lot more? Thinking this is fun enough to maybe go further.
Super pleased to hear it. It offers similar content in a different way. Many of the ideas are similar. I would keep enjoying this and perfecting this, and the new DTAA lessons out soon will help you take your blues playing further. (Have you checked out these old but fun lessons on blues in the Supercharger section?) 🙂
Dan….from the cup I find that I can stay closer to the strings and return better if I pluck with the fleshy distal joint of the fingers. Does this sound right? If I use the nails, I pluck in a motion that takes the finger more away from the string.
Plucking with the fleshy part is definitely okay. Many classical players were taught to not use their nails at first – this was so they would develop good technique and tone with the flesh rather than relying on the nails. You are doing the right thing. Good stuff, Dennis 🙂
Thanks Dan,Break though lesson.Been practicing daily for six years and after getting the licks down then applying them to a backing track I feel like a real guitar player. Feels like all the time is paying off. Thank again
Yeah, it is a good step up that. Definitely be patient here. Keep going back and forth between the two and focusing on those very small adjustments. You’ll get there 🙂
I am just looking at this after your blues licks lesson. I find that I am a bit confused. Shuffle feel OK I Iv V chord progression OK , but what is going on inside the Chords? So – assuming open strings the I chord would be E, the IV chord would be A and the V Chord would be B. We are strumming for the I chord open low E and B on the A string – an E power chord followed by E and C #. What is that ? and how is it related to the I… Read more »
Hi Martin, yeah in the shuffle it is the Major 6th note that is added to each chord to give it its flavour. As for why it is that exact note, I’ve never been able to find out why. My best guess is that note just had that signature sound which became the backbone for blues. In terms of the theory you are right on the money. Do let me know if I didn’t quite get your question though. Cheers. 🙂
Yeah, that’s true. A lot of the theory seemed to come after the development of the actual music. Theory is still incredibly useful but to me theory is like a language being created to describe a piece of art to a person unable to see it. I hope that makes sense.
OMG ! THESE MEMORY VIDEOS ARE PRICELESS ! They answer all those questions my brain ask as I am practicing. WHY SHOULD I LEARN THIS? HOW SHOULD I LEARN IT? We all know we should slow down and chunk pieces but now we know WHY. BRILLIANT !
I stopped selling the course a while back as it looks a bit dated (with the intention to refilm and re-release it) but DTAA members can have it in your account at no cost if you like. Just let me know. 🙂
Dan……Do you plan to have a mini course on economy picking?….. It .gets a bit confusing at times..EG….going back down the scale, since the 4 string only has 2 notes, we will be able to move UP to the 5 string f ollowing an UP ……What if there were 3 notes on the 4 string?…..We would have to change UP to string 5 on a DOWN. OR AM I OVERCOMPLICATING THIS?
Hi Dennis, no but I can create one in the future. The key thing with economy picking is to remember the rule – when plucking the same string more than once, alternate… And when changing strings, pluck the new string in the direction you are travelling. It is not a perfect technique as there are sometimes slightly awkward picking movements but it’s far better than any other picking technique I’ve come across. I hope that helps? 🙂
I have to remind myself to revisit the training on the In focus tab. I tend to jump into the song playing and it’s so easy to forget the essentials. Take it from me.. 3 years of having a guitar and practicing just about every single day before work. If I had only had this in the very beginning, I’d be much further along.
Yep, regular reminders are key. It’s so important to keep the essentials in mind, even when you feel they have become a habit. Keeping a cheat sheet of these next to your guitar will help. I’m pleased you’re making great progress now. Onwards and upwards! 🙂
Dan……LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE,but have a couple of questions…….Is my brain going to implode as I reach the inevitable conflict between inside /outside plucking and alternate plucking? ALSO, how do you determine which finger frets which fret? Should the fretting be practiced separately?
Hi Dennis, hopefully your brain won’t explode! Just don’t let yourself get overwhelmed and keep it simple where you can. In terms of the fretting hand, it makes sense to practice the fretting hand on its own if you’re unsure of anything. There are almost limitless options to fret scales and melodies with various fingers, but if you’re ever unsure, “plan your route” with this hand – meaning the fingers you use should be chosen to help you move to the next transition as seamlessly as possible. 🙂
Thanks Dan…..I find that planning my route is essential. Otherwise, when I get to a fret where the choice is ring or pinkie, I tend to be indecisive. ESPECIALLY SCALES.
Yeah, good stuff, Dennis. Being decisive is a great way to play. No more, “shall I take a left? Nope, shall I take a right? Oh no I’m lost”. Best to get the map out before the journey and plan the route – sounds like you are doing this for sure. 🙂
I’m Melissa, originally from the States and now living in Europe. I’m not exactly part of the “target” audience for the DTAA, but I’m happy to be here. I’m 35 and have 4 young kids. My boys wanted to learn to play guitar, but we don’t have money for lessons, so I figured I (having played piano and French horn for years) could learn some basics and teach them. I got a guitar and Dan’s beginner course for Christmas, and while my boys have lost interest for the moment, I’ve fallen in love. Fingerstyle has come pretty naturally for me,… Read more »
Hi Melissa, pleased to see you here. The DTAA is about the spirit of the group, and the styles we play that is the main thing so welcome! Sounds like you’re having loads of fun with the guitar (which is great to know). Do check out this month’s lesson on strumming – that will help for sure. I hope you love it here. Keep enjoying yourself! 🙂
Melissa
12 days ago
Are you slightly plucking the string with the fretting hand? My finger seems to “catch” on the string a bit on the way down. But it seems to sound better than way? Just not sure if this is bad technique which should be avoided.
Can you clarify what you mean by “catch” on the string? Do you mean, you pull-off and the finger doing the pull-off touches the adjacent string? If so, that is okay and works as long as you do it in a controlled way. Do let me know if I’ve not quite followed what you mean though.
I mean, the act of pulling off causes that finger to have some extra friction on the string–so it catches the string and bends it slightly as it comes off. A bit like what happens in fingerpicking, but with the fretting hand.
Ah, okay, I get you. Try not to bend the string when you pull-off. A lighter touch on the string (with just enough pressure of course) and a faster, snappier motion can help here. Light but fast is a good way to think of it but be patient as this sort of touch takes time to develop naturally. Keep at it 🙂
So this month’s Blues Licks got me interested. I am having a lot of fun with this. It is not easy but it is so much fun, and so different from anything I have done up til now. May have to add the Twelve Bar Blues Mini class to my content after I get these down. Thanks for opening new doors.
Delighted to hear it. I always say how the guitar is perfect for blues music, and even though a fair few students I’ve taught (probably half and half) don’t really listen to it, they love to play it on the guitar. Glad this got you interested. Next month’s lesson will be even more fun. 🙂
My next attempt will be strictly by ear, i.e. guessing. Means that playing the particular scale in each of the sections will require high concentration. In the meantime, I will get familiar with those scales. Will definitely tell you how it goes.
Slow and steady for sure. Take your time, break it down note by note, and good stuff getting to lick 6! You’ll nail this one like you have the others 🙂
This is a much deeper lesson than it appears at first. As you say, it’s more than targeting, it’s about developing touch. I can tell that it’s helping my strumming touch. So simple, but so subtly complex.
Yeah, you’re right. A lesson like this can and should be used many times. The subtle stuff makes a huge difference with strumming. Pleased to hear it is helping. 🙂
The benefits of this course are MANY !
THE PROPER WAY TO LEARN A SONG, PLAYING ON MULTIPLE STRINGS, THE VIBRATO BONUS,
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE FINGERPICKING, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING TAB, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH MUSICAL NOTATION, A SOLID FOUNDATION BUILDING A REPERTOIRE, MAKING MISTAKES AND LEARNING FROM THEM.
Delighted to hear it. All those things do make a big difference. There is a lot to think about when playing songs – hence why simpler songs which still sound great, are an excellent way to begin. Thanks, and well done. 🙂
OMG…….THANK YOU SO MUCH ! I have been doing this Bass Ackwards. Learn each bar PERFECTLY, BOTH TECHNICALLY AND MUSICALITY. I have been doing this technically, then worked on polishing the musicality afterwards. So I have been learning the piece totally with good technicality and substandard musicality.The result was totally substandard, because the foundation was good brick held together with poor cement.TY Dan !
Glad to hear you have it sorted now, Dennis. A lot of guitarists make the mistake of learning the next bar before the current one is properly sorted from both a technical and musical standpoint… but it’s good you have it sorted now. Do remember this for everything you learn – it makes such a difference. 🙂
The tip about putting the base note first when changing chords not only helps with fingerpicking chord changes. Playing the root note first is a solid technique for strumming,as well. I am really trying to build this habit as the first note heard in ANY chord should always be the root note.TY for the reminder Dan.
Yeah good thoughts, Dennis. Bass notes first is a great way to practice chord changes all round. Fun too when you focus on the bass notes while fingerpicking or strumming 🙂
Hi I’m Vic, I started playing guitar when I was 11 or 12. I learned to read music and basically was playing the melody to what I am calling starter songs. It was quite boring to say the least learning to read music 50 years ago. The boring part caused me to drop the guitar after a few years of playing. Fast forward to 2020 and covid which led me to picking it up again. The internet has been a fantastic place to learn guitar. The down side being there is a huge volume of information and its really difficult… Read more »
Hi Vic, welcome aboard. Delighted you are here. Yep, the internet is so random. One big aim here with the DTAA is to give you everything you need in one place so you don’t get distracted – which can happen so easily. I hope you enjoy it, browse around the DTAA, and then dive in. Any questions, do let us know. Enjoy and all the best. 🙂
My favorite lesson so far. Thanks for publishing these and going over them in detail. Great stuff! I really thank you for the last video showing how to “play around” with the licks. A lot of people don’t realize we may learn new chords, licks, etc but some of us don’t know what to do with them afterwards. Keep it coming sir! You’re the best!
Thanks, Ronnie, yeah, it’s so much more fun being able to enjoy what you know and explore new ideas with it. It’s like the old phrase “Give someone a fish and they’ll eat for a day. Teach them how to fish and they’ll eat for a lifetime”. I find that is the same on the guitar 🙂
Great tips Dan super duper 😀
Cheers, Angie. Glad to hear you like the lesson. Keep coming back to it too. 🙂
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. I’m 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.
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”!
This would be very practical at the start of all warm ups. We forget how much is going on while playing. Sensory overload is an understatement with fretting, plucking /strumming, counting, foot tapping reading music or tabs and possibly singing. I whish this information was in front of me at the start of my guitar journey. If my mind is on something else, I might as well give up on practice in that moment. This reminds me of the illustration on FB several weeks back that Dan put up. The rollercoaster of ups and downs while learning. The days I… Read more »
Absolutely, great point you make there. Sensory overload is definitely possible as there is so much going on when playing guitar! Yeah, I wish I knew this back then too, but I’m glad we know it now and it is proving helpful. Yeah, keep the curve going upwards in a steady line and keep enjoying each moment – remember my #1 rule too – that is “try to improve one tiny thing each day and do something some fun on the guitar”. You’re doing well. 🙂
Dan…….When using the A minor,F, C,G, why am I reminded of SULTANS OF SWING?
Oooh, great song, yeah, different chord progression but some of the same chords in it. What a great song that is by the way. 🙂
Dan, another excellent and very important lessons on the three Ps! A practice technique I was shown, and which ties in with this, is called the ‘heavy arm’. Basically, as you fret each note you allow the weight of the fretting arm to fall through each finger. This means that you’re not using finger and thumb pressure to fret the notes but instead you allow the weight of the arm to do the work for you. The helps to prevent over squeezing each fretted note and avoids tension build up in the fingers, hand, arm and shoulders. As a check… Read more »
Thanks, Antony. Yeah, the heavy arm is a great one – I teach that with barre chords especially as it is very powerful. Was it Jamie Andreas who taught you that by the way? Glad to hear this is useful and keep up the great practice. 🙂
Absolutely brilliant lesson, I will need to watch this a few times.
Your average YouTube lesson shows finger positioning, while your explanations and demonstrations take it so much further.
I am now aware about keeping my shoulders down and to refrain from keeping elbows in.
My left shoulder blade has been painful at times, I could be speculating but this might be the cause.
Glad to hear it, thanks. These are the details that make a huge difference to everything you play, so I’m glad it was helpful. I hope it helps with the shoulder and keep making those adjustments. 🙂
Good lesson though I do have one question.
I’m one of those people with a large tummy. This has always been a problem whilst playing the guitar.
I have lost a lot of weight through diet etc the ability to play a guitar has pushed me harder to loose this excessive weight.
Is it the case of putting up with incorrect positioning or is there anything I can do to help.
I do have a foot rest, purchased one shortly after getting first guitar. Thought they looked cool.
I used to have a large tummy myself. It was never easy, but sitting on a chair a little higher up with good posture so I could lean forward a little helped. I found when I was lower down my belly would get in the way more. You can even try standing too but when sitting, definitely try classical position and a strap should help too. Good stuff losing the weight too 🙂
Some handy tips mentioned here. Now I’m torn between using a notebook or putting a spreadsheet together. My largest goal is to memorise one song. I would love to walk into a guitar shop (I can hear my wife now lol) just to find that perfect connection. However I would be so embarrassed whipping out printed A4 guitar tablature or my phone just to play. I have tried learning from memory 1 bar at a time, 10 minutes later I couldn’t tell you the first note. I know this is holding me back as cannot read the music quick enough… Read more »
Either will work. Keeping it simple and using the method which is best for you is the way to go. Ha, I know what you mean, pulling out the TAB! 🙂 If 1 bar is a struggle, try breaking that bar up into smaller chunks. Most people struggle to remember anywhere from five and above things so definitely break that bar up, remember that (writing it down helps memory too), and then build up. You will get there. 🙂
Nice selection of workouts all in one place. I have really pushed myself with similar workouts over the last two months which has really helped. Though these were print outs, PDF files, post it notes and a whiteboard which meant everything all over the place.
Now everything in one place thank you.
These exercises are great to build on so you are always able to push yourself that bit harder.
Glad to hear it. Having a solid workout is so useful. I like to keep them short but full of key things to practice. This allows you to focus on them fully, then go have fun with other stuff too. Pleased you’re enjoying them so far and keep up the great practice. 🙂
I will incorporate one of these every week into my practice. Those challenges that I struggle with will get incorporated even more.
Glad to hear it, the challenges are fun and definitely worth doing throughout the week. Enjoy and I hope you see some great results with them. 🙂
24.09.23 5 times. Lets see how many in a months time.
Good stuff, and well done! 🙂
Hello, Laurie in Massachusetts here. I’m ready to pick up my guitar again. I really enjoy your podcast and videos. I need encouragement to keep going even though it’s hard for me. I’m not sure enough about reincarnation to wait and hope to be born with more musicality next time around. 😉
Hi Laurie, welcome aboard. Ah, thanks, means a lot to hear. You can definitely do this. Start with small little victories each day, like what is mentioned in the course, and try to play something fun every day on the guitar. Do let us know how you get on and enjoy! 🙂
Hi all My name is Sean, I live in the city of York which is in North Yorkshire UK. I am 53 years old and have played guitar for around three years. I joined the DTAA as I do not believe my progression has been quick enough, despite the hours I practice. I practice every day, usually for at least an hour without any planning, then I can pick my guitar up several times a day killing time. Like many people on here I suffer with arthritis which is in my wrists and neck. I blame the cold damp weather… Read more »
Welcome Sean. I love how dedicated you are to practicing. That is great. The ‘In Focus’ course especially will really help you take the time you spend and use it wisely – massively helping with the things you mention. I hope you enjoy it, and we’re delighted you are here. Excited to hear about your progress. 🙂
I’m enjoying the course. I’ve picked up a lot of bad habits over the years and sold my guitar about five years ago — never was any good and thought I was getting too old anyway — so now much of my muscle memory has disappeared. At 80 I purchased a new guitar and immediately signed on to the website. I find replaying the various beginning sections extremely helpful even if I struggle with chord changes. It is baby steps so far, but I’m determined to practice a little bit each day and get better. This time I want to… Read more »
Super pleased to hear it, Carl. It’s great you are back and enjoying it! Yes, repetition is key with the guitar. Not enough people use repetition (it’s natural to want to move on to the next thing), but repeating the same lessons is crucial. That’s where a huge amount of progress is made. Keep up the wonderful practice. 🙂
Great lesson with some awesome reminders. Looking to applying them as I move along
Pleased to hear it, John. That’s a great start and we look forward to hearing more about your progress. 🙂
Superb advice. I tried a footstool but found the pressure it created in my left hip and lower back soon got uncomfortable. So, I bought a Dynarette leg support (same thing that Dan demonstrates) twelve months ago and it’s been excellent. I’ve not touched the footstool since.
Glad to hear it. It really does make a huge difference getting comfortable and although foot stools are great, they can cause issues. Keep up the good practice. 🙂
Hi everyone. I joined yesterday and looking forward to working thru learning to play the guitar and having a blast. My name is John H. …I reside in Saugatuck Michigan , a small town on Lake Michigan. I am 70 years old and starting guitar for the third time …I’m hoping “ it’s the charm” this time around. Past efforts usually faded due to family & work schedules along with waning interest. Too many scales & exercises with no fun music ever coming along. I love the sound of solo acoustic guitar and dream of learning to play a couple… Read more »
Hi John, welcome aboard. Delighted you’re here and I hope you’re enjoying it so far. Scales and exercises can sure be boring if that’s all you do. I mean, they do help for sure, but having fun is absolutely crucial. I hope you find the songs and lessons a blast, and please do let us know how you get on. It sounds like you have a great set up and we’re looking forward to hearing about your progress. 🙂
Hi, I live in Shrewsbury which is not too far from Dan’s home town. I’ve been practicing acoustic guitar on and off for about three years. I’ve tried a couple of well known online training courses but found them quite boring. They lacked the strong structure and approach to correct technique and playing that Dan covers. For me, learning correct technique and correct practice is very important. I particularly like the approach that Dan has applied to his training by combining the technical aspects of classical guitar with contemporary fingerstyle playing. My main focus and goal for joining DTAA is… Read more »
Hi Antony, oh wow, you’re not too far from me at all. Glad you are on it with good technique – it is the backbone of everything on the guitar. Two very cool guitarists you mention there. Keep working on the basics, keep having fun, and you’ll get there. With the right focus, you can achieve so much on the guitar. A really big welcome to you and hope you enjoy it here. 🙂
Dan……..You are a genius
Lol, thanks, Dennis 🙂
Dan, any advice for building up a pinkie pull off? I can get the first four notes of lick 6 most of the time, but the pinkie is weak on the pull off note. (Actually all four notes are weaker than I’d like them to be.)
Isolate it. Try a pinkie pull-off on its own. Do 10x perfect reps, and then increase the difficulty level slightly. You could start off with the pinkie at fret 8, index fret 5, and go from there. Do that and then build up to using it in the lick. I hope that helps. 🙂
Thanks, Dan. That gives me something specific to do to improve it.
My pleasure, Larry. Stick with the method, the pinkie will start to play more ball soon. 🙂
I’m making progress with Lick 6! And I went back to the Toccata and Fugue in the Acoustic Asylum material, and guess what – the opening notes were much easier this time around! I was able to do them with pull offs and hammer ons! I had gotten discouraged on that before. Still needs a lot of work, but I will work on it, and can see some light in the tunnel!
Awesome, super pleased to hear this. Well done, Larry! Keep up the top practice, you’re an inspiration. 🙂
Whoops meant to say no sharps or flats in between notes b,c and e,f. Thus eggs fried, bacon crispy.
I like that – I always use Big Cats, Eat Fish 🙂
Also, something I learned from another teacher-eggs fried, bacon crispy- no sharps or flats in between these notes.
Important to know the fretboard notes, especially on the low e and then a string as you say this is where the root notes of chords are.
For sure, those are the main ones to begin with. Very useful for barre chords, power chords, scales, and more 🙂
This has been a lot of fun – I am not quite all the way through yet but am wondering if the 12 Bar Blues for Beginners course offers a lot more? Thinking this is fun enough to maybe go further.
Super pleased to hear it. It offers similar content in a different way. Many of the ideas are similar. I would keep enjoying this and perfecting this, and the new DTAA lessons out soon will help you take your blues playing further. (Have you checked out these old but fun lessons on blues in the Supercharger section?) 🙂
Nope! A whole new bunch of things to play with! Thanks!
Hope you enjoy them 🙂
Dan….from the cup I find that I can stay closer to the strings and return better if I pluck with the fleshy distal joint of the fingers. Does this sound right? If I use the nails, I pluck in a motion that takes the finger more away from the string.
Plucking with the fleshy part is definitely okay. Many classical players were taught to not use their nails at first – this was so they would develop good technique and tone with the flesh rather than relying on the nails. You are doing the right thing. Good stuff, Dennis 🙂
Thanks Dan,Break though lesson.Been practicing daily for six years and after getting the licks down then applying them to a backing track I feel like a real guitar player. Feels like all the time is paying off. Thank again
Brilliant, this makes me happy to read. Well done, this is a great day for you and I’m super pleased for you. Well done. 🙂
Big difference between the 3-string barre and 4-string barre exercises. Patience, Larry.
Yeah, it is a good step up that. Definitely be patient here. Keep going back and forth between the two and focusing on those very small adjustments. You’ll get there 🙂
I am just looking at this after your blues licks lesson. I find that I am a bit confused. Shuffle feel OK I Iv V chord progression OK , but what is going on inside the Chords? So – assuming open strings the I chord would be E, the IV chord would be A and the V Chord would be B. We are strumming for the I chord open low E and B on the A string – an E power chord followed by E and C #. What is that ? and how is it related to the I… Read more »
Hi Martin, yeah in the shuffle it is the Major 6th note that is added to each chord to give it its flavour. As for why it is that exact note, I’ve never been able to find out why. My best guess is that note just had that signature sound which became the backbone for blues. In terms of the theory you are right on the money. Do let me know if I didn’t quite get your question though. Cheers. 🙂
Thanks Dan. I guess music is all about the feel not the theory.
Yeah, that’s true. A lot of the theory seemed to come after the development of the actual music. Theory is still incredibly useful but to me theory is like a language being created to describe a piece of art to a person unable to see it. I hope that makes sense.
OMG ! THESE MEMORY VIDEOS ARE PRICELESS ! They answer all those questions my brain ask as I am practicing. WHY SHOULD I LEARN THIS? HOW SHOULD I LEARN IT? We all know we should slow down and chunk pieces but now we know WHY. BRILLIANT !
Glad to hear it, Dennis. Great work and keep it up. 🙂
Dan……When playing a single string melody, are pull offs usable , Limited, of course to ones reach?
For sure, pull-offs and hammer-ons are great when playing melodies along one string, and they work really well for faster notes or sections 🙂
There’s still more tension than I need (but getting so much better). I can do the 3-string barre exercise to the A string now! It’s tough, but clear.
That’s great, Larry. Super pleased to hear it. Well done and keep up the excellent practice. 🙂
Progress is apparent. This is a good exercise!
Excellent, pleased to hear it. 🙂
Is the Strumming with Soul course still available? I didn’t see it under the courses on the Resources page.
I stopped selling the course a while back as it looks a bit dated (with the intention to refilm and re-release it) but DTAA members can have it in your account at no cost if you like. Just let me know. 🙂
When I click on the 3 simple fingerpicking patterns link, it tells me no such page is found.
Thanks for the heads up. Just updated this. 🙂
Thank you!
🙂
Dan……Do you plan to have a mini course on economy picking?….. It .gets a bit confusing at times..EG….going back down the scale, since the 4 string only has 2 notes, we will be able to move UP to the 5 string f ollowing an UP ……What if there were 3 notes on the 4 string?…..We would have to change UP to string 5 on a DOWN. OR AM I OVERCOMPLICATING THIS?
Hi Dennis, no but I can create one in the future. The key thing with economy picking is to remember the rule – when plucking the same string more than once, alternate… And when changing strings, pluck the new string in the direction you are travelling. It is not a perfect technique as there are sometimes slightly awkward picking movements but it’s far better than any other picking technique I’ve come across. I hope that helps? 🙂
I have to remind myself to revisit the training on the In focus tab. I tend to jump into the song playing and it’s so easy to forget the essentials. Take it from me.. 3 years of having a guitar and practicing just about every single day before work. If I had only had this in the very beginning, I’d be much further along.
Yep, regular reminders are key. It’s so important to keep the essentials in mind, even when you feel they have become a habit. Keeping a cheat sheet of these next to your guitar will help. I’m pleased you’re making great progress now. Onwards and upwards! 🙂
Dan……LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE,but have a couple of questions…….Is my brain going to implode as I reach the inevitable conflict between inside /outside plucking and alternate plucking? ALSO, how do you determine which finger frets which fret? Should the fretting be practiced separately?
Hi Dennis, hopefully your brain won’t explode! Just don’t let yourself get overwhelmed and keep it simple where you can. In terms of the fretting hand, it makes sense to practice the fretting hand on its own if you’re unsure of anything. There are almost limitless options to fret scales and melodies with various fingers, but if you’re ever unsure, “plan your route” with this hand – meaning the fingers you use should be chosen to help you move to the next transition as seamlessly as possible. 🙂
Thanks Dan…..I find that planning my route is essential. Otherwise, when I get to a fret where the choice is ring or pinkie, I tend to be indecisive. ESPECIALLY SCALES.
Yeah, good stuff, Dennis. Being decisive is a great way to play. No more, “shall I take a left? Nope, shall I take a right? Oh no I’m lost”. Best to get the map out before the journey and plan the route – sounds like you are doing this for sure. 🙂
Keeping the pressure on (follow through) was what I’ve been missing. Thank you for this lesson!
Good stuff, and glad to hear it. The subtle things make all the difference. 🙂
I’m Melissa, originally from the States and now living in Europe. I’m not exactly part of the “target” audience for the DTAA, but I’m happy to be here. I’m 35 and have 4 young kids. My boys wanted to learn to play guitar, but we don’t have money for lessons, so I figured I (having played piano and French horn for years) could learn some basics and teach them. I got a guitar and Dan’s beginner course for Christmas, and while my boys have lost interest for the moment, I’ve fallen in love. Fingerstyle has come pretty naturally for me,… Read more »
Hi Melissa, pleased to see you here. The DTAA is about the spirit of the group, and the styles we play that is the main thing so welcome! Sounds like you’re having loads of fun with the guitar (which is great to know). Do check out this month’s lesson on strumming – that will help for sure. I hope you love it here. Keep enjoying yourself! 🙂
Are you slightly plucking the string with the fretting hand? My finger seems to “catch” on the string a bit on the way down. But it seems to sound better than way? Just not sure if this is bad technique which should be avoided.
Can you clarify what you mean by “catch” on the string? Do you mean, you pull-off and the finger doing the pull-off touches the adjacent string? If so, that is okay and works as long as you do it in a controlled way. Do let me know if I’ve not quite followed what you mean though.
I mean, the act of pulling off causes that finger to have some extra friction on the string–so it catches the string and bends it slightly as it comes off. A bit like what happens in fingerpicking, but with the fretting hand.
Ah, okay, I get you. Try not to bend the string when you pull-off. A lighter touch on the string (with just enough pressure of course) and a faster, snappier motion can help here. Light but fast is a good way to think of it but be patient as this sort of touch takes time to develop naturally. Keep at it 🙂
So this month’s Blues Licks got me interested. I am having a lot of fun with this. It is not easy but it is so much fun, and so different from anything I have done up til now. May have to add the Twelve Bar Blues Mini class to my content after I get these down. Thanks for opening new doors.
Delighted to hear it. I always say how the guitar is perfect for blues music, and even though a fair few students I’ve taught (probably half and half) don’t really listen to it, they love to play it on the guitar. Glad this got you interested. Next month’s lesson will be even more fun. 🙂
My next attempt will be strictly by ear, i.e. guessing. Means that playing the particular scale in each of the sections will require high concentration. In the meantime, I will get familiar with those scales. Will definitely tell you how it goes.
Good to know, Peter. Sounds like a very good plan. All the best with it and keep up the great practice. 🙂
Lick 6 is kickin my butt, but I am so determined to get it. Slow wins the race eventually.
Slow and steady for sure. Take your time, break it down note by note, and good stuff getting to lick 6! You’ll nail this one like you have the others 🙂
This is a much deeper lesson than it appears at first. As you say, it’s more than targeting, it’s about developing touch. I can tell that it’s helping my strumming touch. So simple, but so subtly complex.
Yeah, you’re right. A lesson like this can and should be used many times. The subtle stuff makes a huge difference with strumming. Pleased to hear it is helping. 🙂
The benefits of this course are MANY !
THE PROPER WAY TO LEARN A SONG, PLAYING ON MULTIPLE STRINGS, THE VIBRATO BONUS,
PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE FINGERPICKING, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE FOLLOWING TAB, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH MUSICAL NOTATION, A SOLID FOUNDATION BUILDING A REPERTOIRE, MAKING MISTAKES AND LEARNING FROM THEM.
Delighted to hear it. All those things do make a big difference. There is a lot to think about when playing songs – hence why simpler songs which still sound great, are an excellent way to begin. Thanks, and well done. 🙂
19 out of 20; fun quiz
Thanks and well done. Great score 🙂
OMG…….THANK YOU SO MUCH ! I have been doing this Bass Ackwards. Learn each bar PERFECTLY, BOTH TECHNICALLY AND MUSICALITY. I have been doing this technically, then worked on polishing the musicality afterwards. So I have been learning the piece totally with good technicality and substandard musicality.The result was totally substandard, because the foundation was good brick held together with poor cement.TY Dan !
Glad to hear you have it sorted now, Dennis. A lot of guitarists make the mistake of learning the next bar before the current one is properly sorted from both a technical and musical standpoint… but it’s good you have it sorted now. Do remember this for everything you learn – it makes such a difference. 🙂
The tip about putting the base note first when changing chords not only helps with fingerpicking chord changes. Playing the root note first is a solid technique for strumming,as well. I am really trying to build this habit as the first note heard in ANY chord should always be the root note.TY for the reminder Dan.
Yeah good thoughts, Dennis. Bass notes first is a great way to practice chord changes all round. Fun too when you focus on the bass notes while fingerpicking or strumming 🙂
Hi I’m Vic, I started playing guitar when I was 11 or 12. I learned to read music and basically was playing the melody to what I am calling starter songs. It was quite boring to say the least learning to read music 50 years ago. The boring part caused me to drop the guitar after a few years of playing. Fast forward to 2020 and covid which led me to picking it up again. The internet has been a fantastic place to learn guitar. The down side being there is a huge volume of information and its really difficult… Read more »
Hi Vic, welcome aboard. Delighted you are here. Yep, the internet is so random. One big aim here with the DTAA is to give you everything you need in one place so you don’t get distracted – which can happen so easily. I hope you enjoy it, browse around the DTAA, and then dive in. Any questions, do let us know. Enjoy and all the best. 🙂
My favorite lesson so far. Thanks for publishing these and going over them in detail. Great stuff! I really thank you for the last video showing how to “play around” with the licks. A lot of people don’t realize we may learn new chords, licks, etc but some of us don’t know what to do with them afterwards. Keep it coming sir! You’re the best!
Thanks, Ronnie, yeah, it’s so much more fun being able to enjoy what you know and explore new ideas with it. It’s like the old phrase “Give someone a fish and they’ll eat for a day. Teach them how to fish and they’ll eat for a lifetime”. I find that is the same on the guitar 🙂
Great exercise! Turned into a really fun game I had with a friend. Love these mini lessons!!
Thanks again Dan!
Sounds cool, glad to hear it, and it’s my pleasure. Nice one! 🙂
Great lesson— still getting the technique down, but so much fun to noodle with! More blues please!
Good stuff, glad to hear it, Jeffrey. Yeah, more will be coming very soon (it will be loads of fun too!). 🙂