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.
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). 🙂
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. 🙂
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”!
I am a retired 70-yr-old marine biologist/surfer/endurance athlete living in Mobile, AL, with my cool wife Rhoda and my two Aussie dogs, Scout and Storm. I’ve played guitar since I was 14, but never with much commitment until the orthopods shut down running and surfing in my mid-60s. When I started getting more serious, I found Fingerpicking 101, and it was on. I joined the DTAA about a year ago and have loved it. I subscribe to Ultimate Tabs and have more than 200 favorites, most of which I can play more-or-less competently. While it was rock, especially southern, when… Read more »
Dan, after finishing our Zoom meeting, I signed up for the SSLA. Is there anyway I can take a look at the content, or do I have to wait until Monday. Thanks!
Tom
MiriamGarner Gerrard
3 hours ago
Hi, I’m Miriam here in sunny Florida. I’ve been playing guitar for the past couple of years since I retired and am looking forward to moving beyond simple strumming and progressing with finger style techniques.
Hi Miriam, welcome to the course. Pleased you are here. You are in the right place. Part 1 will really help with the techniques of guitar playing which most people miss so I hope you enjoy that, and then the rest of the course. Must be a nice feeling relaxing in the Florida sun with the guitar. (I’m writing this from a damp, cold England, haha). 🙂
RichAugugliaro
4 hours ago
Hello,
I was a DTAA member was about 2 years, I have been playing guitar for a bit more than 6 years and I have been learning bass guitar for the past 6 months as well.
i live in southern New Hampshire. My goals are to continue to learn songs that I love, be as smooth as possible while playing (with a pick as well as finger picking, electric and acoustic ) and to gain confidence in my playing.
Hi Rich, and thanks for the introduction. Glad you have made the switch. I think you will love this new Academy. That’s cool how you have added the bass to your repertoire too. Good goals and pleased you are here to enjoy and conquer them! Keep us posted with how you get on. 🙂
TeresaHalvorson
6 hours ago
Ok, this piece is also new to me and I really love both it and the story behind it. My daughter had a baby in March and she plays her guitar for him often. He loves it. We were on FaceTime this morning and when she picked up the guitar he screamed with delight and turned around from crawling after his dad and came flying back to her so he could listen to her play. I love that she started him with music as early as possible just like I did with her. Music is so good for brain development… Read more »
Thanks. That’s great to know, and how lovely. It’s very special being able to play music for our kids. I imagine you must be proud knowing your daughter plays too and I’m sure all that will make your grandson want to play too one day. 🙂
TeresaHalvorson
6 hours ago
I have been in the DTAA for two and a half years and have somehow missed this. I am really sorry about that too because this is a really great practice bit. And fun to work on too!
Oh, yeah, that was an old lesson you wouldn’t have seen before, but it’s a really good one, which I’m glad you enjoyed. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to make it prominent here in the In Focus and the Academy. Hope you keep enjoying it. 🙂
TeresaHalvorson
6 hours ago
A Note From Dan
“Many students try to look at everything before they begin. You do not need to do that. Follow these steps and you will make smoother, faster progress than you may have in years.”
This is totally describing me and needs to be on every page as a reminder to stick to the path and not take every side road that appears.
Is there a message board where notes and reminders show up? Like when is the next group lesson is going to be?
We can definitely add reminders around the Academy, think that will help you and others for sure. The Member’s area is the place for the reminders and group call sessions. I will send out emails on those too. We will get a monthly schedule for the group calls to ideally have them at the same time and day each month. 🙂
DavidSmith
9 hours ago
Very good video full of advise and learning it will help me with my bad habits which creeps in now again I will definitely be watching the video again. Thanks Dan
Glad to hear it, David. Yeah, watching the lesson at least a few times over the next week or two will really help you fix those bad habits. Good stuff getting involved already and enjoy. 🙂
RobertReynolds
23 hours ago
Hello,
I am complete beginner to guitar looking forward to learning a lot and having fun while doing so. I hail from Bristol, TN.
Hi Robert, thanks for the comment and welcome aboard. I’m delighted you are here and ready to enjoy your playing. Do keep us posted with how you get on or if you have any questions. 🙂
MichaelTenbus
1 day ago
Thank you for the comments on how to fix the shuttering video.
No problem, I think the issues are resolved now. I hope all is good for you and you enjoy the course. Thanks. 🙂
DavidSmith
1 day ago
Thank you Dan your video was great I’m hoping that I’ll be able to make progress in my learning as I’ve been a having a lot negative results with my lessons So thank you Dan for everything
Cheers David
MichaelTenbus
1 day ago
Videos are basically unwatchable, since they try to reload every few seconds. I have no idea what is wrong, but I am about to abort the course.
Hi Michael. Vimeo, which is our video host, are having issues. They usually sort them within 12 hours. You can download Fingerstyle 101 here for now. Please let us know if you have any issues.
RichAugugliaro
1 day ago
Hi Dan, I just took the first star quiz. I scored 20 out of 20.
Awesome, Rich, thanks for letting us know and a very big well done to you. 🙂
TeresaHalvorson
2 days ago
Came here to revisit this course – when I first went through it before I joined DTAA, I found it to be super helpful even though I was not a brand new beginner. I noticed the bonus section had not been completed so I went to look at it. I was particularly interested in the Foundations of the Fretboard course as I had not seen that before. I clicked the link and it goes to the FotF home page but if I click any of the links on that page, I get the “Sorry you don’t have access to this”… Read more »
Glad you enjoyed this course before. I’ve just fixed the links – sorry about that. They should all work for you now. Do let us know if you have any issues though, and enjoy. 🙂
rogercreagh
2 days ago
2 things – the link to the quiz is broken https://eliteguitarist.net/fingerstyle-101-quiz-p1/?course_id=183 just delivers a blank page whichever you click – “Next Lesson” or “HERE” or on the Start button
Possily related – today the video are being really slow to load and freezing stuttering during playback. Applies to all videos on this site but not YouTube or other video sites – so not by internet connection, but specific to EliteGuitarists Vimeo links.
Hi Roger, thanks for the heads up. The quiz link has been fixed. Vimeo, which is our video host, are having issues. They usually sort them within 12 hours. You can download Fingerstyle 101 here for now. Please let us know if you have any issues.
LoganHager
2 days ago
Love the opening video Dan! I am SO looking forward to this and plan on using the entire program as you have it laid out instead of my normal jumping around. Cheers to you and your team for putting this together… I know it is no small task! okay…. here we go……
Cheers, Logan. Delighted to hear it. I hope you love it here and I am sure you will. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing about your ace progress. 🙂
MichaelTenbus
4 days ago
Hi, I am Michael from Knoxville, Tennessee. I have taken several group lessons over the years at a local community college.The group lessons get you interested, but once the lessons are done, I have no idea how to practice or what to practice. I have no path/plan on how to move forward. The good that came out of the courses is that I learned how to read tablature and was able to learn the chords. One of the biggest problems that I have is remembering songs. I need to have the music in front of me. My playing is also… Read more »
DeniseGillard
11 days ago
I love this piece, and it is so much fun to play!!! Thanks Dan!
Hi, they are ghost notes. You can ignore them completely or pluck them softer. These are just step 3 (optional notes) that fill out the sound. Step 1 (the melody) and step 2 (the bass) are the most important. Do let us know if that helps and enjoy. Cheers 🙂
That’s great, Jim. A challenge that gives you progress and enjoyment is great to hear. Keep having fun with it. 🙂
rogercreagh
17 days ago
Roger CO in Cornwall UK. Learnt to read music and play simple clarinet badly for 2 years at school 60 years ago. Now 73 and never really picked up an instrument since (flirted briefly with a keyboard but too busy with children and work). A year ago decided the time had come and bought a guitar. Have had in person lessons locally and covered some basics. Tutor and/or me are away for 2 months so need some structure to fill the gap. Technique poor (maybe 3 or 4/10), Enjoyment maybe 7 or 8, specific plan 3, time management 8 or… Read more »
Hi Roger, welcome to the course. You have some good numbers there and now, with this course, you will improve your technique for sure. Do stick with it and keep having fun. Would love to know how you get on. All the best. 🙂
RichAugugliaro
19 days ago
Dan, really nice piece…lots to work on. I have struggled to strum clearly with my fingers, so hopefully this lesson helps. Thanks.
Cheers, Rich. Pleased you are enjoying it. Hopefully it will help and I’m sure it will. Do let us know how you get on and have fun. 🙂
TheShirlz
20 days ago
Hi, I’ve played bass on and off for quite a few years and at 56 decided to get a guitar. I’ve tried other courses and basically got bombarded by upselling emails, I do hope this course is different.
Hi and welcome. Delighted you are here. I hope you enjoy the course and learn plenty. I’m sure you will find it is different. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments. Happy to help. Enjoy! 🙂
EricMorton
21 days ago
OMG why is this not the first lesson for any guitar school! i have used the death grip since i started thinking that was the way, it has to hurt! Build callouses!! Ty
My pleasure. Pleased it was so helpful right away. It never ceases to amaze me that no one else teaches this stuff. From what I have gathered over the years I reckon only about 10% of tutors really know the importance of this. That always shocks me. Keep us posted with how you get on. 🙂
EricMorton
21 days ago
hi im 55 tried guitar for 6 months now but hardly pick it up now because my fingers are stiff and cant reach chords. ive tried soo many courses and i cant get passed the first 10 mins without struggling heres hoping this course is different!
Hi Eric, welcome aboard. Your history with the guitar is common with others too, unfortunately. I am certain you will love this course and it will show you things no one else ever seems to teach. Enjoy and let us know how you get on. 🙂
BobYeo
22 days ago
Enjoying the finger picking, and the cup position will help me greatly.
I hooked my acoustic electric up to a ditto looper for the bass and then went to town strumming D, G and E. Going to try other chords with it next, like Eminor and Am
Good stuff, Roxanne. Sounds like you’ve been having lots of fun! Keep up the good practice 🙂
DonMehan
28 days ago
That’s very cool, Dan. In fact, I saw James Taylor for the first time in concert a few months ago. Definitely hear some James Taylor style in this piece. Will be fun to learn.
I bet that was a great gig, Don! Inspiring too no doubt. Hope you have lots of fun with this. 🙂
LoganHager
28 days ago
Wow Dan… That really sounds GREAT…. The beginning reminds me of Walking Down a Country Road by James Taylor. I love the way you put the strumming and picking together. I have trouble strumming without as pick, so this will be a good number to make me work on that. Thanks for another piece of beautiful music! Cheers
Well done to the Leaderboard winners for October 2025. The winners were Gold – Jim Davis, Silver – Teresa Halvorson-Fox, and Bronze – Logan Hager.(Plus, the best comment prize goes to Tom Herder for his super interesting comment HERE). I’ll be in touch with the prizes! Cheers and well done everyone! 🙂
RoxanneHobbs
1 month ago
Hi, Dan. I learned Eggs Fried. Bacon Crispy to re remember that these notes are right next to each other without the accidentals or sharps, flats. Sometimes mnemonic devices are helpful.
Hi Roxanne, good stuff, I like that too. I love mnemonics. Fun and great for helping things to stick. 🙂
IrenePralong
1 month ago
Hi, I’m Irene. I’m french, I’m 60 and I now live my retirement age in south Spain near Cadiz. I’ve started to play the guitar a year ago, with a online course, and I would like now to focus more on fingerpicking. My ultimate aim is to be able to sing and accompanied by my guitar playing. I realize there is still a long way to go! What I struggle with is having my chords get that good sound out right, and also the fluidity of my playing, let alone acking fingers… I’m really looking forward to see how this… Read more »
Hi Irene, great to hear from you, and welcome. It sounds like you’ve got a great goal. Singing and accompanying yourself on guitar is great. Fingerpicking is a brilliant focus too. I’m really glad you’ve joined us, and I think you’ll enjoy what’s coming. 🙂
GerdScheurig
1 month ago
Hi my name is Gerd, I’m from Vancouver Island in Canada I’m76 got a Guitar along time ago learned a few Chords, never really got any better,stopped all together for many Years.
Then a few months ago bought a Guitar again, but my arthritis in my left hand is making it hard to fret and get clean sounds. then I came across your method, especially when you mentioned that you can help people like me with arthritis.
So I’m looking forward to get stuck in.
Gerd
Hi Gerd. Great to hear from you, and welcome. That’s fantastic that you’ve picked the guitar back up again. Arthritis can make it tricky, but there’s things you can do to make playing easier. Small adjustments to your touch, finger angles, and posture can go a long way. Part 1 of the course will help a lot. Take it slow, keep sessions short, and focus on comfort first. You’ll still make great progress. Enjoy the course and I’m looking forward to helping you along the way. 🙂
Susan C.
1 month ago
What are the chances of a lesson with music tabbed out? 🙂
At some point, I will have to get the TAB done for these older lessons. For now, you can, of course, write down the TAB as you go through the video on a printable TAB file. It’s actually hugely beneficial to do that (great for the memory).
ThomasMannion
1 month ago
hello my name is Tom from Dublin, Ireland. Im 65 and bought a guitar during covid lockdown and flitted around the net for a couple of years jumping from one thing to another. i purchased a course from you which helped me focus a bit more but i have languished in the comfort zone strumming a few songs and riffs ive learned. i like the sound of fingerstyle and hope this course will help me to master the basics and sound musical. I have arthritis in the thumb and index finger of my left hand which from sports injuries which… Read more »
Hi Tom, welcome aboard. Delighted you are here. Sounds like you have had some fun so far on the guitar but glad you are ready to take your playing to the next level. This course will give you focus, structure, and lots of fun. Go through part 1 and you will see lots of wins from that. Enjoy the journey and let us know how you get on. 🙂
FredWatts
1 month ago
Hi Dan – I’ve submitted my 5 songs by e- mail which although not perfect are recognisable according to my ear – there was a problem with file size so I mail dropped it and also put it on Facebook. Hopefully this is ok. Kind regards Fred Watts
Martin
1 month ago
I love the bass runs associated with this and a similar strumming pattern you taught a while ago. Can you give any guidance or rules on how to come up with bass runs on different chords or in different keys? Or is it a question of playing what sounds good as you go?
Hi Martin, the easiest way is to use scales and a bit of theory knowledge. For instance when linking chords like E A B, you’d use the E Major scale which would give you runs like this… Low E string – 024, A string 024 and D string 124. Once you know the correct scale notes then it’s time to try ideas and adapt lessons like this, while listening closely to discover what you like the sound of. Let me know if that helps. 🙂
Just to check that I have got this correctly. If I was linking chords I,IV and V in the A scale I would use – A string 0,2,4 D string 0,2,4 and G string 1,2,4 ? Sounds OK to me.
Yes, that is exactly it. Good work. It’s worth practicing this idea for 4 or 5 keys when you are ready to. I may do a lesson on that. 🙂
TeresaHalvorson
1 month ago
This looked so easy but that was a deception. It isn’t too difficult to play but to make it musical, that is another thing! I have been working on it for days and it is finally starting to sound more like a song than just a bunch of notes. Definitely worth working on and I am happy with the result.
It’s true. Like I say a lot, most things aren’t easy, not at least until you can already play it. When learning anything new, I still have to go through the process, but that sort of patience you show is the way forward. (Plus, using the 10x method where you can helps). Glad it’s coming together and keep it up. 🙂
I love Harvest Moon (and Neil in general), but in learning to play it (and I play it in standard E tuning rather than the D Neil uses and in this case it makes little difference), I noticed that Neil goes from his Em to the harmonic with E B G D strings on the 12th fret. I’ve learned to do it, both after the Em and after the G, and it sounds lovely. It was good enough to just get the harmonic sounding acceptable at first, but now I’m getting to where I’m crafting the notes in that harmonic.… Read more »
Great song by a great artist. Loved watching Neil and his new band on TV from this year’s Glastonbury festival. Glad to hear you are making progress with it! Keep it up! 🙂
TammyMcBride
1 month ago
Thank you so much for showing this. Light bulb moment!
I had a feeling. It’s fun stuff 🙂 My pleasure and glad you’re enjoying them!
AlanBristor
1 month ago
The fills were technical at this stage of my development, but I stuck with practicing them for many, many days and didn’t move forward in my lessons until I could at least play them slowly. I’ll have to review them often to get good at some of them. I am looking forward to adding them into my playing when I create some songs of my own! BTW, this is Linda, Alan’s wife. He bought me this course.
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.
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). 🙂
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. 🙂
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 am a retired 70-yr-old marine biologist/surfer/endurance athlete living in Mobile, AL, with my cool wife Rhoda and my two Aussie dogs, Scout and Storm. I’ve played guitar since I was 14, but never with much commitment until the orthopods shut down running and surfing in my mid-60s. When I started getting more serious, I found Fingerpicking 101, and it was on. I joined the DTAA about a year ago and have loved it. I subscribe to Ultimate Tabs and have more than 200 favorites, most of which I can play more-or-less competently. While it was rock, especially southern, when… Read more »
Dan, after finishing our Zoom meeting, I signed up for the SSLA. Is there anyway I can take a look at the content, or do I have to wait until Monday. Thanks!
Tom
Hi, I’m Miriam here in sunny Florida. I’ve been playing guitar for the past couple of years since I retired and am looking forward to moving beyond simple strumming and progressing with finger style techniques.
Hi Miriam, welcome to the course. Pleased you are here. You are in the right place. Part 1 will really help with the techniques of guitar playing which most people miss so I hope you enjoy that, and then the rest of the course. Must be a nice feeling relaxing in the Florida sun with the guitar. (I’m writing this from a damp, cold England, haha). 🙂
Hello,
I was a DTAA member was about 2 years, I have been playing guitar for a bit more than 6 years and I have been learning bass guitar for the past 6 months as well.
i live in southern New Hampshire. My goals are to continue to learn songs that I love, be as smooth as possible while playing (with a pick as well as finger picking, electric and acoustic ) and to gain confidence in my playing.
Hi Rich, and thanks for the introduction. Glad you have made the switch. I think you will love this new Academy. That’s cool how you have added the bass to your repertoire too. Good goals and pleased you are here to enjoy and conquer them! Keep us posted with how you get on. 🙂
Ok, this piece is also new to me and I really love both it and the story behind it. My daughter had a baby in March and she plays her guitar for him often. He loves it. We were on FaceTime this morning and when she picked up the guitar he screamed with delight and turned around from crawling after his dad and came flying back to her so he could listen to her play. I love that she started him with music as early as possible just like I did with her. Music is so good for brain development… Read more »
Thanks. That’s great to know, and how lovely. It’s very special being able to play music for our kids. I imagine you must be proud knowing your daughter plays too and I’m sure all that will make your grandson want to play too one day. 🙂
I have been in the DTAA for two and a half years and have somehow missed this. I am really sorry about that too because this is a really great practice bit. And fun to work on too!
Oh, yeah, that was an old lesson you wouldn’t have seen before, but it’s a really good one, which I’m glad you enjoyed. That’s one of the reasons why I wanted to make it prominent here in the In Focus and the Academy. Hope you keep enjoying it. 🙂
A Note From Dan
“Many students try to look at everything before they begin. You do not need to do that. Follow these steps and you will make smoother, faster progress than you may have in years.”
This is totally describing me and needs to be on every page as a reminder to stick to the path and not take every side road that appears.
Is there a message board where notes and reminders show up? Like when is the next group lesson is going to be?
We can definitely add reminders around the Academy, think that will help you and others for sure. The Member’s area is the place for the reminders and group call sessions. I will send out emails on those too. We will get a monthly schedule for the group calls to ideally have them at the same time and day each month. 🙂
Very good video full of advise and learning it will help me with my bad habits which creeps in now again I will definitely be watching the video again. Thanks Dan
Glad to hear it, David. Yeah, watching the lesson at least a few times over the next week or two will really help you fix those bad habits. Good stuff getting involved already and enjoy. 🙂
Hello,
I am complete beginner to guitar looking forward to learning a lot and having fun while doing so. I hail from Bristol, TN.
Hi Robert, thanks for the comment and welcome aboard. I’m delighted you are here and ready to enjoy your playing. Do keep us posted with how you get on or if you have any questions. 🙂
Thank you for the comments on how to fix the shuttering video.
No problem, I think the issues are resolved now. I hope all is good for you and you enjoy the course. Thanks. 🙂
Thank you Dan your video was great I’m hoping that I’ll be able to make progress in my learning as I’ve been a having a lot negative results with my lessons So thank you Dan for everything
Cheers David
Videos are basically unwatchable, since they try to reload every few seconds. I have no idea what is wrong, but I am about to abort the course.
Hi Michael. Vimeo, which is our video host, are having issues. They usually sort them within 12 hours. You can download Fingerstyle 101 here for now. Please let us know if you have any issues.
Hi Dan, I just took the first star quiz. I scored 20 out of 20.
Awesome, Rich, thanks for letting us know and a very big well done to you. 🙂
Came here to revisit this course – when I first went through it before I joined DTAA, I found it to be super helpful even though I was not a brand new beginner. I noticed the bonus section had not been completed so I went to look at it. I was particularly interested in the Foundations of the Fretboard course as I had not seen that before. I clicked the link and it goes to the FotF home page but if I click any of the links on that page, I get the “Sorry you don’t have access to this”… Read more »
Glad you enjoyed this course before. I’ve just fixed the links – sorry about that. They should all work for you now. Do let us know if you have any issues though, and enjoy. 🙂
2 things – the link to the quiz is broken https://eliteguitarist.net/fingerstyle-101-quiz-p1/?course_id=183 just delivers a blank page whichever you click – “Next Lesson” or “HERE” or on the Start button
Possily related – today the video are being really slow to load and freezing stuttering during playback. Applies to all videos on this site but not YouTube or other video sites – so not by internet connection, but specific to EliteGuitarists Vimeo links.
Hi Roger, thanks for the heads up. The quiz link has been fixed. Vimeo, which is our video host, are having issues. They usually sort them within 12 hours. You can download Fingerstyle 101 here for now. Please let us know if you have any issues.
Love the opening video Dan! I am SO looking forward to this and plan on using the entire program as you have it laid out instead of my normal jumping around. Cheers to you and your team for putting this together… I know it is no small task! okay…. here we go……
Cheers, Logan. Delighted to hear it. I hope you love it here and I am sure you will. Thanks, and I look forward to hearing about your ace progress. 🙂
Hi, I am Michael from Knoxville, Tennessee. I have taken several group lessons over the years at a local community college.The group lessons get you interested, but once the lessons are done, I have no idea how to practice or what to practice. I have no path/plan on how to move forward. The good that came out of the courses is that I learned how to read tablature and was able to learn the chords. One of the biggest problems that I have is remembering songs. I need to have the music in front of me. My playing is also… Read more »
I love this piece, and it is so much fun to play!!! Thanks Dan!
My pleasure, Denise. Delighted to hear you are enjoying it so much. Keep it up. 🙂
hello Dan, what do the numbers in brackets mean? Do you just play them as is? Thank you
Hi, they are ghost notes. You can ignore them completely or pluck them softer. These are just step 3 (optional notes) that fill out the sound. Step 1 (the melody) and step 2 (the bass) are the most important. Do let us know if that helps and enjoy. Cheers 🙂
I am so excited to start with this course
Glad to hear it and I hope you have lots of fun with it. Do let us know how you get on 🙂
Nice piece, Dan! A challenge for me but sticking with it and seeing progress.
That’s great, Jim. A challenge that gives you progress and enjoyment is great to hear. Keep having fun with it. 🙂
Roger CO in Cornwall UK. Learnt to read music and play simple clarinet badly for 2 years at school 60 years ago. Now 73 and never really picked up an instrument since (flirted briefly with a keyboard but too busy with children and work). A year ago decided the time had come and bought a guitar. Have had in person lessons locally and covered some basics. Tutor and/or me are away for 2 months so need some structure to fill the gap. Technique poor (maybe 3 or 4/10), Enjoyment maybe 7 or 8, specific plan 3, time management 8 or… Read more »
Hi Roger, welcome to the course. You have some good numbers there and now, with this course, you will improve your technique for sure. Do stick with it and keep having fun. Would love to know how you get on. All the best. 🙂
Dan, really nice piece…lots to work on. I have struggled to strum clearly with my fingers, so hopefully this lesson helps. Thanks.
Cheers, Rich. Pleased you are enjoying it. Hopefully it will help and I’m sure it will. Do let us know how you get on and have fun. 🙂
Hi, I’ve played bass on and off for quite a few years and at 56 decided to get a guitar. I’ve tried other courses and basically got bombarded by upselling emails, I do hope this course is different.
Hi and welcome. Delighted you are here. I hope you enjoy the course and learn plenty. I’m sure you will find it is different. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments. Happy to help. Enjoy! 🙂
OMG why is this not the first lesson for any guitar school! i have used the death grip since i started thinking that was the way, it has to hurt! Build callouses!! Ty
My pleasure. Pleased it was so helpful right away. It never ceases to amaze me that no one else teaches this stuff. From what I have gathered over the years I reckon only about 10% of tutors really know the importance of this. That always shocks me. Keep us posted with how you get on. 🙂
hi im 55 tried guitar for 6 months now but hardly pick it up now because my fingers are stiff and cant reach chords. ive tried soo many courses and i cant get passed the first 10 mins without struggling heres hoping this course is different!
Hi Eric, welcome aboard. Your history with the guitar is common with others too, unfortunately. I am certain you will love this course and it will show you things no one else ever seems to teach. Enjoy and let us know how you get on. 🙂
Enjoying the finger picking, and the cup position will help me greatly.
That’s great, Bob. Pleased to hear it. Do keep us posted with how you get on. 🙂
My favorite bit too.
Glad to hear it, Martin. Enjoyed that part myself 🙂
Beautiful!!! Definitely has a James Taylor sound! Can’t wait to learn it!!
Glad to hear it, Denise. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Nice!
Lovely, lovely, lovely!
Glad to hear it, Susan. 🙂
I hooked my acoustic electric up to a ditto looper for the bass and then went to town strumming D, G and E. Going to try other chords with it next, like Eminor and Am
Good stuff, Roxanne. Sounds like you’ve been having lots of fun! Keep up the good practice 🙂
That’s very cool, Dan. In fact, I saw James Taylor for the first time in concert a few months ago. Definitely hear some James Taylor style in this piece. Will be fun to learn.
I bet that was a great gig, Don! Inspiring too no doubt. Hope you have lots of fun with this. 🙂
Wow Dan… That really sounds GREAT…. The beginning reminds me of Walking Down a Country Road by James Taylor. I love the way you put the strumming and picking together. I have trouble strumming without as pick, so this will be a good number to make me work on that. Thanks for another piece of beautiful music! Cheers
Exactly. I’m pretty excited. I did ok with the outwards bass flow last month. This looks cool.
Glad you enjoyed last month’s lesson, Tom, and hope you have lots of fun with this one too. 🙂
Cheers, Logan. Glad you enjoyed it and it’s always nice to show a bit of the James Taylor influence. Have fun with it! 🙂
Well done to the Leaderboard winners for October 2025. The winners were Gold – Jim Davis, Silver – Teresa Halvorson-Fox, and Bronze – Logan Hager.(Plus, the best comment prize goes to Tom Herder for his super interesting comment HERE). I’ll be in touch with the prizes! Cheers and well done everyone! 🙂
Hi, Dan. I learned Eggs Fried. Bacon Crispy to re remember that these notes are right next to each other without the accidentals or sharps, flats. Sometimes mnemonic devices are helpful.
Hi Roxanne, good stuff, I like that too. I love mnemonics. Fun and great for helping things to stick. 🙂
Hi, I’m Irene. I’m french, I’m 60 and I now live my retirement age in south Spain near Cadiz. I’ve started to play the guitar a year ago, with a online course, and I would like now to focus more on fingerpicking. My ultimate aim is to be able to sing and accompanied by my guitar playing. I realize there is still a long way to go! What I struggle with is having my chords get that good sound out right, and also the fluidity of my playing, let alone acking fingers… I’m really looking forward to see how this… Read more »
Hi Irene, great to hear from you, and welcome. It sounds like you’ve got a great goal. Singing and accompanying yourself on guitar is great. Fingerpicking is a brilliant focus too. I’m really glad you’ve joined us, and I think you’ll enjoy what’s coming. 🙂
Hi my name is Gerd, I’m from Vancouver Island in Canada I’m76 got a Guitar along time ago learned a few Chords, never really got any better,stopped all together for many Years.
Then a few months ago bought a Guitar again, but my arthritis in my left hand is making it hard to fret and get clean sounds. then I came across your method, especially when you mentioned that you can help people like me with arthritis.
So I’m looking forward to get stuck in.
Gerd
Hi Gerd. Great to hear from you, and welcome. That’s fantastic that you’ve picked the guitar back up again. Arthritis can make it tricky, but there’s things you can do to make playing easier. Small adjustments to your touch, finger angles, and posture can go a long way. Part 1 of the course will help a lot. Take it slow, keep sessions short, and focus on comfort first. You’ll still make great progress. Enjoy the course and I’m looking forward to helping you along the way. 🙂
What are the chances of a lesson with music tabbed out? 🙂
At some point, I will have to get the TAB done for these older lessons. For now, you can, of course, write down the TAB as you go through the video on a printable TAB file. It’s actually hugely beneficial to do that (great for the memory).
hello my name is Tom from Dublin, Ireland. Im 65 and bought a guitar during covid lockdown and flitted around the net for a couple of years jumping from one thing to another. i purchased a course from you which helped me focus a bit more but i have languished in the comfort zone strumming a few songs and riffs ive learned. i like the sound of fingerstyle and hope this course will help me to master the basics and sound musical. I have arthritis in the thumb and index finger of my left hand which from sports injuries which… Read more »
Hi Tom, welcome aboard. Delighted you are here. Sounds like you have had some fun so far on the guitar but glad you are ready to take your playing to the next level. This course will give you focus, structure, and lots of fun. Go through part 1 and you will see lots of wins from that. Enjoy the journey and let us know how you get on. 🙂
Hi Dan – I’ve submitted my 5 songs by e- mail which although not perfect are recognisable according to my ear – there was a problem with file size so I mail dropped it and also put it on Facebook. Hopefully this is ok. Kind regards Fred Watts
I love the bass runs associated with this and a similar strumming pattern you taught a while ago. Can you give any guidance or rules on how to come up with bass runs on different chords or in different keys? Or is it a question of playing what sounds good as you go?
Hi Martin, the easiest way is to use scales and a bit of theory knowledge. For instance when linking chords like E A B, you’d use the E Major scale which would give you runs like this… Low E string – 024, A string 024 and D string 124. Once you know the correct scale notes then it’s time to try ideas and adapt lessons like this, while listening closely to discover what you like the sound of. Let me know if that helps. 🙂
Thanks Dan, I am going to have some fun playing with this. .I think I understand.😃
Good stuff, let us know how you get on and have fun. 🙂
Just to check that I have got this correctly. If I was linking chords I,IV and V in the A scale I would use – A string 0,2,4 D string 0,2,4 and G string 1,2,4 ? Sounds OK to me.
Yes, that is exactly it. Good work. It’s worth practicing this idea for 4 or 5 keys when you are ready to. I may do a lesson on that. 🙂
This looked so easy but that was a deception. It isn’t too difficult to play but to make it musical, that is another thing! I have been working on it for days and it is finally starting to sound more like a song than just a bunch of notes. Definitely worth working on and I am happy with the result.
It’s true. Like I say a lot, most things aren’t easy, not at least until you can already play it. When learning anything new, I still have to go through the process, but that sort of patience you show is the way forward. (Plus, using the 10x method where you can helps). Glad it’s coming together and keep it up. 🙂
I love Harvest Moon (and Neil in general), but in learning to play it (and I play it in standard E tuning rather than the D Neil uses and in this case it makes little difference), I noticed that Neil goes from his Em to the harmonic with E B G D strings on the 12th fret. I’ve learned to do it, both after the Em and after the G, and it sounds lovely. It was good enough to just get the harmonic sounding acceptable at first, but now I’m getting to where I’m crafting the notes in that harmonic.… Read more »
Great song by a great artist. Loved watching Neil and his new band on TV from this year’s Glastonbury festival. Glad to hear you are making progress with it! Keep it up! 🙂
Thank you so much for showing this. Light bulb moment!
That’s great to know. Pleased you’re finding the lesson helpful. 🙂
Love the way this builds and also adds skills!
Great stuff, Larry. Pleased you’re enjoying the lesson and the new skills. 🙂
How did you know I wanted to work on bass runs? Thanks so much!
I had a feeling. It’s fun stuff 🙂 My pleasure and glad you’re enjoying them!
The fills were technical at this stage of my development, but I stuck with practicing them for many, many days and didn’t move forward in my lessons until I could at least play them slowly. I’ll have to review them often to get good at some of them. I am looking forward to adding them into my playing when I create some songs of my own! BTW, this is Linda, Alan’s wife. He bought me this course.
Well done, Linda. Sounds like super progress and great work sticking with the lessons. Love to hear about focus like that. Keep at it. 🙂
This is wonderful!!!!! I feel like I’m making such progress when I hear the strings sing! Another great lesson, Dan.
That’s brill. Thanks, Susan. Keep up the great progress. 🙂
Fantastic fun 🤩
Cheers, Diane. Pleased to hear it. 🙂