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. ļ»æIām 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). š
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. š
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”!
In the Time Management video, you mention about playing something 5 times perfectly. However, in other materials you mention being able to play something 10 times. Have you changed your guidance from 5 to 10 since this video, or are there some cases where you want to do five and others ten?
Generally, I prefer 10x these days as it promotes quite a bit more muscle memory, but when using the 10x method, the idea is to break it down into very small chunks (10x of longer parts is a bit much and can be hard work). Saying that for longer sections, five times in a row is probably better. Both 5 and 10x work but it depends on the piece and how small you are breaking it down š
So the last one is the hardest and I wonāt pretend I have it yet . . . But I think my favorites are #3 Shuffle with Licks and #4 Pick Strumming Pentatonics. And for anyone else who, like me, is trying these one at a time – I wrote down all the time stamps. 1 – 1:45, 2 – 7:15, 3 – 10:30, 4 – 14:42, 5 – 17:30 and 6 – 20:10. Now I can go directly to the one I am working on.
The lesson was very good and important am I right in my thinking about the Modern pattern one were last two strums down-up are they played like the middle four strums of the pattern will see this lesson again Thanks Dan
Cheers, David. Pleased to hear it. Yes, I believe what you mean is the 16th note faster rhythm and yes that’s correct. Keep enjoying it – it’s not an easy one to master at first but you will nail it. š
Hi Dan,
starting from the beginningā¦.. & one question already š¤
is it ok to tilt the guitar back a little so itās possible to see the fretting position. When I hold the guitar in position then keep it snug against my body I canāt see the fretting positions as the face of the guitar is facing away from me.
not sure whatās right or ok?
I hope you are enjoying Christmas & the holiday season, blessings.
Hi Diane, I do prefer students keep the guitar more snug as it leads to better habits and easier fretting a lot of the time. Playing in front of a mirror can really help if that’s possible. Saying that, there are no absolutes, only ideal practices. If you need to tilt the guitar, do be extra sure to follow the other technical advice I teach. Let us know how you get on and happy holidays to you too. š
HI, I’m Ron from La Salle, IL, about 2 hours west of Chicago. I purchased a guitar in 1978, took 6 weeks of lessons and put it aside as my work load increased. At 73, I picked the guitar up again and started with Hal Leonards Classical Guitar 1. I got about half way through and noticed that I was skipping around alot. I can read some music a play a little but need a more structured and accountable approach. With my advanced years I’ve got arthritis especially in the hands, neck and shoulders. And a slight case of Parkinsons.… Read more »
Hi Ron, I’m really pleased you are back with the guitar – let’s make it for good this time. It’s so common what you mention, what with life getting in the way back then. Part 1 of the course will really help with the things you mention – keep at it and do let us know how you get on. š
Hi, I’m Victor and I am from New York. I’ve been struggling with what to study regarding guitar. I’ve been jumping around a lot I guess and am looking for direction so that I can progress further. I don’t think I am making the progress I should based on the time I am spending trying to learn guitar. There is just so much to learn and I am finding it overwhelming. Hopefully this course will push me along further on my journey.
Hi Victor, what you mention is common. Very common. I do recommend you commit to finishing the course in a steady, focused way. Do that and in a few months you’ll see big changes to your technique, confidence, and you’ll have a whole lot more clarity! Enjoy and let us know how you get on š
Hi Dan and everyone. I’m Peter, and I live in the Chicago, Illinois suburb of Des Plaines. I played acoustic guitar some as a teenager, but then didn’t play again until I retired a few years ago (I’m 64 now). I read and enjoyed Dan’s Fingerstyle 101 book a while back, and I thought I’d try this Fingerstyle 101 Video Course. Though I can play some fingerstyle songs, I really struggle with my right hand technique. Also, my playing sessions are rather boring and unproductive, just playing the same songs over and over. I’m hoping that seeing and hearing Dan… Read more »
Welcome, Peter. Delighted you are here and I hope you enjoy the course. For sure, I think the video element will help you get even more out of the materials and your playing. Do let us know how you get on! Cheers and enjoy. š
Hi everyone, Been playing for a year and 1/2 and turned 76 just 2 days ago. Decided I wanted to play finger style. Bought Danās book and thought might as well get the video course to definitely lock in the technique and skills. Just sent my family a short audio clip of me singing for the first time. Sang the first verse and chorus of Margaritaville as we are going to Mexico in the new year for a couple of months. Bringing a Donner Hush X travel guitar. I expect I should still be able to fingerpick on it as… Read more »
Hi Steve, Happy belated birthday. That’s great you have the book – so many others have benefited even more from having the videos too so good choice. Ace work sending your family a clip of your singing – takes some courage that. I’m sure they will love it. Yes, you will be able to fingerpick on it. Have a great trip and hope to see you in the comments before you leave. š
Thanks for your welcome Dan! Really stoked about learning with you along with others the students who want to learn finger style.
Already growing my nails and using them for fingerpicking in the first couple of exercises in the book.
I really enjoyed the video lesson the strumming patterns the Modern one that was the first I had seen it will have to work on that lovely sounding too ThanksDan
Great stuff, yeah, a variety of strum patterns here to suit all sorts of occasions and without having to learn loads of patterns. Keep up the great practice! š
Good stuff, David. Pleased to hear it. Yes, keep checking for tension and keep using these tips. Tension sneaks in in all sorts of places, but you will get good at relaxing it. š
Went looking for strumming lessons to revisit, just to see how much easier they are after a year of working on my strumming. I have to say I really love the āplay along with meā lessons. And, happily, the strumming lessons are really getting easier finally.
That’s great that your strumming is improving and you are seeing big results. Thanks, and I will be sure to do more of the playalong videos in the new year. š
Working on these a bit at a time – each one is more fun than the last. Also, I am finding that over the course of the last year, you have sprinkled enough things that seemed hard individually into enough lessons that they no longer seem hard. Pretty tricky on your part but fantastic way for me to learn them – a little bit at a time.
Pleased to hear you’re enjoying these and that’s great that you think so. It’s nice to know how the lessons have helped and huge credit to you for your enthusiasm and willingness to keep pushing yourself. Long may it continue. š
So I’ve been working on Section A now for about 2 weeks. I can do the first half and second half quite well individually, but when I try to play them together I tend to mess up. It doesn’t seem to be a technique thing, as I can play each part by itself. It seems to be a matter of forgetting where to position my fingers for part 2 after I play part 1, like I forgot how it goes. Even after playing the part many times by itself. Is that normal?
Yeah, this is perfectly normal. It’s well worth practicing the final bar of section A and the first bar of section B. Once you get that transition smooth, it should be plain sailing, as long as section B is something you are very comfortable with. Working on the transition and starting the tune at various points will help it sink in nicely. Keep at it and let us know how you get on. š
Hi Im David and I am 74 years old and have wanted to learn to plat since the 60’s but never applied myself enough. I have now been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimers disease and they say learning to play can slow the progrees of the disease by opening new pathways. So now that I have some serious motivation I will give it another go. Im Australian.
Hi David, welcome aboard. Very pleased you are here and motivated. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Music is wonderfully powerful, and I sincerely hope it helps (there’s a lot of evidence it does so please stick with). You’ll enjoy it too. Do let us know how you get on and if we can help in any way. š
For sure, Rich. Will get some done soon – do let me know if you have any specific things you want to learn (being as specific as possible always helps as there’s so many angles I could take :))
I also just found this page and am very happy to have the blank tab + sheet music. Never thought to look for that online and it will help me so much! I don’t even want to think about my attempts to write tab. For the other style, have been scribbling a kind of wobbly, inconsistent 5-lines-and-clef concept (if really lucky, in the actual notebook I supposedly keep for the guitar), making Beethoven’s music scores look like a model of neat legibility. Not that I have ever in any other way compared myself to Beethoven…! Although some days my hair… Read more »
Glad it was helpful having these. Yeah, don’t worry about it being perfect when writing and notating. My notebooks are full of all sorts of craziness. Haha, I like the hair comment too – sure you look great with the Beethoven style. š
Hi John, just checked the page and it looks like it is working okay. It could be a temporary error or it might be worth using another browser (I know Microsoft Edge glitches with videos some times). Please do let us know if there are any issues still. Cheers š
Working through these one at a time – getting each one right before I move on to the next. These are so very much fun! Great for working on rhythm and they sound great! Love this!
That’s great. Super pleased you are having fun with them. Love these too! Keep enjoying them and once you have gone through them, don’t forget to vote on your favourite. š
Good question. Yes, it’s correct. That is just very much a little optional chord voicing of a diminished chord to create a little tension before the resolve on the very last note. Feel free to play a D instead of D# if you prefer the sound for that note, but also remember the main theme here is the four bar loop. Hope you enjoy that. š
Really, really like the Minor King Blues, Dan. Those minor notes bring in so much soul I get goosebumps just trying to verbalize it. I suspect it will take lots of work but even imperfection will still keep most of the soul there.
Glad to hear it, Peter. There is a lot of fun to be had with this. Absolutely, playing with soul is so key, and this style really allows for that. Keep enjoying it. š
Wow, I got this a lot faster than I thought I would! And this is the first time I’d ever done anything with no chord fingerstyle. That’s two measures down, and about thirty-some to go. I’d be lucky to have this at performance level by Christmas, as long a time as it takes me to learn things. If not this year, then next.
Great stuff! Well done for going through the lessons, seeing the progress and benefits, and getting started with the No Chord Fingerstyle method. Two measures down – that is great. Remember, there are plenty of repeats in the song too, so once you chip away at some more bars, you’ll be a decent way through it. Enjoy the process. š
Looking forward to future videos about spicing up these chord progressions as you mention in the video. These are all very common progressions so learning them well and being able to do some variations on them would go a long way!
Glad to hear it, Mike. Will be fun to create the new lessons on this topic. Lots of enjoyment and creativity to be had using these common chord progressions. š
well, I sat and just did them, one and two star tests. Couple questions I had to think about in Star 2 right at the end, verbage mostly. several jotted scribbles in my journal to support a couple questons, help me visualize, but did ok, pretty much a cold sitting. I can find notes on the fretboard, not instantly, more like a kindergardener first learned io read still voicing the words lol. (No shortcut tricks, just note names/interval count fm root. Slower, but less to unlearn. I think.) These tests give me a good idea where I am right now… Read more »
Very pleasing to hear you did well, enjoyed it, and it gave you some feedback on where you are at right now. That’s great. Well done again, and keep up the good practice! š
I vote for more jamming ideas, Dan. It’s easy to be blown away by proper guitar players and not be able to realize that they’re often doing relatively simple things…but doing them *extremely* well. It’s very helpful when you bring some of the creative elements down to beginner/intermediate level. Makes the whole guitar thing start to make more sense.
Can’t believe I’m the first to comment, 2x today. It’s just wrong. Not to mention spooky. (Is There Anybody Out There??? š)
It’s a good point you mention. Doing simple to a high level is nearly always impressive to anyone listening. Glad you like the way I teach. It’s never easy learning this stuff so to hear your words is always nice. Keep up the great practice. š
Hi, Dan. I’ve gotta vote for #4. But several others are not far behind…
These are all going to be fun and motivating. Looking forward to developing all the coordination needed for these, then finding out what you’ve got for the next batch!
Pleased to hear it, Stan. It’s a beautiful song. I was looking at the Gustav Holst museum online earlier located where he was born. I’m looking to go visit that soon as it’s not too far from me. Anyway, super pleased to hear it. Have a wonderful holiday season. š
Ah, cool, thanks, it’s not the easiest (far from it) but there are a lot of harmonic flavours in this version that help bring out the power in the song. š
I have the Christmas Crackers course. Good King Wenceslas is my favorite in that one.
I like the ending you did on Bleak Midwinter.
Enjoyed your latest email about The Planets.
Glad you like it. It’s a great song for sure and a lot of fun to play. Thanks, glad you are enjoying In The Bleak Midwinter too! I do love adding intros and outros but the songs itself is wonderful. š
Congratulations to Teresa Halvorson-Fox (Gold), Rich Augugliaro (Silver), and Denise Gillard (Bronze) for winning the Leaderboard for November 2024! Best comment prize goes to new member Mike McHugh for asking a great, thoughtful question HERE.
Cheers, David. Pleased it was helpful. Definitely worth revisiting in a month or in a few months to get regular reminders of these key lessons. Keep it up. š
Partial Chords are very helpful. I basically taught myself using partial chords – very like the no chord fingerstyle songs. I only ever used the stings I needed and used whichever finger was convenient in the song. It meant I didnāt learn chords but could play some nice songs anyway.
Yeah, I love them, pleased you do too. Yeah, it’s a more practical way to play for sure – especially when playing melodies in an elegant fingerstyle manner. š
Hello my name is Brian Carnegie from Geelong AUSTRALIA and I am 72 years old.
I have been trying to teach myself guitar for a couple of years now after I bought a Takamine acoustic guitar when I was locked down at home during our States cruel
Covid lockdown…the longest in the world.
I am excited about joining Dan’s lessons and I hope that I will be able to learn and improve and get more enjoyment from my guitar.
Hi Brian, welcome aboard. I’m sorry to hear that about the lockdowns where you were. It’s good the guitar was there for you and a great thing to come out of it for you I hope. Very pleased you’re here and I hope you enjoy the lessons. Do let us know how you get on or if you have any questions. š
I love this with all the embellishments, though I’m taking it slow. My hope is to get this piece good enough to upload a video to the Facebook page before the end of the year.
Great tips Dan super duper š
Cheers, Angie. Glad to hear you like the lesson. Keep coming back to it too. š
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. ļ»æIām 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). š
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. š
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”!
Hello:
How do I find the exercise that helps with brain aging?
Thanks
Kim
In the Time Management video, you mention about playing something 5 times perfectly. However, in other materials you mention being able to play something 10 times. Have you changed your guidance from 5 to 10 since this video, or are there some cases where you want to do five and others ten?
Generally, I prefer 10x these days as it promotes quite a bit more muscle memory, but when using the 10x method, the idea is to break it down into very small chunks (10x of longer parts is a bit much and can be hard work). Saying that for longer sections, five times in a row is probably better. Both 5 and 10x work but it depends on the piece and how small you are breaking it down š
So the last one is the hardest and I wonāt pretend I have it yet . . . But I think my favorites are #3 Shuffle with Licks and #4 Pick Strumming Pentatonics. And for anyone else who, like me, is trying these one at a time – I wrote down all the time stamps. 1 – 1:45, 2 – 7:15, 3 – 10:30, 4 – 14:42, 5 – 17:30 and 6 – 20:10. Now I can go directly to the one I am working on.
Good stuff. Glad you are enjoying these and thanks for voting. Also, appreciate the time stamps too! Nice and helpful for everyone that. š
The lesson was very good and important am I right in my thinking about the Modern pattern one were last two strums down-up are they played like the middle four strums of the pattern will see this lesson again Thanks Dan
Cheers, David. Pleased to hear it. Yes, I believe what you mean is the 16th note faster rhythm and yes that’s correct. Keep enjoying it – it’s not an easy one to master at first but you will nail it. š
Hi Dan,
starting from the beginningā¦.. & one question already š¤
is it ok to tilt the guitar back a little so itās possible to see the fretting position. When I hold the guitar in position then keep it snug against my body I canāt see the fretting positions as the face of the guitar is facing away from me.
not sure whatās right or ok?
I hope you are enjoying Christmas & the holiday season, blessings.
Hi Diane, I do prefer students keep the guitar more snug as it leads to better habits and easier fretting a lot of the time. Playing in front of a mirror can really help if that’s possible. Saying that, there are no absolutes, only ideal practices. If you need to tilt the guitar, do be extra sure to follow the other technical advice I teach. Let us know how you get on and happy holidays to you too. š
I love the first one because of the rhythm-love that bass beat! And I love #6 too-it’s a little tricky for me- but the melody is great!!!
Glad to hear it, Denise. Yeah, both of those are great fun. Pleased you like them and keep at it with #6 – it will click. š
HI, I’m Ron from La Salle, IL, about 2 hours west of Chicago. I purchased a guitar in 1978, took 6 weeks of lessons and put it aside as my work load increased. At 73, I picked the guitar up again and started with Hal Leonards Classical Guitar 1. I got about half way through and noticed that I was skipping around alot. I can read some music a play a little but need a more structured and accountable approach. With my advanced years I’ve got arthritis especially in the hands, neck and shoulders. And a slight case of Parkinsons.… Read more »
Hi Ron, I’m really pleased you are back with the guitar – let’s make it for good this time. It’s so common what you mention, what with life getting in the way back then. Part 1 of the course will really help with the things you mention – keep at it and do let us know how you get on. š
Hi, I’m Victor and I am from New York. I’ve been struggling with what to study regarding guitar. I’ve been jumping around a lot I guess and am looking for direction so that I can progress further. I don’t think I am making the progress I should based on the time I am spending trying to learn guitar. There is just so much to learn and I am finding it overwhelming. Hopefully this course will push me along further on my journey.
Hi Victor, what you mention is common. Very common. I do recommend you commit to finishing the course in a steady, focused way. Do that and in a few months you’ll see big changes to your technique, confidence, and you’ll have a whole lot more clarity! Enjoy and let us know how you get on š
Hi Dan and everyone. I’m Peter, and I live in the Chicago, Illinois suburb of Des Plaines. I played acoustic guitar some as a teenager, but then didn’t play again until I retired a few years ago (I’m 64 now). I read and enjoyed Dan’s Fingerstyle 101 book a while back, and I thought I’d try this Fingerstyle 101 Video Course. Though I can play some fingerstyle songs, I really struggle with my right hand technique. Also, my playing sessions are rather boring and unproductive, just playing the same songs over and over. I’m hoping that seeing and hearing Dan… Read more »
Welcome, Peter. Delighted you are here and I hope you enjoy the course. For sure, I think the video element will help you get even more out of the materials and your playing. Do let us know how you get on! Cheers and enjoy. š
Hi everyone, Been playing for a year and 1/2 and turned 76 just 2 days ago. Decided I wanted to play finger style. Bought Danās book and thought might as well get the video course to definitely lock in the technique and skills. Just sent my family a short audio clip of me singing for the first time. Sang the first verse and chorus of Margaritaville as we are going to Mexico in the new year for a couple of months. Bringing a Donner Hush X travel guitar. I expect I should still be able to fingerpick on it as… Read more »
Hi Steve, Happy belated birthday. That’s great you have the book – so many others have benefited even more from having the videos too so good choice. Ace work sending your family a clip of your singing – takes some courage that. I’m sure they will love it. Yes, you will be able to fingerpick on it. Have a great trip and hope to see you in the comments before you leave. š
Thanks for your welcome Dan! Really stoked about learning with you along with others the students who want to learn finger style.
Already growing my nails and using them for fingerpicking in the first couple of exercises in the book.
Good stuff, Steve, Keep up the enthusiasm and enjoyment. Looking forward to hearing more about your progress. š
I really enjoyed the video lesson the strumming patterns the Modern one that was the first I had seen it will have to work on that lovely sounding too ThanksDan
Great stuff, yeah, a variety of strum patterns here to suit all sorts of occasions and without having to learn loads of patterns. Keep up the great practice! š
Hi Dan I learnt a lot in that lesson which will help my strumming Thanks
That’s great. Really pleased you are seeing some good progress so far – keep it up! š
That was a important lesson Iāve had lot shoulder tension now hopefully things will get better Thanks Dan
Good stuff, David. Pleased to hear it. Yes, keep checking for tension and keep using these tips. Tension sneaks in in all sorts of places, but you will get good at relaxing it. š
Thanks for doing this Danā¦a wonderful classic in a very playable format. Happy holidays!
My pleasure, Rich. Glad you enjoyed it. Happy holidays to you too. š
I love this song and I love your No Chord Fingerstyle arrangements. Thank you!
Thanks, glad you like them, and yeah, such a wonderful song! š
Went looking for strumming lessons to revisit, just to see how much easier they are after a year of working on my strumming. I have to say I really love the āplay along with meā lessons. And, happily, the strumming lessons are really getting easier finally.
That’s great that your strumming is improving and you are seeing big results. Thanks, and I will be sure to do more of the playalong videos in the new year. š
Working on these a bit at a time – each one is more fun than the last. Also, I am finding that over the course of the last year, you have sprinkled enough things that seemed hard individually into enough lessons that they no longer seem hard. Pretty tricky on your part but fantastic way for me to learn them – a little bit at a time.
Pleased to hear you’re enjoying these and that’s great that you think so. It’s nice to know how the lessons have helped and huge credit to you for your enthusiasm and willingness to keep pushing yourself. Long may it continue. š
So I’ve been working on Section A now for about 2 weeks. I can do the first half and second half quite well individually, but when I try to play them together I tend to mess up. It doesn’t seem to be a technique thing, as I can play each part by itself. It seems to be a matter of forgetting where to position my fingers for part 2 after I play part 1, like I forgot how it goes. Even after playing the part many times by itself. Is that normal?
Yeah, this is perfectly normal. It’s well worth practicing the final bar of section A and the first bar of section B. Once you get that transition smooth, it should be plain sailing, as long as section B is something you are very comfortable with. Working on the transition and starting the tune at various points will help it sink in nicely. Keep at it and let us know how you get on. š
Hi Im David and I am 74 years old and have wanted to learn to plat since the 60’s but never applied myself enough. I have now been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimers disease and they say learning to play can slow the progrees of the disease by opening new pathways. So now that I have some serious motivation I will give it another go. Im Australian.
Hi David, welcome aboard. Very pleased you are here and motivated. Sorry to hear about the diagnosis. Music is wonderfully powerful, and I sincerely hope it helps (there’s a lot of evidence it does so please stick with). You’ll enjoy it too. Do let us know how you get on and if we can help in any way. š
Dan, I would appreciate more lessons and guidance regarding chord progressionsā¦.both theory and practical use. Thanks.
For sure, Rich. Will get some done soon – do let me know if you have any specific things you want to learn (being as specific as possible always helps as there’s so many angles I could take :))
Hi Dan, I am enjoying these quite a bitā¦I really like #6 Minor King Blues the best, but also enjoy the simpler ones as well (#1 and #2).
Cheers, Rich. Pleased you’re enjoying them and thanks for voting! Keep enjoying them. š
That was very good lesson it definitely will help and strengthen the fingers of my hand thanks Dan
Glad to hear it, David. Good stuff and keep using it – such a powerful exercise this. š
I also just found this page and am very happy to have the blank tab + sheet music. Never thought to look for that online and it will help me so much! I don’t even want to think about my attempts to write tab. For the other style, have been scribbling a kind of wobbly, inconsistent 5-lines-and-clef concept (if really lucky, in the actual notebook I supposedly keep for the guitar), making Beethoven’s music scores look like a model of neat legibility. Not that I have ever in any other way compared myself to Beethoven…! Although some days my hair… Read more »
Glad it was helpful having these. Yeah, don’t worry about it being perfect when writing and notating. My notebooks are full of all sorts of craziness. Haha, I like the hair comment too – sure you look great with the Beethoven style. š
Sooooo much fun!!!!!
Pleased to hear it. Keep enjoying them! š
Hi Dan. It says the first video doesn’t exist?
Hi John, just checked the page and it looks like it is working okay. It could be a temporary error or it might be worth using another browser (I know Microsoft Edge glitches with videos some times). Please do let us know if there are any issues still. Cheers š
Working through these one at a time – getting each one right before I move on to the next. These are so very much fun! Great for working on rhythm and they sound great! Love this!
That’s great. Super pleased you are having fun with them. Love these too! Keep enjoying them and once you have gone through them, don’t forget to vote on your favourite. š
Is the tablature correct on the first lick? I see a D# and an A in the second to last note, and it just doesn’t sound right to my ear.
Good question. Yes, it’s correct. That is just very much a little optional chord voicing of a diminished chord to create a little tension before the resolve on the very last note. Feel free to play a D instead of D# if you prefer the sound for that note, but also remember the main theme here is the four bar loop. Hope you enjoy that. š
Really, really like the Minor King Blues, Dan. Those minor notes bring in so much soul I get goosebumps just trying to verbalize it. I suspect it will take lots of work but even imperfection will still keep most of the soul there.
Glad to hear it, Peter. There is a lot of fun to be had with this. Absolutely, playing with soul is so key, and this style really allows for that. Keep enjoying it. š
Wow, I got this a lot faster than I thought I would! And this is the first time I’d ever done anything with no chord fingerstyle. That’s two measures down, and about thirty-some to go. I’d be lucky to have this at performance level by Christmas, as long a time as it takes me to learn things. If not this year, then next.
Great stuff! Well done for going through the lessons, seeing the progress and benefits, and getting started with the No Chord Fingerstyle method. Two measures down – that is great. Remember, there are plenty of repeats in the song too, so once you chip away at some more bars, you’ll be a decent way through it. Enjoy the process. š
Looking forward to future videos about spicing up these chord progressions as you mention in the video. These are all very common progressions so learning them well and being able to do some variations on them would go a long way!
Mike
Glad to hear it, Mike. Will be fun to create the new lessons on this topic. Lots of enjoyment and creativity to be had using these common chord progressions. š
well, I sat and just did them, one and two star tests. Couple questions I had to think about in Star 2 right at the end, verbage mostly. several jotted scribbles in my journal to support a couple questons, help me visualize, but did ok, pretty much a cold sitting. I can find notes on the fretboard, not instantly, more like a kindergardener first learned io read still voicing the words lol. (No shortcut tricks, just note names/interval count fm root. Slower, but less to unlearn. I think.) These tests give me a good idea where I am right now… Read more »
Very pleasing to hear you did well, enjoyed it, and it gave you some feedback on where you are at right now. That’s great. Well done again, and keep up the good practice! š
Hi Dan This lesson was good I was using too much pressure fretting the chords it has helped me and my hand Thanks
Pleased to hear it, David. So many folk use too much pressure. Glad this helped on what is such an important topic. š
Hi Dan That was a great lesson it has helped my shoulder as I had large amount of tension developed Thanks Dan
Brilliant. Pleased to hear this lesson helped on what is such an important topic. Well done making the changes needed so far. Keep it up. š
One of my favorite James Taylor Christmas songs. Thanks Dan.
Cheers, J.P. What a song and what a musician! š
I vote for more jamming ideas, Dan. It’s easy to be blown away by proper guitar players and not be able to realize that they’re often doing relatively simple things…but doing them *extremely* well. It’s very helpful when you bring some of the creative elements down to beginner/intermediate level. Makes the whole guitar thing start to make more sense.
Can’t believe I’m the first to comment, 2x today. It’s just wrong. Not to mention spooky. (Is There Anybody Out There??? š)
It’s a good point you mention. Doing simple to a high level is nearly always impressive to anyone listening. Glad you like the way I teach. It’s never easy learning this stuff so to hear your words is always nice. Keep up the great practice. š
Hi, Dan. I’ve gotta vote for #4. But several others are not far behind…
These are all going to be fun and motivating. Looking forward to developing all the coordination needed for these, then finding out what you’ve got for the next batch!
Cheers, Dawna. Glad you like them and thanks for voting. The next batch will be heaps of fun too (and with some more variety)! Enjoy. š
Dan, My absolute favorite Christmas song. Thanks so much for this lesson–it will make the holidays bright for me!
Pleased to hear it, Stan. It’s a beautiful song. I was looking at the Gustav Holst museum online earlier located where he was born. I’m looking to go visit that soon as it’s not too far from me. Anyway, super pleased to hear it. Have a wonderful holiday season. š
20 out of 20. mice.
Really well done, Allan! š
20 out of 20, cool!
Superb. Big well done, Allan. š
What a wonderful song Dan!!! So glad you put this lesson together… Looks like a challenge.. but one worth taking! Cheers
Cheers, Logan. Glad you like it. Love this tune too and I hope you love playing it. š
I love this version of Silent Night you have done. Peaceful. Meditative. Comforting.
Ah, cool, thanks, it’s not the easiest (far from it) but there are a lot of harmonic flavours in this version that help bring out the power in the song. š
I have the Christmas Crackers course. Good King Wenceslas is my favorite in that one.
I like the ending you did on Bleak Midwinter.
Enjoyed your latest email about The Planets.
Glad you like it. It’s a great song for sure and a lot of fun to play. Thanks, glad you are enjoying In The Bleak Midwinter too! I do love adding intros and outros but the songs itself is wonderful. š
Congratulations to Teresa Halvorson-Fox (Gold), Rich Augugliaro (Silver), and Denise Gillard (Bronze) for winning the Leaderboard for November 2024! Best comment prize goes to new member Mike McHugh for asking a great, thoughtful question HERE.
Hi Dan A really good video with things I didnāt realise that occurred with your hands position thanks Dan
Cheers, David. Pleased it was helpful. Definitely worth revisiting in a month or in a few months to get regular reminders of these key lessons. Keep it up. š
Partial Chords are very helpful. I basically taught myself using partial chords – very like the no chord fingerstyle songs. I only ever used the stings I needed and used whichever finger was convenient in the song. It meant I didnāt learn chords but could play some nice songs anyway.
Yeah, I love them, pleased you do too. Yeah, it’s a more practical way to play for sure – especially when playing melodies in an elegant fingerstyle manner. š
Hello my name is Brian Carnegie from Geelong AUSTRALIA and I am 72 years old.
I have been trying to teach myself guitar for a couple of years now after I bought a Takamine acoustic guitar when I was locked down at home during our States cruel
Covid lockdown…the longest in the world.
I am excited about joining Dan’s lessons and I hope that I will be able to learn and improve and get more enjoyment from my guitar.
Thanks
Brian
Hi Brian, welcome aboard. I’m sorry to hear that about the lockdowns where you were. It’s good the guitar was there for you and a great thing to come out of it for you I hope. Very pleased you’re here and I hope you enjoy the lessons. Do let us know how you get on or if you have any questions. š
I love this with all the embellishments, though I’m taking it slow. My hope is to get this piece good enough to upload a video to the Facebook page before the end of the year.
Brill. Super pleased you are enjoying it. I am confident you will nail it and looking forward to seeing the video. š
Hi Dan started getting into the classical position will take time but but Iām going to keep at good advice Dan Thanks
Good stuff, David. Pleased you are seeing the benefit of it! Great stuff and well done. Keep at it. š
I got 16 out of 20 quite happy with that you learn with it and that main thing
Well done. Yeah, that is the main thing, pleased you’re having fun and keep it up š
Got 19 out of 20, not too bad for a first try. Missed one of the trivia questions and one about Dan’s teaching technique.
Well done. Great score and not to worry about not nailing them all this time. Really well done! š