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Beginning Fingerstyle - Help! (unique problem)

Author	Comment
sugarinthegourd		#21	[-]
(04/23/09 3:53 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Martinbigot, Where do you live? "The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge." - Bertrand Russell
MartinBigot		#22	[-]
(04/23/09 5:49 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi. I'm south of Pgh, PA. You all have given me a lot to think about. After re-reading the posts, I've come to the following conclusions re: my playing: 1. I have to eat some humble pie and start at the very beginning, practicing slowly and loudly at first, getting it right, then picking up speed. 2. I have to not let my reach be too far. In other words, kind of like someone's eyes being bigger than his stomach, my tastes in fingerstyle are bigger (by far) than my talent. I'd been trying things like "In My Life" (Juber), and others that I could play some, but very sloppily (and faking a lot). 3. It's off to something like "Skip To My Lou" for me. May as well learn this right. 4. I have to make a commitment to play every day. (I'm not quite ready for this yet due to my traveling schedule, but when things die down and I'm ready...I'll have at it.) 5. I may have to mix in scales (yuk) and exercises (more yuk) to get this right. It sounds like it will be a lot of work. Frankly, I don't need a lot of work on my left hand. I know the fretboard/chords/theory etc. It's just that doggone right hand...and I've developed some bad habits (playing with a pick and using my middle and ring finger, for example...I'm kind of a mess.... Anyway...thanks for the tips...I'll need some encouragement once I get started. I'm 51, so it's time to tackle this the right way. 1939 00021 1969 D18 1990 HD28P 2001 D41 2002 000028H 2002 D42K2 2003 D17
No457 Snowy		#23	[-]
(04/24/09 4:05 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Mate from what you just posted, you'll do just fine, and don't worry I know just how you feel, I played for 20 years on an electric with only a pick and it was like starting over as a complete beginner to make the move to fingerpicking on an acoustic. But you can do it and the satisfaction you get will be worth the effort. Snowy
brazil66		#24	[-]
(04/24/09 6:57 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I've been on the road your on....still on it of course. I'm 55. I started reading tab, I don't read standard notation well...yet. I started with Freight Train (Stefen Grossman), and worked for months on that...with other things (from his DVD-Country Blues Guitar) Things get easier as you go along....in a way, but then I tried harder things as I went along so...it really didn't get easier. Mr. Buck49 is right on with his advice, in my opinion. I'm deep in following that , right now. Your list looks familiar.....start with #1 first and the right hand...be patient, and play clean! There are some pretty simple old blues things you can start with, so...forget Skip to my Lou. www.rakeandsplay.com
sugarinthegourd		#25	[-]
(04/24/09 12:51 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi. I'm south of Pgh, PA Oh well, if you were closer to Philly, I'd offer to give you some free pointers. "The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge." - Bertrand Russell
MartinBigot		#26	[-]
(04/24/09 7:33 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for the offer....right neighborly of you....! =) Hopefully I'll make some slow progress and see what happens...! 1939 00021 1969 D18 1990 HD28P 2001 D41 2002 000028H 2002 D42K2 2003 D17
guitar1580		#27	[-]
(04/24/09 9:31 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hey, Where south of Pittsburgh......I am too. I'm down between Washington PA and Wheeling WV, along the river. I'd do some pickin & grinnin with ya sometime if we're close. My old teacher still gives lessons in the area too, and he's a might fine fingerpicker for sure. Josh
fichtmueller		#28	[-]
(04/25/09 5:52 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Martin, you are right: It is work. But when you get to find a relaxed attitude and a good portion of humour and self-irony this left hand work on fingerpicking really can be fun; and the best is: the fun will increase the longer the more. Have you already played something today? C´mon - close the computer down and get your guitar ready. As a matter of fact: Your guitar is already waiting for you. @Stuart: Your link to Eric Lugoschs site was a real find for me: Thanks a lot. Frank forum intro p.54 or somewhere nearby. [Guild F30 * C.F. Martin 0-16NY * Steward parlor ~ 1880 * Blazer L-00 "Tulip" * Keith Johns 1977 000-42] Last Edited By: fichtmueller 04/25/09 6:03 AM. Edited 1 times.
geeterpicker		#29	[-]
(04/25/09 8:11 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Happy Traum is the best teacher. Look at his products and start with the beginner and work your way up. You and I are the same age and started about the same time on guitar. I wanted to learn alternating thumb style about 4 or 5 years ago and went with Happy's Demystifying the Alternating Thumb. With a little work, I was doing it in a matter of a couple weeks. Look at his fingerstyle lessons that fit what you desire. You will learn, if you put the time in. Brian
MartinBigot		#30	[-]
(04/25/09 3:13 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Brian, I'm waiting for Happy T's DVD (ordered it yesterday). Got the 3 DVD set so we'll see... Questions: Do you all find it helpful to settle on one guitar or does that matter? Also, I chord and mess around a lot (flat pick). Would I be better off to put all that aside and just fingerpick and just use one guitar? Not sure if switching from an 0000 size to a D will matter or not. (I'm thinking my go to fingerstyle guitar will be a D (I like the feel of my D42K2 the best of my guitars - even the 0000). What do you all think? 1939 00021 1969 D18 1990 HD28P 2001 D41 2002 000028H 2002 D42K2 2003 D17
No457 Snowy		#31	[-]
(04/25/09 6:57 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	A couple of things I found (obviously your mileage may vary) were that I made faster progress when I got rid of my pick and started to just use my fingers anytime I played, even for strumming or playing single notes and scales. It took time but after a while it started to feel natural again. The other thing was that after starting out on a Dread with a 1-11/16" nut, I eventually bought an OM and suddenly I found how much more comfortable the smaller body was for sitting and playing finger-style and how much easier the wider 1-34" nut and wider string spacing at the bridge made it to fingerpick. After moving to an OM size I also found the more even string to string balance made my playing sound better AND my right thumb started to play stronger and with more confidence, because on the Dread I was unconsciously compensating for the extra bass response by backing off my right thumb attack. None of this may apply to you but those are some interesting things I found in the transition. Snowy.
MartinBigot		#32	[-]
(04/26/09 9:33 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks Snowy....for now my plan is to go "pickless" and see how it goes. I actually don't have a 1 3/4" neck guitar, but I've heard from many that they are great. I may reconsider using the dred because of your experience. The 0000 is very balanced, but the neck width isn't 1 3/4". Here's an off the wall question for all of you: Have any of you fingerstylists considered playing a nylon/classical guitar? I've heard that it's quite an adjustment from steel strings, and the neck spacing is incredibly wide, but after you get used to it it's supposed to really help. (I don't want to change too many things at once, but I believe it's time I learned fingerstyle the "correct" way. Thoughts? 1939 00021 1969 D18 1990 HD28P 2001 D41 2002 000028H 2002 D42K2 2003 D17
IainDearg		#33	[-]
(04/26/09 10:26 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Have any of you fingerstylists considered playing a nylon/classical guitar? I was taught classical guitar for a short time when I was young. I believe it's time I learned fingerstyle the "correct" way. You'll read much about there not being a "correct" way to play fingerstyle. I agree insofar as there are many different styles of fingerstyle - it isn't one single style. Some folks use a thumb and one finger; others two fingers and others still, three. Beyond that, angles of attack, wrist attitude and other variables which - ah - vary from player to player. Having written that, I believe there are habits that you can develop - which are very difficult to undevelop - that might impede speed of learning and accuracy and speed of playing. It's for these reasons that many experienced players will recommend a teacher; not so much as to teach you all about fingerstyle playing, but rather to guide you into a technique that suits your fingers and hand and which will offer the least frustration and ulimately most satisfaction. Dave OM-18V & OM-28V www.dave-keir.com
guitar1580		#34	[-]
(04/26/09 8:51 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I learned on a classical guitar with a 2" wide neck, but now do all of my playing on my Martin 000, and Martin Jumbo, both of which have 1 11/16" necks. I had a 1 3/4" neck Martin which I traded off because I gradually became for comfortable with 1 11/16", but I do have thin fingers. I can switch back and forth from the 2" to the 1 11/16 easier than i could from 1 11/16 to the 1 3/4. I dont see any reason not to do your normal flatpicking routine, as long as you're dedicating time to the fingerstyle also. I see no reason for it to be a detriment to learning. Your amount of improvement of any style is pretty much directly related to the amount of time you spend on that particular thing, IMO. Reading books and watching DVD's help, but there's no substitute for having the instrument in your hands. JP
sugarinthegourd		#35	[-]
(04/27/09 10:27 AM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	MartinBigot, Can you tell me 2 or 3 specific songs you really want to learn, or an artist you'd like to be able to play like? Be as specific as possible. I'll try to give you some advice if I can. John "The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge." - Bertrand Russell "Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men." - Confucius
MartinBigot		#36	[-]
(04/28/09 4:40 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	John - Sorry for the late response. I like a lot of Merle Travis stuff, but I get concerned because I've heard he's such a specialty that I might have to unlearn some of my left hand stuff - for instance I've heard he doesn't use barre chords in the conventional way. Do like Nine Pound Hammer and such. There's a fingerstyle guy named Clay Lunsford and he has a rendition of "The Entertainer" that has always intrigued me. (I would REALLY like to learn that song.) I think my tastes in fingerstyle unfortunately far outrun my talent level. There's a relatively unknown guy named Bob Saxton who plays "Sitting On Top of the World" (kind of like Chet Atkins), that I'd like to learn. Wanted to learn "Winter Wonderland" from Mark Hanson DVD, but he's WAY too good for me. Love the sound of that walking bassline...! Does that help clarify? 1939 00021 1969 D18 1990 HD28P 2001 D41 2002 000028H 2002 D42K2 2003 D17
teherie		#37	[-]
(04/28/09 5:20 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I don't think I posted but you have a treasure in your own backyard. Ernie Hawkins lives in Pittsburgh and took lessons from Rev. Gary Davis. I bought the CAGED System for my son and it is a great teaching tool and resource for any guitarist. I also bought a private lesson from Ernie for my son last Christmas. If you haven't been to Empire Music in Mount Lebanon, check it out. They have one of the nicest guitar rooms I have every been in and a wide selection of Martin and Taylor Guitars. My son and I played for two hours in there one Saturday afternoon in January before heading to a Leo Kottke concert at Carnegie Mellon w/ Ernie Hawkins as the opener. They had five Martins from the custom shop including a D-35 with a Koa center panel and wood binding plus a Taylor with Sinkerwood top that was great too.
MartinBigot		#38	[-]
(05/01/09 6:08 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks for the info, teherie. I gave them a call today and I may visit the store soon (may get rid of one or two of my Martins there). An update on fingerstyle: I love the Happy T DVD. I've been dilligently starting from scratch and it's only been a few days but I'm starting to get the hang of it. I'm seeing where the gaps are in my playing (had some coordination issues I'm overcoming). Basically what I HAD been doing was not holding the downbeat steady enough with my thumb and that was causing issues. (That, and trying to play too advanced too quickly.) I'm thinking I should be much better a few months from now. My goal for this month is to have "Skip To My Lou" (the downbeat version) done, and possibly to be working on the syncopated version too. It's amazing how hard the drills were for me (trying to get the thumb and two fingers to play two different times was the issue.) I'm going to be patient and work at it and see where it leads. Once I get the coordination and basics down, this should be a lot of fun. I really admire you guys. (I think fingerstyle players have some real talent...!) 1939 00021 1969 D18 1990 HD28P 2001 D41 2002 000028H 2002 D42K2 2003 D17
Stuart Fingerstyle		#39	[-]
(05/01/09 6:58 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Frank, Glad you took a look and enjoyed Eric's site. I was hoping that one or two people would have that sort of reaction. I'm working on a couple of his pieces. Standing on the outside is so much fun to play, and I can't say that about all the songs I'm fighting to learn. The Eighth of January is another beaut. Eric is a gifted arranger of music also. I'm not highjacking the thread, because this may draw other people's attention to his site, and it's a great learning experience. For all, another good learning site, where sheet music can be bought for the artists music, if you're into music that is similar to celtic but definitely not celtic, have a look at Simon Fox's web site. His site is large, but you can access some of his songs to listen to in the scrapbook area, link below. Listen to the songs Kettle of Fish (, and Smithy's Porridge (12). They are my particular favorites. I'm working on both. Smithy's porridge isn't bad at all, but in a strange tuning, so that's a little painful. Kettle of fish is very challenging. But you can watch a lesson to support this song, on learning percussive thuds - if you wish to try. http://www.deepnorthmusic.com/scrapbook.htm Stuart Last Edited By: Stuart Fingerstyle 05/01/09 7:01 PM. Edited 1 times.
J1mmyC		#40	[-]
(05/01/09 9:21 PM) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Mel Bay was already mentioned... I really like Mel Bay's 101 Easy Fingerstyle Guitar Solos. Comes with a cd, I see it for only $14 on amazon. A good mix of songs, here's the sales blurb ... "Contains a wealth of time-honored songs arranged for beginning to intermediate guitarists. Many styles are covered, including American standards, country songs, blues, hymns and spirituals, calypso, train songs, European standards, childrens songs, Christmas songs, Stephen Foster songs, patriotic songs, light classical, and more".

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