Fingerstyle Explorations

Exploring Harmony Etude - Performance is a video guitar lesson presented by Mike Dawes and is sourced from Progressive Fingerstyle: Next Steps

In this next etude, we'll explore a four-chord sequence in standard tuning, beginning with the F major 7 chord. For the first time, we'll utilize the thumb over the top of the neck. My signature guitar, crafted by Andreas Kunz in Germany, features a slender neck, specifically designed to facilitate easy thumb access. Those using a classical guitar might find this technique a tad challenging initially, but with persistence, it becomes achievable. Having thumb access is crucial in fingerstyle guitar, especially for chords like this one.

Our progression starts with F major 7, followed by G, then C, and concludes with an E7 chord. Our objective is to integrate captivating harmonies to enhance our melody within this chord sequence. Let's delve into it.

Exploring Harmony Etude - Breakdown is a video guitar lesson presented by Mike Dawes and is sourced from Progressive Fingerstyle: Next Steps

In this breakdown, we will explore the intricate interplay between melody and harmony in a fingerstyle guitar composition. Starting with a foundational melody, we'll dissect how it is enriched by harmonious double stops in the top register. We delve into chord progressions, beginning with an F major 7 and progressing through G, C, and E7 chords. Special attention is given to the consistent harmony introduced by the G note in the G chord and the C note in the C chord. Furthermore, the E7 chord's harmony offers an intriguing dance around the melody, showcasing the importance of intentional harmonic choices. The right-hand technique is also examined, emphasizing thumb arpeggiation and the nuances of picking to achieve thick sequences. The lesson underscores the significance of carefully thought-out harmony, revealing how even subtle harmony notes on the B and G strings can transform the emotional depth and effectiveness of a musical piece.

Forest Party Etude - Overview is a video guitar lesson presented by Mike Dawes and is sourced from Progressive Fingerstyle: First Steps

In this series of lessons we're going to cover a popular style of playing called "Travis Picking" a technique created by the legendary guitarist Merle Travis. I'll kick things off with a short overview and history lesson, then we'll jump into a two different performances, and finally I'll break everything down for your in detail. Let's get started!

Forest Party Etude - Performance is a video guitar lesson presented by Mike Dawes and is sourced from Progressive Fingerstyle: First Steps

In this series of lessons we're going to cover a popular style of playing called "Travis Picking" a technique created by the legendary guitarist Merle Travis. I'll kick things off with a short overview and history lesson, then we'll jump into a two different performances, and finally I'll break everything down for your in detail. Let's get started!

Forest Party Etude - Breakdown is a video guitar lesson presented by Mike Dawes and is sourced from Progressive Fingerstyle: First Steps

In this series of lessons we're going to cover a popular style of playing called "Travis Picking" a technique created by the legendary guitarist Merle Travis. I'll kick things off with a short overview and history lesson, then we'll jump into a two different performances, and finally I'll break everything down for your in detail. Let's get started!

Freight Train - Overview is a video guitar lesson presented by Richard Smith and is sourced from Fingerstyle Horizons

"Freight Train" is a staple of the alternating thumbpicking style. After you've practiced and understood the first lesson, and are fairly confident that your thumb and fingers are independent, it's now time to apply it to this simple and popular melody for country fingerpickers.

Get this down, and you're on the right track to learn a whole host of other Travis picking tunes. Take it slow and steady. Use a metronome!