Learning fingerstyle guitar can be challenging, but with Dave Isaacs’s Hands-On Fingerstyle series, each step is a rewarding experience. In Volume 3, we explore the stylistic elements that define modern folk, country blues, and acoustic rock.
If you appreciated the first two volumes, you will find this continuation equally valuable. And if this is your first encounter, you’ll understand why Dave’s method is so highly regarded. The bite-sized, step-by-step lessons are designed to make learning effective and enjoyable.
“In the first two editions, we built a foundation of basic fingerstyle techniques. Here in the third edition, we're going to dig deeper into stylistic elements that define genres like modern folk, country blues, and acoustic rock.
I've designed this step-by-step tutorial with bite-sized lessons to accelerate your continued exploration of the world of fingerstyle. Working with TrueFire's suite of cutting-edge learning tools like synchronized tab, looping, and slow-mo, you can learn at your own pace. Remember, learning an instrument is an ongoing process.
It's about expressing yourself and finding joy in the experience. So grab your guitar, and let's get your hands on fingerstyle!”
Dave’s method ensures a balanced and engaging learning journey. In Volume 3, you’ll work through lessons including Advanced Rolling Techniques, Finger Independence Exercises, Exploring Genre Styles, Modern Folk Fingerpicking, Country Blues Patterns, Acoustic Rock Grooves, Melodic Bass Lines, Harmonics and Percussive Techniques, Syncopation Studies, Arpeggio Patterns, Developing Speed and Accuracy, Chord Melody Arrangements, Fingerstyle Improvisation, Dynamic Control, Phrasing and Articulation, Fingerstyle Etudes, Rhythmic Variations, Creative Fingerpicking, Advanced Thumb Techniques, and Performance Prep.
You’ll have TrueFire’s interactive learning tools at your fingertips to customize your workspace and learn at your own pace.
The demonstrations and performances are tabbed, notated, and synced to the video lessons with controls for looping, slow motion, fretboard animation, and other tools designed to accelerate your progress.
You’ll also get tab and standard notation files to print out, downloadable Guitar Pro files, and backing tracks to practice and record with.
Grab your guitar, and let’s continue our fingerstyle journey with Dave Isaacs!
What you'll learn
Execute campanella fingering technique across strings
Understand the scope and structure of the Hands-On Fingerstyle Vol. 3 course
Learn how this course fits into the broader fingerstyle curriculum
Understand the value of revisiting foundational techniques
Gain awareness of stylistic elements that define different fingerstyle genres
Hi, I'm Dave Isaacs, and welcome to this third edition of Hands On Fingerstyle. In the first two editions, we built a foundation of basic fingerstyle techniques. Here in the third edition, we're going to dig deeper into the stylistic elements that define genres like modern folk, country blues, and acoustic rock. I've designed this step-by-step tutorial with bite-sized lessons to accelerate your continued exploration of the world of fingerstyle. Working with TrueFire's suite of cutting-edge learning tools like synchronized tab, looping, and slow motion, you can learn at your own pace. Remember, learning an instrument is an ongoing process. It's about expressing yourself and finding joy in the experience. So grab your guitar, and let's get your hands on fingerstyle.
2Alternating Bass Fundamentals
In this lesson, we will explore the technique of folk picking with an alternating bass in the key of A. We'll break down the pattern, focusing on the thumb's movement across different strings to create a rhythm section.
3Picking Hand Warm-ups
In this lesson, we will work on the P I M A arpeggio in a classical style while following a minor blues harmony. We'll focus on smooth hand movements and dynamic control to develop a sophisticated rhythmic understanding.
4Adding Melodies to the Folk Pick
In this lesson, we're diving back into the folk pick territory, but with a twist: we're adding a distinct melody on top of the alternating bass played by the thumb. We'll start with a C chord, emphasizing the rhythm section with a "boom chick, boom chick" feel, while introducing a syncopated melody to challenge your timing and rhythm. We'll explore how to effectively use your thumb for the bass and your fingers for the melody, adjusting for comfort and hand proportions. Moving on to an F chord, we'll learn a small fingering variation to keep the pinky free for melody moves. Finally, we'll cover techniques for playing a G chord, highlighting the flexibility of fingerstyle picking. Throughout the lesson, you'll discover the importance of finding what works best for your hand, recognizing that there are many variables and possibilities in picking hand technique.
5Barre Chord Arpeggio Study
In this lesson, we're diving into bar chords with a simple arpeggio pattern. We'll start with a C# minor chord at the fourth fret, but instead of pressing down all strings with a bar, we'll use a neutral hand position and focus the pressure on the ring and pinky fingers. This approach frees up the hand and provides a strong grip without unnecessary strain. We'll practice the picking pattern P, I, M, A, M, I, and then slide into an F# minor chord, introducing a partial bar. I'll show you how to tilt your arm for optimal finger positioning and leverage. We'll also explore how to bring out hidden melodies within these chords, creating a dynamic and musical conversation between the bass and treble strings.
6Open & Fretted Notes Combined
In this lesson, we're getting a bit fancier with a technique called Campanella fingering. This method combines fretted notes with open strings to create a legato, bell-like sound. We'll start with a dropped wrist position, letting our hand come from underneath the neck and shifting fluidly. We'll work through an open E, D sharp, and C sharp, using a rolling picking pattern and some thoughtful finger positioning. Moving on to a G sharp chord, we'll adjust our hand for comfort and optimal finger placement. Throughout the lesson, you'll see how using the arm's natural range of motion helps bring the fingers to the strings with ease. We'll also cover how to use the arm to assist with finger positioning, especially for those tricky stretches and reaches.
7Triads in E Major
In this lesson, we're diving into another rhythm study, focusing on triads plucked with the fingers against a steady bass on the offbeats, creating a syncopated bassline. We'll start with a C# minor chord and move through various triad shapes, including an E triad and a B chord in a bar position, while emphasizing the syncopation between the bass and melody. We'll explore the timing and coordination needed to keep the bass and melody distinct, aiming to develop a musical understanding of these parts. You'll also learn to use subtle techniques, like letting the thumb reach over to grab ringing notes, to add clarity and dynamic life to your playing.
I have completed two of Dave’s courses, barre chords and finger style V1. I’m moving on to V2. I’m making very good progress, most due to Dave’s teaching. And that’s why I bought V3. Take the course, improve your skills. That’s what it’s about,right?
M
Mark
12/02/24
More of the same
In the best sense, this third part of Dave's course is more of the same: we learn new techniques, but in the same manner as in the first two parts. Having worked through them all, I'm now revising them each in turn.
Personally I would have liked fewer comping exercises and more melodic ones, but that's purely my own preference.
P
PJ
07/04/24
Excellent series
I am very happy that this series is continuing, great foundation skills and exercises, I've been going over the material a few times now.
