Fingerstyle Blues and Ragtime (JamPlay)

Fingerstyle blues and ragtime guitar are the rhythmic soul of early American music, and in this comprehensive course, seasoned bluesman Eric Madis brings the tradition to life with depth, style, and authenticity. Blending the gritty feel of Delta blues with the syncopated bounce of ragtime, Fingerstyle Blues and Ragtime takes you on a musical journey through the techniques, artists, and sounds that defined a generation of acoustic guitar music.

Eric guides you through iconic styles inspired by Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Mississippi John Hurt, Big Bill Broonzy, and Reverend Gary Davis. You'll learn how to alternate and dampen bass notes, walk bass lines under melody, use diads and turnarounds effectively, and develop the finger independence essential for true blues and ragtime playing. With a step-by-step approach, Eric gradually builds your skills from foundational grooves like "The Rolling E Blues" to fully arranged tunes including “Baby Please Don’t Go,” “RJ’s Lament,” and “Maple Leaf Rag.”

This course goes beyond technique—it explores the spirit of the music. You’ll learn to improvise over traditional forms, experiment with voicings and extended chords, and bring emotional nuance to your playing through phrasing, rhythm, and dynamics. Each lesson is deeply rooted in the classic American acoustic tradition, yet presented in a way that’s accessible and inspiring for today’s guitarist.

Whether you’re looking to master vintage blues fingerpicking, dive into ragtime arrangements, or simply add depth and character to your acoustic playing, this course delivers the tools and insight to play with soul, swing, and substance.