Flatpicker Hangout Forum Feed

“You Are My Sunshine”

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 13:01:08 CST

An easy solo with TAB & tutorial

Pick Reccomendations for a Newbie

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:56:41 CST

Hi all- first I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Ellis and I am a law student in South Carolina. I am looking to start playing some bluegrass guitar because I am particularly fond of the style of music. My question for some of you more experienced players is this- What are some good picks that you recommend? I have seen a lot of people are partial to the Blue Chip picks, but considering I am just starting out, I am hesitant to drop that much on a pick. Additionally, I kind of wish I was able to try out some picks before committing and purchasing them, because they're a little pricier than the standard guitar pick, and, being a student, money is tight! (especially in this economy!) Thanks in advance!

Solo bluegrass records???

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:47:44 CST

I’ve really been enjoying Tony Rice’s Church Street Blues album again lately. I heard Trey Hensley say it’s a great study in self accompaniment (even though his bro plays with him).
Do y'all know of any similar albums?- like solo performances or duets. I play solo a lot and love the challenge of incorporating improv into songs I’m singing. Bluegrass is such a cool genre for that. It’d be fun to hear how different musicians go about it.

Thanks!

Tony Rice Billy in the Lowground variation

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 19:25:21 CST

I am picking at some billy in the lowground as im newer to guitar coming from a long time of bluegrass banjo. I have all the main picking down but I was wondering if anyone knows how to play the section right after that has some different chord usage and different picking. What im talking about is on the california autumn album. He picks the main phrase twice and then plays a unique section I cant find anywhere else right before the banjo starts leading. Im not that interested in the up the neck section of this tune so im trying to learn Tony rices version on the album because its different. Any help would be very much appreciated!

anyone have tab for Indian killed a woodcock

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:57:09 CST

I guess this tune is also known as Indian ate a woodcock. I became familiar with it from a recording by the great and late Buddy Emmons on pedal steel guitar.

Nice tune for flatpick guitar, imho

Thanks in advance.

Callouses...or lack thereof

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:31:32 CST

Been a while since I posted here, picked my guitar up for the first time in two years the other day. It made me remember what a beginner's fingers feel like. I remember a time when my callouses were so thick and tough they'd actually peel off in layers sometimes. Now at age 69 it doesn't seem to matter how much I play I can't seem to build any callouses...hence one reason I hadn't played in two years (one of several reasons). Does anyone else in here have a similar problem and if so what do you do? Thanks.

Built a practice tracker for flatpickers - honest feedback welcome

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:01:47 CST

Hi - I'm an indie developer and released Guitar Practice Log for iOS, built with flatpickers in mind.

Log practice by area (Scales, Repertoire, Improvisation, Technique - fully customizable), set daily goals, build a streak, see your history on a calendar. Weekly/monthly/yearly stats dashboard. Built-in chromatic tuner included.

Most practice apps are too generic. Wanted something that fits how serious flatpickers structure their sessions.

App Store: apps.apple.com/app/id6759742386 - $3.99

Feedback welcome from anyone who's tried other practice trackers.

How do you warm up before a practice session?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:01:34 CST

Curious what other flatpickers do to warm up. I've been doing slow scale runs and a few minutes of crosspicking. Anyone have a routine they swear by?

Do you track your practice time?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:50:57 CST

I've been trying to get more intentional about practice - logging how much time I spend on different areas. Anyone else do this? Paper log, phone app, something else? It helps me stay honest about where I'm actually putting in time.

How do you warm up before a practice session?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:50:47 CST

Curious what other flatpickers do to warm up. I've been doing slow scale runs and a few minutes of crosspicking before diving into tunes. Anyone have a routine they swear by?

Rustic Wood Dining Set

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:16:46 CST

If you're looking for a rustic wood dining set or perhaps just a rustic wood table, then you are in the right place. Here at The Rustic Wood Dining Table company, we do exactly what it says on the tin. We sell rustic wood dining sets and what's more is that we sell them for less than any other company in the world can sell them for.

usticwooddiningtables (.) co (.) uk

“I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” - Hank Williams tune & TAB

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:52:51 CST

The 1949 hit for Hank,, this fingerstyle arrangement is more like the B.J. Thomas version.
youtu.be/a2lBDC_KjN4?si=TL_FB53dkBeD641r

Learn to Jam Class Feb 28th Ithaca, NY

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 08:33:50 CST

Rick Manning and I will be teaching a Learn to Jam class from 10 to 4 PM on February 28th. We are Wernick certified instructors and the class is geared to beginning and intermediate jammers who want to learn more about jamming in a safe and fun atmosphere. Here is a link that describes the class and how to sign up: wernickmethod.org/event/pf-rm-...02-ithaca. Hope to see some of you pickers!!

Wildwood Flower

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 09:00:51 CST

Pick-strum method

Freight Train , demo & TAB

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:06:03 CST

The classic Elizabeth Cotten tune

“Freight Train” , demo & TAB

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:01:47 CST

The classic tune, played flatpicking/pick-strum style

youtu.be/vQIPqEmYVeA?si=Izp2_Vc0ktWYxJNs

Guitar Pick?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:41:37 CST

I've had 2 of these for several years, but I can't find the answer to 2 questions online.

Is this a guitar pick, and who made it?

Thanks for any help!

Sincerely,

Patrick

tab for "Marching Jaybird"

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:28:30 CST

Does anyone have the tab to Dudley Hill's arrangement of "Marching Jaybird" from his album From a Northern Family. This -- a terrific arrangement of a great banjo tune
Many thanks in advance

Does anyone still hangout here?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:10:19 CST

Hello! I’m a longtime musician but new to flat pick guitar and looking for learning resources. Does anyone else still come here or am I late to the party?

C Chord Shape

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:55:43 CST

Howdy, brand new member, and new bluegrass player. I having been playing pop for awhile, but am starting this new journey.

My question is which shape should I use for the C chord.
X32010, or 332010. I play the simpler version, but am wondering if I should change to the full C chord because of the boom chuck rhythm in that it can be quite fast, and maybe it will be hard to keep time by alternating my finger back and forth between the sixth and fifth string using the simpler chord. I hope this is all clear. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Open Strings versus Fretted Notes

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:21:58 CST

When flatpicking the melody to a fast paced fiddle tune reel, jig or hornpipe, is it common practice to always play the open string whenever possible in lieu of the 5th or 4th fret equivalent? I'm assuming yes, but are there situations where it's advantageous to play the fretted note instead of the open string? Thanks.

Ribbon of Darkness

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 22:18:55 CST

The 1965 Gordon Lightfoot song,, played instrumentally.

Chris Thile Casein

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 07:02:06 CST

I just got my 1.4mm Chris Thile signature pick from D'Addario, and I’m very disappointed. The sound is dead, and it doesn’t bring out the tone of the strings at all. Has anyone else had this experience?

I’m new to thick picks over 1mm, but I recently got a thick Bolo pick, and it’s amazing.

I was considering buying or making a vintage tortoiseshell pick, but if it sounds anything like the Chris Thile, I don't want one. Has anyone tried both side by side?

Juan Solo

Under the Double Eagle

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 7 Aug 2025 21:17:32 CST

The popular old march tune , on the Martin D-35.

Making Believe

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:14:52 CST

A 1955 hit for Kitty Wells…. , and also for Emmy Lou Harris in 1978. On my Martin D-15S.
youtu.be/tetw35zE6MA?si=iRurcjp3KWFMiX5n

Bone Picks

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 9 Jul 2025 15:34:47 CST

I have been playing with Fender medium picks for a long time and like the feel, but I think it has too much give for flatpicking, so I have been looking to get a new pick, and some people suggested bone, so I made one myself. It is 1.8mm(I left it thick so I can fine-tune it later) with a good beveled edge, but I am a little worried it is going to be too hard on my strings.

I use Elixir medium Nanoweb phosphor bronze,

Has anyone had experience with bone picks?

Thanks, Juan Solo

When You and I Were Young, Maggie

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 12 May 2025 15:43:01 CST

The beautiful tune from 1866, lyrics by Canadian school teacher George Johnson,, music by his American friend James Butterfield. I’m playing my Martin D-15S.

https://youtu.be/mPAjj6RWBQY?si=E-her2Xh-B-M_qnp

Aria 12 string Model HF-A-626 year ID help

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 3 May 2025 09:03:51 CST

I picked this guitar up today at a yard sale, trying to figure out the year and possible prices on it. It's a 12 string model HF-A-626 made in Japan, SN 57? It looks like there may have been 1 number following 57? But can't make it out. Has a white and gold flower design on the pickguard. I can't find this Model number anywhere, and the only other pickguard design I can find on these is a hummingbird design. Any help is appreciated.

Farther Along

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 8 Apr 2025 08:00:02 CST

I'm looking for a beginner/intermediate flatpicking version of this song. It came up in a jam, and I didn't know a break for it.
I'm new to flatpicking so I can't play anything too complicated

Thanks, Juan Solo

Proper Care

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 1 Apr 2025 19:36:26 CST

I have a Yamaha F-325 that I've had for 3+ years I noticed it's kind of greasy and dirty
So I was wondering what is the right and best way to care for a guitar?
Do I need special cleaners or tools?
Do I need to clean the inside of the body? How would I do that?

Thanks, Juan Solo

how many scales should you learn as a beginner?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 05:46:27 CST

I just learned my first 2 octave G scale on the guitar. I plan on getting all or most of the G scales up the neck. My question is How many other scales are essential to know?

I am new to flat picking!

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:07:42 CST

Hello hangout, New player here. I've played banjo for 15 years and noodled around with rhythm guitar a little. I decided at the first of march to put some serious effort into learning flatpicking guitar. I have started on the banjo ben website and i am loving it so far. I just wanted to say hello and i will probably have a lot of questions down the road.

Newbie Questions

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 14:56:21 CST

I'm new to playing bluegrass guitar and have a few questions.

What's the difference between flatpicking and crosspicking?
Are there advantages/disadvantages to either style?
Which is better for Bluegrass?
What thickness or kind of pick should I be Using?
What are the first 10 licks I should learn?
Should I learn licks in every key or just in G at first
How important is it to pick up and down, it feels more natural just to pick down is that normal?

Thanks, Juan Solo

Four Strong Winds

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:09:46 CST

The iconic Ian Tyson song from 1964. Recorded by many since including Tony Rice.

looking for musicians

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 09:37:32 CST

Hello to all bluegrass msicians
I am banjo and guitar player pfrom France planning a trip to US in september with my wife. the trip will start in Chattanooga, MO to attend the IBMA wob from sept17 to 21 and then we'll travel TO LA. via arkansas , Okahoma Arizona. We will be very happy to meet any musician to spend a while with and for friendship on our way. Any answer will be welcome.
Tank you in advance.
Patrick Brunet - Uncle Pat
facebook.com/pat.burnett.79/

ponixpress.weebly.com/

Beginner Guitar licks

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:56:17 CST

I've played guitar for 4 years and banjo for a year and a half, and I just started flat-picking about 2 months ago.
There are 3 basic licks for banjo that fit almost any song for beginners, depending on what the root note is.
Is there anything like that for beginner flat-picking?

Thanks, Juan Solo

Right hand picking problem

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:17:23 CST

Hi folks,

Ive just got into flatpicking over the last year and have been progressing steadily. I've a few fiddle tunes I'm working on; been playing them at 50-60bpm. That's fine. As I up the tempo, I hear a clicking sound to the right. I analyse and realise that when I pick the string with the plectrum, the tip of it is actually hitting the guitar body beneath the strings. Any advice on how I can stop this? As I say, it's all fine at slower tempo. Why is my RH technique changing? And what can I do to fix it? Kind regards, Sean

Alternative to County Sales

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 23:44:30 CST

A bit late but nonetheless........
Now that County Sales is no longer trading I'm looking for some recommendations for mail order outlets selling bluegrass products: cds, digital downloads, books/bios etc, not so much ''gear'' as in strings capos etc. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and buy most of my music overseas. Any ideas most appreciated..............

Looking to start a new Flat Picking contest - need list of current

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 08:05:17 CST

I am starting to research creating a Flat Picking contest for my part of the country, but I am having difficulty finding a list of competitions so we can make sure we do not conflict with other contests, and can just add to the general flat pick ecosystem in a productive way.

I know there are previous forum postings on this subject but they didn't seem to go anywhere. So if you have an interest in throwing another "free" premium guitar into the flat picking pool, could you please let me know of all/any contests you know about - specifically regional/state competitions would be most useful.

I live in Seattle, so looking particularly for the upper left corner of the country. Is there a contest in California? Idaho? Montana? Oregon? These states/areas are particularly helpful should you have some information to share.

Thanks in advance.

Paige capo sleeve replacement

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:35:27 CST

I have two very old (decades) Paige guitar capos where the original rubber sleeve hardened and literally broke off. Checking on line for replacement sleeves the cost was from $7 - $15 + shipping for 2.5 inches of rubber.

Bought 12" of 1/8" i.d. automotive vacuum hose at O'Reilly for $1.62.

Works perfectly.

uncloudy day

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 7 Feb 2025 07:50:20 CST

Anybody have a simple flatpicked lead version of uncloudy day?

Juan Solo

Repair in Austin, TX

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 4 Feb 2025 14:47:49 CST

I need a recommendation for a great repair person in Austin, TX. please.

Does anyone have a tab sheet for walk on boy by doc watson or billy strings

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:39:08 CST

Just looking for a tab sheet, every doc variation i see on youtube is significantly different from one another and they only post the first two lines of tablature

The picking chair by The picking chair prophets

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:20:44 CST

Looking for a Flatpicking version solo of this song, they are a small band from north Georgia
Chords are G, C, D basic progression
Thanks, Juan solo

Credit Card Just To Logon?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 5 Jan 2025 00:15:14 CST

With all the scams working in the online world why would you ask for a credit card just to share? Maybe that is why you have no one sharing?!

Bluegrass lead scales/patterns

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 5 Dec 2024 05:52:55 CST

I’m currently learning my diatonic scales in G but I’d like to know what you bluegrass guys use to get around the fretboard. Is there certain patterns that y’all use in the flat picking circles? I played mandolin for a couple of years and there are two scale shapes/patterns that we use a lot to move around the fretboard…I wonder if there’s something similar for guitar! I feel overwhelmed with scales and I really need some guidance on what to concentrate on for lead playing.

Ball End Strings on Classical Guitars?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 09:15:48 CST

Is there any risk of damaging the bridge if you put ball end nylon strings on a classical guitar? It sure looks like an easier way to attach the strings than wrapping/tying.
The guitar is a late 60s-early 70s Nippon Gakki Yamaha, model G170A.

New to flatpicking where to start?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 6 Sep 2024 13:06:54 CST

I have been a chord /rhythm player for 50 years. I want to learn Flatpicking. Where / how do I start? Thanks

Looking for a skype or zoom teacher

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 6 Jun 2024 13:59:53 CST

I'm looking for a zoom or skype teache there's not a lot around me when it comes to bluegrass music any help would be greatly appreciated thanks Dustin

The Old Spinning Wheel

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 21 May 2024 11:00:50 CST

Here’s a fine old tune written in 1933 by Billy Hill. On the D-35, fingerpicking & flatpicking.
youtu.be/uNt8C6a7GqI?si=V4_ozojp4FUno9jd