Flatpicker Hangout - Playing Advice Forum Feed

Calluses on 'frethand'

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:53:39 CST

Anyone have any ideas (other than the obvious lotion) to get rid of these painful calluses? I've been playing daily for almost 2 months now, and believe it or not, it hurts to use my calculator in my classes with my left hand because I have so many damn calluses on there? Ha ha kind of a silly question, but I'm almost certain other people have had the same experience

How much(often) do you play?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:00:45 CST

Just wondering how much other people get to play their guitar. Some days I get to play for 30 mins or more without grief, but other days, as soon as it comes out the compaining begins. Maybe if I was a better player, I wouldn't get so much flack.

Just to say hey all,

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 16:07:34 CST

Just become a new member today, started trying to learn banjo about a 1 1/5 years ago a boy what a journey. So I thought to myself well what about a guitar and bought a Washburn D-6-S model acoustic also a starter book by Hal Leanard written by Greg Koch and Will Schimd the complete edtiion. I am up to point where I can almost play "Odes of Joy" on strings 1 and 2 still have mistakes I don't think I will ever get past that, I sure I will be on here trying to get advice and sugestions now will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Gordie

How to become a better guitar player

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 09:21:48 CST

Help! I have been playing for about 5 years and just can't seem to get better as fast as I want to. I can strum chords and sing, but no leads. By the way, I have three kids that limit my practice time, but one of them(7 yr old son) is expressing real interest in guitar. Are there any resources out there or practice techniques that can help me maximize my practice?

Left hand gripping

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 2 Mar 2010 04:32:27 CST

I know, this is really basic stuff, but despite having practicing guitar for many years I can't seem to find just the right way to hold my left hand, especially when playing standing. The way I see it there are basically two methods (not counting everything in between): 1. classical Thumb is held vertically on the back of the neck. Palm is free of neck. Pros: Easy to fret complicated phrases using fingers 1-4, barre chords Cons: Hard to bend, the guitar (neck) is very unstable unless you press down with your right palm to fixate it. 2. Baseball The neck is held like a baseballbat. Palm is pressed against back of neck. Pros: Possible to use thumb for bass notes, easier to bend, the guitar is held firmly and stable. Cons: Playing phrases up the neck seem difficult especially when using the pinky, cant do barre chords My instruction material tells me that the correct way is the classical thumb behind neck. But the only way i can use this method is when I'm sitting down with the guitar completely pinched between my right leg and upper body, which isn't very comfortable in the long run. How do you grip the neck and how do you stabilize the guitar? Help is much appreciated!!

just started playing with a thumb pick ...

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:39:38 CST

... so I've been playing fingerstyle guitar for about two years now (I wouldn't say I'm bad, but I don't tell anyone I'm good). I just recently have been playing with a thumb pick so that I could do some more Chet Atkins stuff, and I also thought that this would open up more possibility for my playing. But I don't know where to being with flat picking/strumming. I'd really like to learn some Old Time stuff, folk, gospel, etc. Can anyone give me some more information, or point me in the right direction? I appreciate any help. Thank you, Ben

This here tuition bundle on Amazon

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:43:13 CST

[url]http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flatpicking-Essentials-Acoustic-Guitars-Private/dp/1890490075/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267371572&sr=8-1[/url] Has anyone tried any of these three books in the offer? Admittedly I do already have a couple of books and DVD's floating about (including the Homespun Tony Rice double dvd that I've been nervous about tackling) that I really should get some proper use out of first...

Help with runs in key of E

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:22:38 CST

Hey y'all, I've been a guitarist for almost ten years, but just recently getting into flatpicking. And I'm new to the forum and definitely enjoying it. Me and a friend are doing a parody version of "Gin & Juice" for an event coming up. We're doing it in the key of E (only an E and A in the whole song), and I wanted to do some flatpicking runs in it instead of just doing a solo out of a blues/pentatonic scale. Can anyone recommend any good licks, runs, or scales? Thanks so much and I look forward to getting to know the site and everyone soon. Cheers. -tb

...electric bass (w/amp) @ Bluegrass jam?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:37:36 CST

What are the feelings on the use of a Carvin solid body electric bass (w/amp) in Bluegrass jams? Thanks for any comments.

Rhythm or lead

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:36:32 CST

This may not be a new thread,but i'll ask anyway! what percentage roughly ! would rhythm back up be to tunes and songs in my learning flatpick guitar,I seem to be spending a lot of time learning fiddle tunes and only minimal time on back up?

Best Starter DVD's

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:09:27 CST

What are the best DVD to learn from? I have played Guitar 8 years not well and Mandolin 5 very well. I want to start from scratch to learn all techniqes of a Flatpicker.

Finding a Chord Progression

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 9 Feb 2010 12:41:43 CST

Hey everybody, I'm sorry if this has been covered before, I must have missed it. I am a beginner, and yesterday while messing around with some chords - E, E7, A7,? I can hear it wants to go somewhere, but with my limited chord knowledge, I can't find one that fits. I'm not even sure if E is the key, or if I'm starting on a fifth. Take pitty on me I can't do barr chords, so please find my small hands an easy chord, that sound great. Thanks, I really did know theory pretty good thirty thirty-five years ago...use it or loose it. [:)] Any way thanks for any ideas y'all come up with...

Jens & Uwe Kruger Banjo & Guitar Florida Workshop

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 19:53:36 CST

Hello Everyone - Please come and join us and enjoy what will prove to be a wonderful event. www.fretmentor.com is sponsoring the “Southeast Florida Jens & Uwe Kruger’s Banjo and Guitar Workshop” which will be held in Lake Worth, Florida on April 9-10, 2010. This weekend workshop will allow banjoists and guitarists an opportunity to receive hands on instruction from two of the finest performers in their field. Many consider Jens Kruger to be one of the top three banjo players in the world today. See my interview with Jens in the August issue of Banjo Newsletter. This event is sponsored by: First Quality Musical Supplies, Deering Banjos, Banjo Newsletter, Intellitouch Tuners, Homespun Music Instruction, Epiphany Lutheran Church & School, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, and Acoustic Guitar Magazine. If the workshop alone was not enough, attendees will have the opportunity to win one of two banjos. In addition, tuners, instructional DVDs, and other prizes will be raffled. Apart from the Friday & Saturday workshop, on Sunday April 11th, the Kruger Brothers will be performing with legendary fiddler Bobby Hicks and a guest mandolin player (to be announced) at the Four Arts Library in Palm Beach. We have arranged to have a block of some of the best tickets available to the public for purchase by workshop attendees. Event: Jens & Uwe Kruger’s Banjo and Guitar Workshop Date: April 9-10, 2010 (Additional Sunday concert in Palm Beach) Location: Epiphany Lutheran Church & School, 4460 Lyons Rd. Lake Worth, Florida 33467 Registration Fees & Information: Go to www.fretmentor.com for details Contact Person: David (david@fretmentor.com)

Flatpicking: Does your hand "float"?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 18:31:03 CST

On the strumming/picking hand, does any part of your hand touch the body of the guitar or the strings? When I strum my hand floats (not touching anything), which is very logical. But when I'm flat picking, I can't keep the palm part of my thumb from touching the top strings, like almost lightly laying on them to keep from too much excess movement or lack of control. Is this bad? I've been doing it forever and am starting to think it's a bad habit I've been doing too long because maybe it could affect the sound, especially if a pick-up were installed. Does your picking hand "float" and not touch anything while flatpicking? [?]

Kaufman vol 1,2 and 3

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 7 Feb 2010 20:06:40 CST

Homespun basics DVD's, are they worth it?

Proper way to hold a flat pick

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 7 Feb 2010 09:58:46 CST

I'm sure this sounds really simple but I'm talking about playing good bluegrass rhythm. It seems to move when I play anything very fast. I've been use to old time country where you drag a little coming back up across the strings. Hope this makes sense. I use a heave triangle pick with an eagle on it. Just wondered if I could get a better bluegrass rhythm by changing something. I'm getting a little older and still have a lot to learn about the guitar. Any pictures would help a lot. Thanks Paul I've wore a hole through the pick guard and partly through the wood from my little finger dragging while playing rhythm.

Any guitar teacher recommendations?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 7 Feb 2010 09:25:09 CST

Hi, I am wondering if any one can recommend me a good theory oriented guitar teacher. Distance may not matter as some of teachers can teach via webcam. Thanks.

Anybody buy the new Clarence White book

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 5 Feb 2010 15:37:14 CST

I just ordered one on Rowlands site, that anm my New Collings D1 AV, boy am I gonna have fun[:D]

Playing Bluegrass 8-Week Class - Jupiter, FL

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 5 Feb 2010 09:37:48 CST

This class, as outlined in three issues of Banjo Newsletter, offers an opportunity for all musicians (banjo, mandolin, guitar, fiddle and bass) to learn how to perform together. The class regularly attracts approximately 30-35 students. The class is not an open jam but is an instructional workshop for those interested in learning to play bluegrass with others. See www.fretmentor.com for details. Check out News & Events (Classes & Workshops) or to access flyer: click the following link: http://www.fretmentor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:bluegrass-performance-class&catid=49:music-classes-and-workshops&Itemid=16

righthand technique

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 3 Feb 2010 06:52:47 CST

Can any of you experienced flatpickers give me some advice on wether to post or not, i'm practicing both but i dont know which to persevere with?(canyou mix them)

Favorite non-traditional songs to flatpick?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 11:23:45 CST

All, Just curious what songs other than traditional bluegrass you all flatpick? I've been working on a flatpicking version of "Me and Bobby McGee". Does anyone apply flatpick style to today's country music or pop songs? Thanks

A Few Rookie Questions...

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 09:01:35 CST

Hey everyone! I've been playing for a few years, and I've finally decided to dabble in the dark side of things by picking up some bluegrass. I picked up Homespun's All Star Bluegrass Jam book, which has really good tabs for basic melodies for a lot 21 popular songs. Just a few questions so far...I understand that I have a lot of them, but I sure would appreciate if someone could fill me in on some of this. 1. With rhythm, is a bass run necessary between all chord changes? I've been able to work out a few pretty reliable runs between G and C, and then C to D, but I cannot quite nail something for C to G. Sometimes chord changes happen very quickly, and I can't see how there would be much time for a bass run between some of them. 2. Also with rhythm, how does one go about consistently hitting the correct down or up bass note during really quick chord changes? I'm working on Bill Cheatham right now, and during the B part, there is a rapid bit of G, C, D, G, with each chord taking up a half measure. I'm finding that keeping the bass steady is very tricky here...for example, if the measure starts on D and then goes to G, one would want to hit the D string on 1 and then the A string on three (since the higher bass should be played on the second bass note of the measure), correct? 3. This one is a little more open ended, but how exactly are most runs composed? I've been playing the blues for a little while, and most everything I've come across has been based on the minor pentatonic. From what I can tell, bluegrass runs tend to be based on the major scale...am I correct in this thinking? 4. This one is even more open ended...but what exactly is a run? I worked my way through playing the A part of Bill Cheatham at about 120 bpm last night. When one plays a run, do they just play the regular A part of a song with more embellishment, or is it usually something completely improvised? Or could it be both, depending on the player's level? If someone were to just play the lead part as a run, would that actually be considered a run? 5. This one is about keys...from what I can tell, most popular bluegrass music consists of about 50 songs (I'm sure there are hundreds more, but I do seem to keep running into the same ones over and over again). Are all songs played in all keys, or do they mostly have a common key that they are played in? Referencing Bill Cheatham again, I am learning the song with G chords, capo'd at the second fret, so I am playing it in A. When playing with someone else, I could now play it in G without a capo, A with a capo at the 2nd, or if they wanted to play it in B, I could capo on the 4th. Is it ever played in C or D, though? I guess what I'm asking is, should I learn every song that I play in all of the common keys, or are bluegrass songs generally kept to one key or another? Thanks a whole bunch, this whole genre is a little bit intimidating :)

Key changes

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:18:05 CST

Hey all: I love the added excitement when a tune modulates mid-tune, especially up a half-step. For my own amusement and jamming with friends, I'm trying to figure out a way to play the head of "Limehouse Blues" in your usual G, and then after the head modulate to Ab (another common key for that tune). One idea that sort-of worked was to go to G7, then a Gº, jump up in 3rds to Dbº (same thing as Gº) then start in on Db7 (first chord of "Limehouse Blues in Ab). This works, but sounds a little ungainly in practice. What are some ways to figure out modulations? I don't just mean your average I to IV or I to V, but to any key. Obviously there's theory behind it, and I'd appreciate some help. 73, Brennen

Tapping in 2/4 time when playing at fast speed on

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:27 CST

Hello New member I am learning Eight of January which is a 4/4 tune However, I find that when you start to gain speed it is hard to maintain four beats to each measure or bar with your foot. Is it acceptable to treat the tapping as in 2/4 time so that your foot beat only gets to tap twice per measure instead of four when it becomes fast. Ronald

The best beginner courses

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:03:42 CST

Hi, I started learning the guitar 3 weeks ago, and I need structured program , or study to start me from basics all the way to intermediate , or advanced level. Any courses, distance learning packages, DVDs, or any wholistic approach to the guitar is fine. I would like to learn mainly the Blues. Any recommendations?. Thanks.

Fingering Open G Chord

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:20:31 CST

Hi: Brand new to FPHO and trying to learn Bluegrass flatpicking (after years of Banjo playing). I'd appreciate advice on exercises or techniques I can use to help me finger a G chord with my 3, 4 and 5 fingers (Middle, ring and pinkie). I don't have small hands, but I'm having trouble stretching my ring finger across to the 6th string without damping the 5th string. I can't seem to arch my ring finger enough. It works OK if I finger the chord and stay in position. But as soon as I move my index finger (like to note the 4th string) I can't hold the ring finger in position. Is this something that will come with time? Is there something I can do to improve my flexibility? Alternatively, would it be bad just to go back to fingering G with Index, middle ring? Or will that hurt me trying to play barre chords up the neck? Thanks much, Marshall

How do you get the best "acoustic" tone?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:16:56 CST

How do you get the purist acoustic tone when performing or recording? When it comes to what is true "acoustic", I think the legendary flatpicker Dan Crary said it best: "Acoustic-er Than Thou" Einstein is reputed to have said, "The downfall of this generation will be in a perfection of means and a confusion of ends." It was a comment about technology, of course; and one of the best examples of the perfect confusion of means and ends Einstein warned about is right in our laps (literally), in the technology of sound reinforcement for acoustic guitars. 'Gotta get this off my chest... It's time to lash out one more time against that bad old argument about acoustic guitar pickups. It always cloaks itself in the sanctimony of "acoustic" vs. "electric" instruments. Every time I think we've beat this one to death it comes out in print one more time. I'm sure you've heard the acoustic-er-than-thou sanctimony that makes a plugged-in guitar unrighteous, inauthentic, and evil: "When y'all plug in the git-tar, that electrocutes the music, right there!" There's a big-ol' flaw in this, my friends: When we side-up on either side of this debate we're discussing the wrong question. What we're really talking about isn't about "acoustic" vs. "electric" at all, and I'll tell you why: it's because the acoustic guitar is dead... it doesn't exist anymore. Okay, okay, before you get too mad, and now that I have your attention, I'll back off that, but please hear me on this important point: Nobody hears the steel-string guitar played professionally in a real acoustic performance anymore, because virtually all public, professional performances of acoustic guitar are played either over pickups or that other method of plugging-in, microphones. So you go out to the average music gig and hold your beautiful acoustic guitar up to the average little dynamic microphone. Ten years ago the mic cost 90 bucks, it's been out there in the wind and rain with rock 'n roll singers screaming and spitting into it these ten years, the windscreen is dented and scratched from falling and getting knocked around, and inside it the filament's corroded and warped. The audience does not hear your guitar "acoustically" at all, they hear it mediated by that electronic device called a "microphone" which uglifies the sound of your guitar in a different, but equally distorting way, just like that electronic device called the "pickup." Both of these electronic devices amplify and distort your guitar in different but equal ways, and if you use a mic, you're just as "plugged-in" as if you used a pickup. Now, to give the acoustic righteousness folks their due, let's admit one thing: the average time you've heard a lovely acoustic played over a pickup, it sounded terrible, wretched, awful. Am I right? Yes I am. That's not an indictment of pickups per se, but it's the stone truth, and we players must shoulder some of the blame. But on the other hand, in most gatherings of guitar folks, I guess I would be the guy who, since playing my first pro gig forty years ago last spring, would have heard more guitars played "acoustically" over more microphones than just about anybody else in the room. So help me, 95 times out of a hundred, guitars I've heard played over microphones (so-called "acoustically") also sounded terrible, wretched, awful. It's a different kind of awful, but most microphones sound bad, real bad. Here's the point: We're never going to solve the problems of pickup systems until we realize that "acoustic vs. electric" is a useless argument, when virtually all acoustic guitars are plugged in, either through a pickup or a mic, and we won't solve them until we call a truce in the "acoustic-er-than-thou" wars. Maybe if we got on one another's side, we could realize that the real debate is, what sound do we want and how can we use pickup and microphone systems to achieve it? That one, my friends, would be a righteous cause we could collaborate on. Dan Crary 17 October 2001 [url]http://dancrary.com/danrant/acousti...an_thou.html[/url]

New picker want to learn Bluegrass

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:46:25 CST

Hi, I would like to know some good DVDs to start with and maybe a book. I want to buy a martin D-18. I guess this is a good start? Thanks Ron

Is Jazz guitar the best to start?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:49:04 CST

Hi, I am a beginner, and somebody on youtube mentioned that if you are good at Jazz guitar, you can play all guitar styles with no problem. Is this true?, is Jazz guitar the "mother" of all guitar learning. Thanks.

How Many of You Mic Your Guitar?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 06:47:40 CST

At this time, I'm not really fond of pickups so I mic my guitar through a PA. I bought an SHS Audio PA system and I mic my guitar through one of the channels and sing through another. I play small venues as a solo, so this works well for me. I'm just wondering how many of you mic in lieu of installing pickups on your guitars.

The 'fiddle' sound

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:05:20 CST

Was just running through Blackberry Blossom, and was thinking that it was a great tune to emulate the 'fiddle' step on guitar. (That little bounce that the fiddle has. It's what keeps the folks dancin', I believe) Does anyone have any practical advice on how to achieve that fiddle timing? It seems simpler to do on certain songs than others.

CENS Affliction?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 10:27:43 CST

Anyone else fight "Constant Eigth Note Syndrome"? As the Molly Tuttle video recently posted, and versatile notables Tony Rice and Norman Blake have demonstrated, there's a pick-strum technique that is old, and very effective for flatpicking. Especially when playing solo. Molly uses it to good affect, while breaking into a nice linear CEN phrase a few times to mix it up.

Alright.....feed my brain please.....:)

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 5 Jan 2010 17:49:42 CST

Ok, I am sooooooooo glad I have some stumbled my way to this site. So here I am. I have been playing since Aug of 2009 and am 34(not that it matters..LOL) I can strum well and play my major chords. BUT, the way I have been learning is by videos on youtube and such. You know the "Learn Big Green Tractor" etc etc. Problem is that it doesn't seem to really get me any where. Sure I can kinda muff my way through the songs I learn that way and can play them over while getting better at that song. But the last couple of weeks I have been trying to just kinda play my own thing and it is where I met my road block so to say. I get in this habit were I'll end up playing the same thing over and over.......G to C to G throw in an E, A and such in between and so on. Then I decided enough was enough and I want to LEARN and broaden my horizon. I love bluegrass, county and folk music which led me to this site by watching a youtube video on flatpicking. I was blown away and decided that I WILL learn it. How is the question? Cant really do the private lesson thing right now so I'm looking for the knowledge of those whom know where to look and or what to buy in learning materials. Where should I start and so on. I started reading into theory but...yeah.....ahhhh...I stopped(for now atleast). I guess I just haven't found the right sites or peoples materials to use. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Rob Also to note if email is better for correspondence mine is in my profile.

Playing advice from a 12 year old

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:01:32 CST

[url]http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/myhangout/videos.asp?m=d&catID=0&id=2113&genreID=0&styleID=0[/url]

A different harmonic tuning method...

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 17:15:16 CST

Yeah, I know, everybody uses digital tuners these days, but what if the battery goes dead? What if you leave in in your coat pocket, and forget your coat??? What if you step on it, or the dog eats it??? [;)][;)][;)] (actually, maybe now that I think about it, maybe that's not a joke!!! I distinctly recall a dog destroying some guitar gizmo of my brother-in-law's!) And I'm sure there are a few Luddites here that will like it... or maybe you know some Luddites in your jamming circle you could show it to. When I was taking classical guitar lessons, I learned a harmonic tuning method, tuning the harmonic on the fifth fret of the E string with the harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string, and so on to the G. I found the results better than the 5th fret to the next open string method I started out with. The point of using the harmonics is to cut the frets out of the equation so any inaccuracies in the fret placement won't affect the tuning. The results weren't perfect, and certainly not better than digital tuners. I think the problem was that the pitches were higher on the average, and when I got to the D and G strings, it was hard to hear the beats correctly. Recently though, I came up with an alternate harmonic tuning method. I call it the Octave Harmonic Tuning Method. I guess. Anyway, assuming you start with the E string, you sound the harmonic at the 12th fret of the E string, then the harmonic on the 7th fret of the A string. (somehow I find I can hear the "beats" of an out-of-tune note better this way) Then the 12th fret harmonic of the A string with the 7th fret harmonic of the D string. Then the 12th fret harmonic of the D string with the 7th fret harmonic of the G string. Then, the 7th fret harmonic of the E string with the 12th fret harmonic of the B string Then, the 7th fret harmonic of the A string with the 12th fret harmonic of the E string. I find the results I get with this method are VERY good, very pleasing to the ear when playing chords. One reason I like this method is that I tune the guitar a half step flat, to D#G#C#F#A#D# (or EbAbDbGbBbEb) And a regular guitar tuner won't do that, unless you use a capo, and the capo might not allow the strings to slip freely when tuning, and it'll be inaccurate. So you really want a chromatic tuner. And if my chromatic tuner is gone missing or in an inconvenient location (like in my fiddle case) it's quicker just to use this method. I've never heard of this method before, but it can't be something new, could it??? Anybody used anything like it before??? Michael

boom chuck

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 09:35:55 CST

sorry, ive seen it mentioned a couple of times , but whats boom chuckin on the guitar, i guess it,s some kinda rythem playin, but what exactly

Best way for a beginner to learn songs

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 1 Jan 2010 20:49:28 CST

So I am a recent banjo player - turned guitar player (no more jokes aimed at me anymore, haha), and am trying to learn some songs. It seems as if a good way for me to create my own picking is to play along with "jam tracks" that i can buy over the internet. Anybody have any good websites? Thanks, J

Flatpicking Guitar Method

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:26:45 CST

What's the best flatpicking guitar method dvd's? Is there like a course that I can take? Like the Murphy Method or something?

Exodus/ Johnboy 109

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 18:08:43 CST

I,m Off to Peru [8D]

Another Question About Speed

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 05:24:18 CST

Hello , My speed goal is to play anything I want at 140 BPM ( 280 BPM depending how you count the notes. ) I am working with Steve Kauffman's Picking Up Speed DVD and making great progress with BIg Mon , and I'll work with that arrangement until I reach 140 BPM . I wonder if each new arrangement I work with take less and less time until I can play anything at 140 if I like ? The theory of muscle memory seems to work if your working on a specific arrangement , but how does that translate to improvising , were you don't know what your going to play until you play it ? I 'm not trying to rush this along , I more curious then anything. Thanks John

Right hand technique - Rest strokes

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:14:24 CST

So, lately I've been trying to shift my right-hand technique to more of a Gypsy style. When switching to a higher string I am almost always doing it with a down-stroke. Not so much when switching to a lower string though. I've found practicing rest strokes to be the best way to get the sweeping motion down to follow through into that next string. Here's my question. Do folks ever apply this the opposite way? It seems most efficient to apply an up stroked rest-stroke to sweep up to the adjacent lower string, like the normal sweeping downward to adjacent higher strings. I don't know of anyone doing this, at least not often. My understanding is that in Gypsy jazz, traditionally any and every time the player switches strings, it's always a down stroke. Up and down strokes are only used when playing multiple notes on the same string. This makes some sense to me, as you would typically have gravity on your side when attacking a string. However, it seems like the player would produce much less movement if when playing up strokes and switching to an adjacent lower string the player follows through with the up stroked rest stroke to sweep to the next lower string. Is that making sense? I'm finding it tremendously difficult to describe. I'm just wondering, do players do this? If not, I'm curious as to why. I've been messing with it some and it seems like it could be quite efficient. This isn't related to playing Gypsy jazz, I'm wondering about this for general flat-picked technique.

improvise,n

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:25:35 CST

hey montana, i am workin on postin some tunes i learend here just to get some feedback on if i am i playin them right, there,s nuttin like feedback to put you in the right direction, i had to smile at the bit where guys make up there own tune,s i know someone like that,why bother there,s a million great tunes to learn , no one,s gonna know the tune you made up in a jam, and thats what happens he ends up playin it on his own as for the frustration bin there more times thank any but i love the bit about learn,n sometin new . i cant see myself gettin to the improvise,,n stage as you say its how long you have time with the instrument , but just wanted to understand it more ,thank again for the reply,s hey montana,what you want a chainwsaw for [:D]

Software for displaying notes from a CD recording

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:54:32 CST

I've been looking for software that will "hear" the music and display the notes of, say, a solo or riff so I can understand it better. I've seen software that will record what you play and write the music in notation or maybe tablature, but I've not come across software that will display the notes and/or chords being played when you are playing a song fro a CD, MP3, iTunes song, etc. Now I've read so much I'm getting confused. There's a MIDI format which seems to be able to read piano notes you play or from an import and tons of other software that does some cool things, but nothing like what I described above. I just thought this would help me move faster in learning. I feel comfortable reading tablature for banjo and music notation for guitar, piano and fiddle, but when there is no tablature, I'm just listening and picking out the notes, trying to remember and then moving on but it is very slow. I've tried something called !Transcribe and the Amazing slowdowner but they don't display the notes in musical notation or tablature. I've seen some notation in a text file that means nothing to me and I think it's supposed to be read by a midi transcriber or something, not sure. Anyway, I must be missing something. There seem to be lots of software for people creating music but nothing for a guy just trying to learn the music that is out there. Is there no software that does what I am describing? or is there a process that I'm missing. I'd just like to get a little stronger on chord progression and simple melodies before trying to jam with anybody. Thanks. Jerry

Don't be afraid of Cedar.

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:35:43 CST

I've been looking for a "tone", a sound that I've just not been finding. I've been thru a bunch of guitars, all with Spruce tops but still hadn't found "IT". Then I came across a Takamine GS330S with a Cedar top and it is THE sound I've been looking for. Sure, I know, Cedar dents and scratches easier then Spruce but I'm not likely to go beating someone over the head with my guitar anytime soon so I don't see that as a problem,LOL. I'm pretty easy on my guitars so it'll be fine. I've added a black pickguard so the wood won't scratch by the high E string from my pick and I put black w/white dot bridge pins, end pin and strap button on it. I think it looks pretty sharp in an understated way. Very sweet sound, it just sings like nothing else I've played. Not as pretty as my Morgan Monroe but sounds a lot better to my ear. Anyway, just wanted to share and tell ya'll not to be afraid to go Cedar. [:D]

improvise,n

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 10:20:46 CST

i know this has most likely bin done before so i,m sorry but i need to know, i cant get my head around improvise,n it,s like i,m dislexic musicly when i try it , ican learn a tune back to front from tabs or someone showin me or even by ear but that takes time, by ear that is, whats the best way to learn, does it take years or months is there a easy was to learn i know pro,s can do it cause they never have the instument out of their hand, i see the like,s of siera hull and it makes me wanna go out back and take the chainsaw to the guitar, is it just knowin all yours scale ,s i knew i shudda takin music lessons hmmph

Just starting out

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:07:36 CST

Any tips (via video, books,etc...) on right-hand techniques or exercises? I've been working with the metronome, but is there anything with my elbow positioning, wrist positioning, finger planting (I used to be a banjo player) I should be wary about? Thanks!

the width of your nuts

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:55:08 CST

What width do you find most comfortable? I prefer the 1 3/4" width of my CA nuts.

ouch sore finger joints

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 9 Dec 2009 11:53:15 CST

any one here suffer fom sore finger joints from playin. i dont understand i,m playin irish trad banjo for years and could play for hours non stop with no effect,but since i,ve been flatpickin or should i say try,n too, my finger joints are stiff , is there any cure

Bluegrass Class - Jupiter, FL (register this week)

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 10:49:19 CST

A class entitled "Performing Bluegrass with Others" will start this Wednesday, December 9th in Jupiter, Florida. This eight-week class was featured in a three part story published this year in Banjo Newsletter. It is a popular course with 30 or more members in attendence. For information on the class, see www.fretmentor.com (See News & Events / Class & Workshops) or go through the following link: http://www.fretmentor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:bluegrass-performance-class&catid=49:music-classes-and-workshops&Itemid=16

Basic Flat Pickin' book

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 6 Dec 2009 15:46:34 CST

Greetings and thanx in advance for the input. I am a current player of the novice persuasion leaning toward intermediate, BUT new to Bluegrass. I am looking for a book that will cover many of the basics of Flat pickin' (but not like "this is the neck" type thing) and help point me to the promised land. As......before I die, I want to be able to play Jerusalem Ridge.....at speed. Any idea's? Thankyou, Mike