This is all very good information, especially the bit towards the end of how long and how frequently you should practice.
Also, don't scrimp when you buy your first real guitar. I had my first real one for over 40 years so make sure you get one that will last. Also on this point, the big names are not necessarily the best value for money.
ive been playing guitar for 5 years now, just now getting into finger style. and the finger after every bass note was challenging. great lesson. i can notice improvements already
@number1guitarplayer GARY! Im just wondering. If you know sung ha jung. and if so, is his fingerstyle same with your fingerstyle? Just wondering. Im just a beginner and wanting to learn to play like him...anyway great vid! I play/practise what you've taught here for more than just 30 mins a day... hope to hear from you soon! ;)
@BillyTheMoose1 Hi. Yes I do know of Sungha Jung. His style of playing is much the same as mine, in that it is an alternating bass style, using thumb and three fingers. It all comes from people like Merle Travis and Chet Atkins style. Keep working on the videos and they will set you on the right path for that style of playing.
@Fuuast2009 No, you don't have to use your pinky on the right hand [picking hand]. The only time I use my R.H. pinky is when I do Hybrid picking - which is using a flatpick, between my thumb and index fingers and then using my remaining fingers on the G,B & E strings.
I've taken guitar lessons a few times but have never gotten anywhere. Thanks so much for posting these – it gives me something constructive and measurable to work on. I also appreciate your kind, humble demeanor. Even though you're a pro (and probably an awesome player) you're not using the platform to show everyone how great you are. SO many videos are posted by people who want to show off rather than teach. Thanks for wanting to help those of us who need it!
@lajenx Thank you so much for the nice feedback. It's always a thrill for me to know that my lessons are helping people with their playing. Keep in touch and update me on how you progress with the lessons.
Wow this video was very helpfull.With 1 hour practising I mastered this lesson perfectly and I can "confuse" myself and switch over over to other patterns like was shown in this lesson. Also I became more accurate in with picking my fingers while it was very messy in the beginning.
@758nin Hi. I use a combination of both nail and flesh. My nails are very strong [luckily for me], but I know some people have a great deal of trouble with their nails when they play steel-strung guitar. Tommy Emmanuel, for example, uses only flesh, because his nails are soft. Really it's a matter of whatever works for you. There is no one right way. Hope you are enjoying the lessons.
Also this is one of the things that makes stringed instruments so unique -- the PHYSICAL requirement of playing. No two people will strike/pluck/strum the strings exactly the same; the way YOU do is your "playing style."
@dblackbeauty50 I'm really pleased to hear that my lessons are helping you with your playing. Stay in touch and let me know how you go, as you proceed through all the lessons.
This is one of the best videos I've seen so far about learning fingerstyle picking. Can't wait to get home so I can pick up the guitar and try it. Thank you for making an excellent and very helpful video.
@hal7167 Hi. i am playing an Ayers MiCCR. I am the Australian distributor for Ayers Guitars, and they are the best acoustic steel-string guitars in the world as far as I am concerned. i have played pretty much all of the world's great brand-name guitars, and I have never come across any instruments as good as Ayers in both tone and workmanship as well as materials. If you check out my YouTube channel you will see a few clips I've uploaded of some different Ayers models.
I love your lessons, I have been playing, or strumming for 35 years !! I have never had lessons, I have learned some bad habits, and I am not very musical, but I love guitars, so thank you so so so very much, you are awesome, Valerie
I love your lessons, I have been playing, or strumming for 35 years !! I have never had lessons, I have learned some bad habits, and I am not very musical, but I love guitars, so thank you so so so very much, you are awesome, Valerie
@number1guitarplayer great lesson man!! ive been playing for about 5 years now but have never managed to grasp finger picking. however ive just been sat for about 10 minutes doing the 'phase 3' pattern using a metronome at 110bpm, but what im struggling with is getting my fingers back to sit on the g, b and e after plucking them, any suggestions to help me out? - bearing in mind that i am anchoring my 4th finger
@theravingpunk You don't have to get your fingers to sit back on the G and B strings - just to sit close enought to be ready to strike again. In fact, if you put them back on the strings you will stop the strings ringing to soon. Another thing you can try, if you find it's a big problem, is to angle your right hand somewhat more like a classical guitarist [just for now]. So you thumb will be at a 45 degree angle to the bass strings, and your finger almost perpendicular. Hope that helps,
@ALTMER94 Hi Lazar. I use only Ayers Guitars. They are the best steel string guitars I've ever played. In fact, I'm now the Australian distributor for these wonderful instruments. If you go to my YouTube channel, you will see I've put a few demonstration clips up of different Ayers models.
As for strings, I use D'Addario J16s, but I also like Elixirs or Martin SPs. The gauge I prefer is 12-54.
If you are going to use a thumb-pick, you cannot beat National Medium thumb-picks.
For a guy that has learned to play by ear, this was SOOO Helpful ! I'm wanting to get into Peidmont style blues and needed to learn fingerstyle patterns and coordination. This gets me started, Thank you SO MUCH ! Cheers Mate.
@MrLove4guitar Great. I'm always glad to hear my lessons are helping someone to improve their playing. Kepp me updated as you progress. I'm in the process of having a lessons Website built, where I'll take fingerstyle guitar a lot further for those who have worked through the basic lessons.
@juegas Thank you so much for the compliment. I've found that too many teachers assume too much. It's better to really break something down - usually it's then much quicker to get ahead. I'm really glad my lessons are helping you.
Wow! This is by far the best fingerstyle lesson I've ever seen. I've been practicing travis picking for about six months now. There's this lag that I've noticed when it comes to the first measure, after the "claw" pluck 1 and .. 2 and 3 and 4 and... looks like I need to get this independence. Thanks a lot.
@everennui Thanks so much for the nice words. It's always good to hear that my lessons are helping people to play guitar. I realized a long time ago that most fingerstyle lessons skip over the fundamentals. If you get my fingerstyle lessons under your belt you'll be well on the way to becoming a good picker.
@AJBluesman Thanks for the comment. I do actually say in the video which fingers play which string. I'd love to be able to do split screen and close ups, but I haven't had the spare time to learn how to do that stuff, unfortunately. If you have a listen again you'll hear the description of which fingers to us where.
Thoroughly enjoyed that lesson! I've only been strumming but have always been intrigued by guitarists using fingerstyle technique -- you explained each step so well that it didn't take me too long to conquer this. Off to lesson #2 -- thanks so much for sharing!!!!
@goofenewfette Great to here my lessons are assisting you in your paying. I'll be interested to here from you once you've worked your way through the initial series of fingerstyle lessons, and can play 'Shallow Creek Blues' all the way through.
I've played the guitar my entire life but I've never really concentrated on fingerstyle. It's always been flatpick and electric guitars in rock or blues bands. But the last few years, I've started to scratch the surface of all that is "there" in the world of fingerstyle, but it has still been a little hit or miss. I'm glad I found your vid. This will give me a direction and I think I can nail it down pretty quickly. Thank you for these videos.
@WoodenYouKnowIt You're very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and I'm glad that I'm able to contribute something to assist you with learning a style you've not had much to do with previously. I'm in the process of setting up a website, and hope to be able to provide a lot more lessons on both fingerstyle and some other styles in the very near future.
I've played the guitar my entire life but I've never really concentrated on fingerstyle. It's always been flatpick and electric guitars in rock or blues bands. But the last few years, I've started to scratch the surface of all that is "there" in the world of fingerstyle, but it has still been a little hit or miss. I'm glad I found your vid. This will give me a direction and I think I can nail it down pretty quickly. Thank you for these videos.
@nlawji Thanks for the comment. Always glad to hear from people who are getting a lot from my lessons. I have DVDs available for sale on this style and on theory for guitar players.
@samwisemcganji Thanks - I think??? Can you actually hear a snoring/low frequency noise? It's not on the original video - although, this was only recorded with a handycam, so nothing would surprise me :-)
@pp99073 It depends on what sound you want. I keep a sort of semi-mute on the bass strings at all times, using the fleshy part of my palm at the base of my thumb. The other fingers don't have to stay on the strings if they are not playing a note. I just mention placing them on the strings to start with, to get a feel for where your hand should be. Now ... on the other hand, if you were playing slide, you'd want to mute any strings not being played. I hope that helps.
Hi Gary, I just discovered your channel. I'm gonna practice using this video and the 2nd one for the next two weeks starting tonight (I've been playing for 3 months). Excuse my going off the subject, but I appreciate the fact that your channel doesn't have ridiculously foul comments laced with negative critique and cursing from little teen boys (I'm 21). It must have a lot to do with the fact that you're a grown guy who handles himself professionally on his tutorial. Looking forward 2 learning
@MarazAmc Thanks for the comments. I hope you get something positive from my vids. I try not to rush the teaching. I find many instructional videos assume too much and don't break things down sufficiently for new players - so it makes me feel like I'm on the right track when I hear from players like yourself.
I have found your lessons to be very enjoyable and helpful. Your teaching style and techniques are awesome. Is this material available in a DVD (you mentioned one in one of your lessons)? Is it available for purchase?
@MrBebopbob Hi Bob. I do have two DVDs for sale. One covers all the lessons teaching 'Shallow Creek Blues' and 'Sam's Blues' and the other teaches 'Anji' which introduces the player to moving bass lines. I can put them in NTSC format for the USA. In fact a guy from Washington just bought both last week. They cost $54USD for both, including postage. Let me know if you would like to order them.
I've been playing for about a year and a half now, and when I tried playing Angeles by Elliott Smith on guitar, I realized that I still had a lottttttttttt too learn. It sounded like when I first started playing again. Thanks for the lessons.
Gary - old guy here- always wanted to learn how to play the finger style blues guitar. Didn't understand where you were going with the first lesson, but after watching the rest, really got into your style and teaching method. Keep them coming. Frank
Gary , i thak you very much for your kind reply, Im now taking your lessons it is very very good thank you again,please let me know when you have this guitar
@raadsunba I'm very glad that you are enjoying the lessons. I use Ayers Guitars. They are fantastic and very reasonably priced. I'm not sure that they are available in Canada. However, I am hoping to become the Australian distributor in the very near future - so I could let you know if that happens, and you can then buy one from me. It should only be a few weeks before I know whether I have the dealership.
thank you so much. i have pigeonholed my self to about 2 or three picking patterns using only my pointer and thumb. it excruciating learning to use my other finger but i can hear the music forming! thanks for helping me out!
im 20 and ive been playing for about a year now but ive only just now started to get into fingerpicking because im a soldier and cant get a teacher and dont have alot of time for practice.
do you think that at my age ill have a diffecult time learning?
@alexo360 No, I don't think your age will be any problem. If you follow my lessons in order, you'll find that you're fingerpicking will start to sound competent in no time at all. If you can find 20 minutes to half an hour to practice on most days, that's enough. I always find that the important thing with practicing is focus - you should sit down and say, "at the end of this session, I'll be able to play something better" - It could be just a chord change or some little thing.
i've been played guitar for a while now but just recently started trying to take up fingerpicking. this video i believe will really help me out. thanks dude! awesome lesson. :)
Wow, this video looks so helpful! I don't have my guitar with me at the moment but I can't wait to have it in my hands once again to start learning this style! ^^
@assailant85 I do you a bit of fingernail - but my nails only protrude about 1mm. You don't have to use nails. Tommy Emmanuel doesn't use any nail, because his nails are too soft to stand up to steel strings. My nails are like steel, but I'd trade them in a second for Tommy's playing ability :-)
Thanks for the compliment. You could leave the treble E and B strings open, but that would give you different melody notes. However, in another context that might be exactly what you want. That is my point - there's multiple ways of playing the same chords on guitar, and it all depends on the sound you are looking for,
Hmm! I wasn't too sure about that. They are only a relatively small company with limited distribution. If you were interested in getting one, I could make some inquiries here in Australia about having an instrument shipped to you. Alternatively the German guitarist, Peter Finger is a distributor in Europe for the brand. If you're looking for a new guitar, you could not do any better than Ayers, in my humble opinion. I now have several myself.
The guitars are called, 'Ayers'. This one is an MiCCR. My amateur recording efforts don't do justice to the acousticsound.
This model retails for about $2000AUD [which is about $1844 USD], it has a solid Cedar top, solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, Ebony fingerboard and bridge, and comes in a good quality hard case.
I don't know if they're available in your country; if you'd like to get one let me know, and I can make some enquiries with the factory for you.
Great! really want to play this seen many cool and good players doing fingerstyle and made me want to learn even bought a new guitar for christmas can't till then but for now just practing on electric
Great lesson, thanx. Was really slow yesterday but I can do it quite fast now with hardly any mistakes :D. Gonna keep doin this lesson few more days before I move to part 2!
Hey..thanks for the lessons, i am just starting out and I am 28 yrs old. I am worried that may be too old to get decent at this. Have you had older students that have gotten good? Also, for fingerstyle specifically, is it better to have a nylon string guitar? Thanks again. Love your teaching style!
You're only a young pup at 28 :o) I, in fact, specialize in teaching older students [I leave all the youngsters to my son Sam, these days]. Believe me, you are not too old to learn fingerstyle guitar, and you'll be astounded by how quickly you progress, if you follow my lessons. As to the type of guitar, it's really a matter of personal preference. Some great players have used Nylon, but many have used Steel. I like both.
Sorry about the film quality - but I do think my explanation makes it reasonably easy to follow the lessons. I've just bought a HD video camera, so I hope future lessons will have a clearer picture.
Thanks very much for the nice comment. Let me know if there's anything you have difficulty following in my lessons. I'm always trying to improve my communication with people learning from me.
Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you're getting something from the lessons. I'm confident that if you follow the lessons in order, you'll be amazed by how quickly you progress.
I will be talking about some Chet Atkins songs in later lessons. Specifically, I'll probably teach ,y tune, 'Thumbprint', which is in Atkins style. I don't want to breach any copyright provisions.
I don't have bear fingers! I have human fingers!
Gruffington31 2 weeks ago
@Gruffington31 HaHaHa! At first I didn't realize what the comment meant. Still ... look at my hands ... I think I do have bear fingers.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 weeks ago
This looks like a good lesson. When I get my guitar I'll have to start here.
Hikikomori013 3 weeks ago
@Hikikomori013 I hope you do get a lot out of my lessons. Keep in touch and let me know how you progress. Gary
number1guitarplayer 3 weeks ago
@Hikikomori013
This is all very good information, especially the bit towards the end of how long and how frequently you should practice.
Also, don't scrimp when you buy your first real guitar. I had my first real one for over 40 years so make sure you get one that will last. Also on this point, the big names are not necessarily the best value for money.
Good luck.
TonyTheDriver100 6 days ago in playlist Music Lessons
ive been playing guitar for 5 years now, just now getting into finger style. and the finger after every bass note was challenging. great lesson. i can notice improvements already
Choopzilla 1 month ago
@Choopzilla Great! Glad to hear the lessons are helping you.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 month ago
@number1guitarplayer GARY! Im just wondering. If you know sung ha jung. and if so, is his fingerstyle same with your fingerstyle? Just wondering. Im just a beginner and wanting to learn to play like him...anyway great vid! I play/practise what you've taught here for more than just 30 mins a day... hope to hear from you soon! ;)
BillyTheMoose1 1 month ago
@BillyTheMoose1 Hi. Yes I do know of Sungha Jung. His style of playing is much the same as mine, in that it is an alternating bass style, using thumb and three fingers. It all comes from people like Merle Travis and Chet Atkins style. Keep working on the videos and they will set you on the right path for that style of playing.
number1guitarplayer 1 month ago
didn'nt we have to use pinky from very beginning ? or never have to use it in fingerstyle playing ?
Fuuast2009 3 months ago
@Fuuast2009 No, you don't have to use your pinky on the right hand [picking hand]. The only time I use my R.H. pinky is when I do Hybrid picking - which is using a flatpick, between my thumb and index fingers and then using my remaining fingers on the G,B & E strings.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 3 months ago
@number1guitarplayer thanx, it really helped !!!
Fuuast2009 3 months ago
@igorbarakaiev Thank you very much.
number1guitarplayer 3 months ago
Great teaching style Thanks a lot!
carinya18 3 months ago
@carinya18 You are very welcome. Thanks for the compliment.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 3 months ago
Hi Gary .. Great lesson punctuated with great advice . Thanks from Ireland.
Seán
seangroc 4 months ago
@seangroc You are most welcome - and thanks for the nice compliment.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 4 months ago
Awesome teacher! Thanks for the lesson. :D
eccho13 5 months ago
Hi Gary,
Thanks for the lesson, definitely helpful!
I have a question for you, do you think playing with nails or tips is better?
Niko
Bulbuzor 5 months ago 2
@Bulbuzor Glad you are enjoying the lessons. It's always a buzz for me to know that my lessons are helping people with their playing.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 5 months ago
you sir are a phenomenal teacher.
Bsaunsthebest 5 months ago
@Bsaunsthebest Thanks. Glad you like the lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 5 months ago
I've taken guitar lessons a few times but have never gotten anywhere. Thanks so much for posting these – it gives me something constructive and measurable to work on. I also appreciate your kind, humble demeanor. Even though you're a pro (and probably an awesome player) you're not using the platform to show everyone how great you are. SO many videos are posted by people who want to show off rather than teach. Thanks for wanting to help those of us who need it!
lajenx 5 months ago
@lajenx Thank you so much for the nice feedback. It's always a thrill for me to know that my lessons are helping people with their playing. Keep in touch and update me on how you progress with the lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 5 months ago
Very simple and very good lesson. I'm going to follow all your fingerstyle lessons. Best wishes and many thanks .
MrBlade1959 5 months ago
@MrBlade1959 Thanks. I hope you get a lot out of the lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 5 months ago
loved the lesson gary one of the best i have seen so far on the net...no cant wait to finish my work shift so i can try it ..>Cheers !!
Mr88wrangler 5 months ago
@Mr88wrangler Glad you liked the lesson. Let me know how you get on with the subsequent lessons in the series.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 5 months ago
Wow this video was very helpfull.With 1 hour practising I mastered this lesson perfectly and I can "confuse" myself and switch over over to other patterns like was shown in this lesson. Also I became more accurate in with picking my fingers while it was very messy in the beginning.
Thank you so much for this lesson!
BurgielKing 6 months ago
@BurgielKing You are very welcome. I'm always glad to hear that my method of teaching is working for players such as yourself.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 6 months ago
Your lessons are really helpful. Thank you so much.
Sam :)
OpTiCHeCToR 6 months ago
@OpTiCHeCToR Glad to hear that my lessons are helping you out.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 6 months ago
Hi Gary, does IBC studio mean anythink you?
gotalife1000 6 months ago
@gotalife1000 'Fraid not.
number1guitarplayer 6 months ago
What do you use to pick the strings with? is it your nail, or your actual finger? someone please answer!
758nin 7 months ago
@758nin Hi. I use a combination of both nail and flesh. My nails are very strong [luckily for me], but I know some people have a great deal of trouble with their nails when they play steel-strung guitar. Tommy Emmanuel, for example, uses only flesh, because his nails are soft. Really it's a matter of whatever works for you. There is no one right way. Hope you are enjoying the lessons.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 7 months ago
@number1guitarplayer
Also this is one of the things that makes stringed instruments so unique -- the PHYSICAL requirement of playing. No two people will strike/pluck/strum the strings exactly the same; the way YOU do is your "playing style."
Lcr2003 7 months ago
@dblackbeauty50 I'm really pleased to hear that my lessons are helping you with your playing. Stay in touch and let me know how you go, as you proceed through all the lessons.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 8 months ago
This is one of the best videos I've seen so far about learning fingerstyle picking. Can't wait to get home so I can pick up the guitar and try it. Thank you for making an excellent and very helpful video.
-Paul
PaulLeV1 8 months ago
@PaulLeV1 You are very welcome, Paul Thank you for the nice comment - and let me know how you get on with my lessons.
CHeers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 8 months ago
Guruji,Charan sparsh. I am your student now.
cellvampire 9 months ago
@cellvampire Thank you. I am glad to hear that my lessons are helping you with your guitar playing. If you have any questions just let me know.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 9 months ago
What kind of guitar are you playing.....
hal7167 9 months ago
@hal7167 Hi. i am playing an Ayers MiCCR. I am the Australian distributor for Ayers Guitars, and they are the best acoustic steel-string guitars in the world as far as I am concerned. i have played pretty much all of the world's great brand-name guitars, and I have never come across any instruments as good as Ayers in both tone and workmanship as well as materials. If you check out my YouTube channel you will see a few clips I've uploaded of some different Ayers models.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 9 months ago
Thankyou very much for making this video! Really has helped me alot!
qwertyairsoft 9 months ago
@qwertyairsoft You are very welcome.
number1guitarplayer 9 months ago
Thank you so much Gary. God send are. The world needs laymans people like you my good sir :D
bullham 10 months ago
@bullham Thank you for the nice comment. I'm very glad to hear my lessons are helpful to you.
number1guitarplayer 10 months ago
Mate only if you were in Vic, i would have love you to be my tutor
lazy0 11 months ago
nice lesson nice hat too
court02380 11 months ago
@court02380 Thanks.
number1guitarplayer 11 months ago
mate you sound aussie
rock23845 11 months ago
@rock23845 Mate, I am - not only Aussie, but a Queenslander.
number1guitarplayer 11 months ago
so am i, good on ya mate for doing this
rock23845 11 months ago
I love your lessons, I have been playing, or strumming for 35 years !! I have never had lessons, I have learned some bad habits, and I am not very musical, but I love guitars, so thank you so so so very much, you are awesome, Valerie
melody270 1 year ago
@melody270 Thank you so much, Valerie, for the nice comment. I'm really glad to hear my lessons are helping you with your playing.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
I love your lessons, I have been playing, or strumming for 35 years !! I have never had lessons, I have learned some bad habits, and I am not very musical, but I love guitars, so thank you so so so very much, you are awesome, Valerie
melody270 1 year ago
@number1guitarplayer great lesson man!! ive been playing for about 5 years now but have never managed to grasp finger picking. however ive just been sat for about 10 minutes doing the 'phase 3' pattern using a metronome at 110bpm, but what im struggling with is getting my fingers back to sit on the g, b and e after plucking them, any suggestions to help me out? - bearing in mind that i am anchoring my 4th finger
Many Thanks
theravingpunk 1 year ago
@theravingpunk You don't have to get your fingers to sit back on the G and B strings - just to sit close enought to be ready to strike again. In fact, if you put them back on the strings you will stop the strings ringing to soon. Another thing you can try, if you find it's a big problem, is to angle your right hand somewhat more like a classical guitarist [just for now]. So you thumb will be at a 45 degree angle to the bass strings, and your finger almost perpendicular. Hope that helps,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
@number1guitarplayer yeah angling my hand in that way makes a big difference, thanks again, and im looking forward to lesson 2!!
theravingpunk 1 year ago
@theravingpunk Great. Glad that helped. Just let me know if you have any more problems with the lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@number1guitarplayer yeah angling my hand in that way makes a big difference, thanks again, and im looking forward to lesson 2!!
theravingpunk 1 year ago
@number1guitarplayer Yeah man angling my hand that way makes a big difference, thanks again. Looking forward to lesson 2!!
theravingpunk 1 year ago
thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
MrWicher 1 year ago
@MrWicher You're welcome.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Hello there, I am wondering, which guitar and strings do you recommend for fingerstyle playing?
Lazar.
ALTMER94 1 year ago
@ALTMER94 Hi Lazar. I use only Ayers Guitars. They are the best steel string guitars I've ever played. In fact, I'm now the Australian distributor for these wonderful instruments. If you go to my YouTube channel, you will see I've put a few demonstration clips up of different Ayers models.
As for strings, I use D'Addario J16s, but I also like Elixirs or Martin SPs. The gauge I prefer is 12-54.
If you are going to use a thumb-pick, you cannot beat National Medium thumb-picks.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
For a guy that has learned to play by ear, this was SOOO Helpful ! I'm wanting to get into Peidmont style blues and needed to learn fingerstyle patterns and coordination. This gets me started, Thank you SO MUCH ! Cheers Mate.
rghunnicutt 1 year ago
@rghunnicutt You are most welcome - and thankyou for the nice comments.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
nice. I expect to learn more from you. more power. xD
vinceskey123 1 year ago
@vinceskey123 Thanks. Best of luck with the lessons, and let me know if they help.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
@number1guitarplayer sure2x. well, i already know how to play the guitar but i want to learn another style. xD
vinceskey123 1 year ago
very well!! .. now i think i'll be able to do this thing efficiently!!
MrLove4guitar 1 year ago
@MrLove4guitar Great. I'm always glad to hear my lessons are helping someone to improve their playing. Kepp me updated as you progress. I'm in the process of having a lessons Website built, where I'll take fingerstyle guitar a lot further for those who have worked through the basic lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Finally someone on Youtube with the patience to teach. You sir...kick ass.
juegas 1 year ago
@juegas Thank you so much for the compliment. I've found that too many teachers assume too much. It's better to really break something down - usually it's then much quicker to get ahead. I'm really glad my lessons are helping you.
Cheers, from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Wow! This is by far the best fingerstyle lesson I've ever seen. I've been practicing travis picking for about six months now. There's this lag that I've noticed when it comes to the first measure, after the "claw" pluck 1 and .. 2 and 3 and 4 and... looks like I need to get this independence. Thanks a lot.
everennui 1 year ago
@everennui Thanks so much for the nice words. It's always good to hear that my lessons are helping people to play guitar. I realized a long time ago that most fingerstyle lessons skip over the fundamentals. If you get my fingerstyle lessons under your belt you'll be well on the way to becoming a good picker.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Great lesson! I really love your style. very simple and to the point with step by step building onto the previous skill.
Love it!
verenamusic 1 year ago
@verenamusic Thanks so much for the nice comment. Glad to hear that my lessons are of assistance.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Great lesson ! Wish there were close up shots of the picking hand, can't figure which fingers are on which string lol.
AJBluesman 1 year ago
@AJBluesman Thanks for the comment. I do actually say in the video which fingers play which string. I'd love to be able to do split screen and close ups, but I haven't had the spare time to learn how to do that stuff, unfortunately. If you have a listen again you'll hear the description of which fingers to us where.
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed that lesson! I've only been strumming but have always been intrigued by guitarists using fingerstyle technique -- you explained each step so well that it didn't take me too long to conquer this. Off to lesson #2 -- thanks so much for sharing!!!!
goofenewfette 1 year ago
@goofenewfette Great to here my lessons are assisting you in your paying. I'll be interested to here from you once you've worked your way through the initial series of fingerstyle lessons, and can play 'Shallow Creek Blues' all the way through.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Oops, somehow I seem to have double posted. Sorry about that.
WoodenYouKnowIt 1 year ago
I've played the guitar my entire life but I've never really concentrated on fingerstyle. It's always been flatpick and electric guitars in rock or blues bands. But the last few years, I've started to scratch the surface of all that is "there" in the world of fingerstyle, but it has still been a little hit or miss. I'm glad I found your vid. This will give me a direction and I think I can nail it down pretty quickly. Thank you for these videos.
WoodenYouKnowIt 1 year ago
@WoodenYouKnowIt You're very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment, and I'm glad that I'm able to contribute something to assist you with learning a style you've not had much to do with previously. I'm in the process of setting up a website, and hope to be able to provide a lot more lessons on both fingerstyle and some other styles in the very near future.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
I've played the guitar my entire life but I've never really concentrated on fingerstyle. It's always been flatpick and electric guitars in rock or blues bands. But the last few years, I've started to scratch the surface of all that is "there" in the world of fingerstyle, but it has still been a little hit or miss. I'm glad I found your vid. This will give me a direction and I think I can nail it down pretty quickly. Thank you for these videos.
WoodenYouKnowIt 1 year ago
lol no offense but i always had a bad impression of aussie's it's certainly improving now....... :D great lesson
shikharsrivastava7 1 year ago
@shikharsrivastava7 Thanks for the nice comment. I'm glad I'm improving the reputation of my countrymen.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE. OI OI OI!
Fo0O0oTBall 1 year ago
@Fo0O0oTBall I've never known what that expression means??? But thanks for commenting.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
great lesson - thanks so much!
nlawji 1 year ago
@nlawji Thanks for the comment. Always glad to hear from people who are getting a lot from my lessons. I have DVDs available for sale on this style and on theory for guitar players.
Cheers from Downunder,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Great lesson. I've been really interested in this style for a while now, but only looking into learning it now. Thank you so much!
johnnyGcunt 1 year ago
@johnnyGcunt Thanks so much. I'm always very pleased to hear that my lessons are helping players to advance their playing skills.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
guitar from Viet Nam ? that where i com from and it realy suck over there
khangu262 1 year ago
@khangu262 I'm sorry to hear that. It looks like a beautiful country. I've never been there, but they sure do make good guitars.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Is there someone snoring in the back ground, i don't know why because they should be loving the lesson
samwisemcganji 1 year ago
@samwisemcganji Thanks - I think??? Can you actually hear a snoring/low frequency noise? It's not on the original video - although, this was only recorded with a handycam, so nothing would surprise me :-)
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
@number1guitarplayer can't you hear it? listen at 15 seconds. Great lesson though
samwisemcganji 1 year ago
You're a really great teacher - thanks for the lesson! :-)
thejakeyboi 1 year ago
@thejakeyboi Thank you so much for the nice comment. I'm glad to hear that you are getting something positive from my lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
I've been persevering with this for just over a week now, practicing every available minute, and it's finally begun to click. Great lesson - thanks.
intensified65 1 year ago
@intensified65 Thanks for the nice comment. I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Do I need to mute the string after I pick a note?? And are the index, middle and ring fingers always need to touch the strings while not playing?
pp99073 1 year ago
@pp99073 It depends on what sound you want. I keep a sort of semi-mute on the bass strings at all times, using the fleshy part of my palm at the base of my thumb. The other fingers don't have to stay on the strings if they are not playing a note. I just mention placing them on the strings to start with, to get a feel for where your hand should be. Now ... on the other hand, if you were playing slide, you'd want to mute any strings not being played. I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Hi Gary, I just discovered your channel. I'm gonna practice using this video and the 2nd one for the next two weeks starting tonight (I've been playing for 3 months). Excuse my going off the subject, but I appreciate the fact that your channel doesn't have ridiculously foul comments laced with negative critique and cursing from little teen boys (I'm 21). It must have a lot to do with the fact that you're a grown guy who handles himself professionally on his tutorial. Looking forward 2 learning
MarazAmc 1 year ago
@MarazAmc Thanks for the comments. I hope you get something positive from my vids. I try not to rush the teaching. I find many instructional videos assume too much and don't break things down sufficiently for new players - so it makes me feel like I'm on the right track when I hear from players like yourself.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Hi Gary,
I have found your lessons to be very enjoyable and helpful. Your teaching style and techniques are awesome. Is this material available in a DVD (you mentioned one in one of your lessons)? Is it available for purchase?
Thanks
Bob
MrBebopbob 1 year ago
@MrBebopbob Hi Bob. I do have two DVDs for sale. One covers all the lessons teaching 'Shallow Creek Blues' and 'Sam's Blues' and the other teaches 'Anji' which introduces the player to moving bass lines. I can put them in NTSC format for the USA. In fact a guy from Washington just bought both last week. They cost $54USD for both, including postage. Let me know if you would like to order them.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
I've been playing for about a year and a half now, and when I tried playing Angeles by Elliott Smith on guitar, I realized that I still had a lottttttttttt too learn. It sounded like when I first started playing again. Thanks for the lessons.
xraistlininblackx 1 year ago
@xraistlininblackx Thanks for the comment. I'm glad to hear that my lessons are helping you.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Gary - old guy here- always wanted to learn how to play the finger style blues guitar. Didn't understand where you were going with the first lesson, but after watching the rest, really got into your style and teaching method. Keep them coming. Frank
Arauder1 1 year ago
@Arauder1 G'day Frank,
Glad to hear you're getting something from my lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
"There is a difference between playing and practicing..." So true! Great lesson!
twitcher73 1 year ago
@twitcher73 Thanks so much for the nice comment. I'm glad to hear someone gets the point of what I'm saying :-)
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Gary , i thak you very much for your kind reply, Im now taking your lessons it is very very good thank you again,please let me know when you have this guitar
raadsunba 1 year ago
Thank you for this beautiful lessons, can you tel me the name of company that sell this guitars, i like to buy one
raadsunba 1 year ago
@raadsunba I'm very glad that you are enjoying the lessons. I use Ayers Guitars. They are fantastic and very reasonably priced. I'm not sure that they are available in Canada. However, I am hoping to become the Australian distributor in the very near future - so I could let you know if that happens, and you can then buy one from me. It should only be a few weeks before I know whether I have the dealership.
Regards,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
thank you so much. i have pigeonholed my self to about 2 or three picking patterns using only my pointer and thumb. it excruciating learning to use my other finger but i can hear the music forming! thanks for helping me out!
jtmoney85 1 year ago
@jtmoney85 I'm glad to hear my lessons are helping you. Keep me posted as to your progress.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
hi gary!
im 20 and ive been playing for about a year now but ive only just now started to get into fingerpicking because im a soldier and cant get a teacher and dont have alot of time for practice.
do you think that at my age ill have a diffecult time learning?
by the way great videos im a big fan!
alexo360 1 year ago
@alexo360 No, I don't think your age will be any problem. If you follow my lessons in order, you'll find that you're fingerpicking will start to sound competent in no time at all. If you can find 20 minutes to half an hour to practice on most days, that's enough. I always find that the important thing with practicing is focus - you should sit down and say, "at the end of this session, I'll be able to play something better" - It could be just a chord change or some little thing.
Good luck,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Excellent lesson..
tmpc45 1 year ago
@tmpc45 Glad you like it :-)
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
This video is so helpful, especially for people like me !!! Thanks so much....
teal0star0aurora 1 year ago
@teal0star0aurora Glad to hear you are finding my lessons helpful :-)
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
i've been played guitar for a while now but just recently started trying to take up fingerpicking. this video i believe will really help me out. thanks dude! awesome lesson. :)
XMusicxFreak82X 1 year ago
@XMusicxFreak82X Thanks for the nice comment. It's always good to hear from people that they are getting positive results from following my lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Wow, this video looks so helpful! I don't have my guitar with me at the moment but I can't wait to have it in my hands once again to start learning this style! ^^
misstina88 1 year ago
@misstina88 Thanks. I think you will get a lot out of my lessons ... at least I hope so. Let me know how it goes for you.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Hi Gary,
thanks for your effort!
Do you need to have long finger nails to play fingerstyle? Do you even play with your finger nails or do you play with the "flesh" ?
assailant85 2 years ago
@assailant85 I do you a bit of fingernail - but my nails only protrude about 1mm. You don't have to use nails. Tommy Emmanuel doesn't use any nail, because his nails are too soft to stand up to steel strings. My nails are like steel, but I'd trade them in a second for Tommy's playing ability :-)
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
Good lesson
Im not going to watch lesson 2
Until i get this first..
idku711 2 years ago
Thank you for the comment. That's the right way to do it. One lesson at a time.
Regards,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Thank you Sir, a very clean intro to finger style..
E chord is E G# B, why aint play E6th string and B5th string..
samjoshua192 2 years ago
Thanks for the compliment. You could leave the treble E and B strings open, but that would give you different melody notes. However, in another context that might be exactly what you want. That is my point - there's multiple ways of playing the same chords on guitar, and it all depends on the sound you are looking for,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
What do you say the guitar was again?
iamconor 2 years ago
Hi,
The guitar is an Ayers MiCCR. They are made in Vietnam, and are the best off the shelf steel-string guitars I've ever played.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
i just looked up ayers but they are not that readily available in the UK :(
iamconor 2 years ago
Hmm! I wasn't too sure about that. They are only a relatively small company with limited distribution. If you were interested in getting one, I could make some inquiries here in Australia about having an instrument shipped to you. Alternatively the German guitarist, Peter Finger is a distributor in Europe for the brand. If you're looking for a new guitar, you could not do any better than Ayers, in my humble opinion. I now have several myself.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Hi Gery,
Nice playing - what is the name of the Vietnamese guitarfactory and type ?
Please let me know,
Corneille from Belgium
CODRIEZ1 2 years ago
Hi Corneile,
The guitars are called, 'Ayers'. This one is an MiCCR. My amateur recording efforts don't do justice to the acousticsound.
This model retails for about $2000AUD [which is about $1844 USD], it has a solid Cedar top, solid Indian Rosewood back and sides, Ebony fingerboard and bridge, and comes in a good quality hard case.
I don't know if they're available in your country; if you'd like to get one let me know, and I can make some enquiries with the factory for you.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
LOL very funny ! She calls u Gery instead or Gary and u call her Corneile instead of Corneille =))
OstanieKiel 2 years ago
You are most welcome.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Great! really want to play this seen many cool and good players doing fingerstyle and made me want to learn even bought a new guitar for christmas can't till then but for now just practing on electric
magicaljake4 2 years ago
Thanks for the nice comment. Glad to hear you are getting something from my lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Great lesson, thanx. Was really slow yesterday but I can do it quite fast now with hardly any mistakes :D. Gonna keep doin this lesson few more days before I move to part 2!
Feel like am learning something now, thanks.
callofhonor3 2 years ago
Glad to hear it's working for you. You will be amazed how quickly it comes tohether if you follow the lessons in order.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Excellent, thanks
strollby 2 years ago
You're welcome. Thanks for the nice comment.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Hey..thanks for the lessons, i am just starting out and I am 28 yrs old. I am worried that may be too old to get decent at this. Have you had older students that have gotten good? Also, for fingerstyle specifically, is it better to have a nylon string guitar? Thanks again. Love your teaching style!
randikajamai 2 years ago
You're only a young pup at 28 :o) I, in fact, specialize in teaching older students [I leave all the youngsters to my son Sam, these days]. Believe me, you are not too old to learn fingerstyle guitar, and you'll be astounded by how quickly you progress, if you follow my lessons. As to the type of guitar, it's really a matter of personal preference. Some great players have used Nylon, but many have used Steel. I like both.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Excellent! Appreciate the advice and the encouragement.
randikajamai 2 years ago
@randikajamai You are most welcome. Sorry for the delay in responding. Sometimes these things get away from me.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 1 year ago
you are awesome!, I'm learning! thanks
Colderlink 2 years ago
@Colderlink
Thanks for the compliment. I'm glad when I hear from players such as yourself that you are getting something useful from my lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
plzz can u make a video can we can really saw what u are doing plzz thanxxx !!!
wating ....
wewetka123 2 years ago
@wewetka123
Sorry about the film quality - but I do think my explanation makes it reasonably easy to follow the lessons. I've just bought a HD video camera, so I hope future lessons will have a clearer picture.
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
cheers guv, very helpful. the last variations is driving me nuts...in a good way. feels like me brain is splitting. ta.
richardamittay 2 years ago
Thanks. Glad you are getting something from the lessons.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
great teaching style and advice thanks for putting this on you tube
witsend667 2 years ago
Thanks very much for the nice comment. Let me know if there's anything you have difficulty following in my lessons. I'm always trying to improve my communication with people learning from me.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
great lesson Gary, thanks alot! I'll sure practice on this one for a while
MorningKillsDawn 2 years ago
Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you're getting something from the lessons. I'm confident that if you follow the lessons in order, you'll be amazed by how quickly you progress.
Cheers,
Gary
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Hello, Gary Shepherd I was wondering if you would like to make some lesson from Chet Atkins, song.. thanks
saitek230 2 years ago
I will be talking about some Chet Atkins songs in later lessons. Specifically, I'll probably teach ,y tune, 'Thumbprint', which is in Atkins style. I don't want to breach any copyright provisions.
number1guitarplayer 2 years ago
Thanks, gary ! nice video i learn it in 10 mints
saitek230 2 years ago
Thanks for t