Ragpickin' (Fingerstyle Guitar)

[spickspack]

Age 53 ??? you must have recorded these videos 20 years ago as you look my age and I am 35.

[peacejoytown]

@spickspack I just look young.

[spickspack]

have you tabbed this? looking at Benneb23 you have. absolutely love this tune and you play this with such grace. A touch of Django in some places. If you have tabbed this please let me know where I can find it as I NEED to learn this asap and am left mesmorised when looking at your fingers!! great playing !!!

[peacejoytown]

@spickspack I wrote out this version and is available among with many others to those who purchased my CDs as to show my appreciation. I need some pushes to go on. I hope you understand.

[android125]

Really nice dude.....

[peacejoytown]

@android125 Thank you.

[myrtlrocker06]

can you say perfect :) good job man that was nice

[peacejoytown]

@myrtlrocker06 Thank you. (^^)

[benneb23]

Bravo! I learned about the first half of your version 2 years ago when I got the tab off you site...I think its about time to learn last half. Just need to find that tab again lol. all you videos are amazing. very good style.

[peacejoytown]

@benneb23 Thank you! I hope you enjoy learning and picking the last half of the tune.

[DenisTOMB]

Hiroshi, about 35 years ago Richard Saslow's "The Art of Ragtime Guitar" opened an enormous door in my life. I have been playing the 7 songs in that book, including Ragpickin', all that time but I have always just stayed on the written notes. Your version is absolutely incredible. You have opened yet another door.

Thanks.

I would also warn fans of Richard Saslow that his song has been ripped off by a couple of people on YouTube. Sawlon, for instance, has a stolen version he calls E Rag.

[peacejoytown]

@DenisTOMB Thank you. It is my pleasure. He kindly allowed me to put the sound file of this on my web site few years ago. It's pity to see things like that but maybe he doesn't know the original.

[pjr324]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my comment. You are very gracious and humble.

[peacejoytown]

@pjr324 You're welcome.

[TarrapunchiaS]

Best version heard, really awesome ^^!

Bravo!

[peacejoytown]

@TarrapunchiaS Thank you. (^^)

[RulerOfTheNeck1]

i love your interpritation of his song molto bellisimo as they would say in my country

[peacejoytown]

@RulerOfTheNeck1 Grazie and Thank you.

[superleague100]

wow...that was excellent ..

[peacejoytown]

Thank you.

[mangne72]

Im deeply impressed.Im practicing fingerstyle guitar.I wish i could play as good as you

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Wishing is where I started and stand now.

[paultasker6]

You are a genius and a very gifted guitarist sir. That was absolutely wonderful to listen to and a joy to watch you play it.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed this.

[FyodorShuss]

the best rendition i've seen of this yet!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you!

[pjr324]

You obviously play all the time and most guitar players have one thing they always play when ever they pick up their guitar. What is it that you play?

[peacejoytown]

I really don't have any tune that I play over and over. I play whatever I am working on at a moment.

[merelvh]

Very good!

Your guitar sounds very good too, what model is it?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. That was Jose Ramirez 2CWE. It is replaced by 2E now.

[MToTheArty1224]

ive been trying to learn some of your arrangments from your supporters area and just got done learning how to play "rain drops keep falling on my head". think ill try this one next. since i started practicing fingerstyle songs, ive enjoyed my guitar so much more so thanks for sharing your talent!!

will you be updating your supporters area soon? if so, please put up "killing me softly".

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying your play. I will try to update the site as soon as I finish the recording session for a new CD and a short tour to the western part of Japan starting at the end of this month.

[starcraft1998]

Ragpickin'を探して来ましたがこんな凄い演奏は

初めて見ました！他のビデオもほぼ全て見させて頂きました。もう­大ファンの一人です。

[peacejoytown]

ありがとうございます。

[domoxxox1]

I wish i could play as good as you right on!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Wishing is where I started and stand now.

[DoctorYoon]

よくできた～　sheet musicはどこにあるか

[peacejoytown]

ありがとうございます。sheet musicは私が持っています（一部）。

[DoctorYoon]

ありがとう＾＾教えてくれませんか

[peacejoytown]

I'm sharing them with those who supported me in some ways (like ordered my CDs). I need some push to keep on. I hope you understand.

[DoctorYoon]

もちろん＾＾

[peacejoytown]

ありがとうございます。

Thank you for understanding.

[maxima3503]

Do you have cd's? how do I get them???

[peacejoytown]

Yes, I do. Check the link in the song description section. (right side of the video.)

[jystevens]

peacejoytown that was amazing. inspires me to start pickin more. can I get the tab also. when you have the time? thanks

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. The score for the arrangement is available to those who supported me in some ways. (like ordered my CDs, donated me, or helped me to have gigs, etc...).

[softlyspoken2]

amazing guitar playing!

can you send me the tabs too please?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[pcdion]

So far the best interpretation I have heard on YouTube excelent!!!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you.

[TkdFoster]

NICE!!!

So much fun to listen to!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you!

[forbebe]

Really nice. I used to play a version of this, but haven't in 25 years. Will have to find it again. You have a wonderful touch! Thanks for sharing!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I think I started to play this tune in 1981.

[roxyfoxyjoxy]

That was amazing. i play a different version but this is much better. Any chance of the tabs please. Many thanks

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[burnthetoast]

Excellent -gets the foot tapping and lifts the spirit

...and od course, any chance of the TAB???

thanks and great playing

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[FurthermoreD]

Very cool piece of music. As with everyone else recently, could I have the score? Thanks!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[scapular20002000]

Beautiful music.  May I have the score to this.

Also , does your fingerstyle and beatles work include the tab?

Thanks

Scapular

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[thomasranieri]

This does reminds me of chet atkins, ever play vincent? He did. Hope you keep on playing forever, a joy for the ears, you are!!!!!!!!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Yes, I used to play Vincent but as I said on the other reply, I've been lazy to change tuning.

[TopD90]

I swear! I learned Richard Saslow 30 years ago, but this is assum!

[peacejoytown]

You're right. I think I've been playing this tune for nearly 30 years too.

[mcgeeland]

Very impressive! I too would love to get my hands on the score. Thanks in advance!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[irradical]

Hi could i have the scores for this?

Thanks!

[peacejoytown]

Check your inbox. It's there too.

[peacejoytown]

Check your inbox. It's there too.

[resonatored]

nice one Hiroshi, well done. could i have the score too please?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[spendyourtime]

can you please send me the score? it's great

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[bluesman1981]

would you care to send me the score to this aswell very nice. i mean i live about 1 hour away from where doc watson lives so his music is a big influence to me.

[peacejoytown]

You have such a nice neighbor. Check your inbox for the score.

[Rick13H]

Wonderful!  Would you mind sending me the score? Thanks!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[dbsable]

well done -- would you be kind enough to email the score to me as well. Many thanks.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[JAMMINJOHNNYREESE]

Wow! That is smooth. I'm in the process of learning this song and like your version better. I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming. Any chance I can get the score.

Thanks in advance.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[Frankengelsvoll]

Wow, this was amazing, it is on a acoustic nylon string guitar right? Can i plz get the tabs? Thanks for the vid

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Yes, it is an acoustice nylon string guitar. Check your inbox for the score.

[Chillidog100]

Absolutely fabulous. One of my favorites of the tunes you play (they're all great really). Any chane for the tab?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[swabistylie]

wow how long do you play? you play smooth!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I've been playing on and off for nearly forty years.

[swabistylie]

I am impressed! I am going to ask my guitar teacher to teach me that! I've been playing 5 years

[peacejoytown]

This one is fun to play. I used this song in my class when I was teaching.

[Dan12d3]

this is so good Hiroshi, remember a lot with the tommys playing... thanks for the post!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. My fngers move about 1/10th of Tommy's speed. He is just an amazing player.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you.

[AGenda92]

omg the part from 0:58 is awesome

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. That part is probably the fastest part in all my videos, but really, once the fingers are loose, that is the easiest and most fun part. (^^)

[xtremehockey27]

Wow! That was great. I have been watching all of your videos and you never fail to amaze me. Is there any chance i can get the tab and/or password to your website? I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the info.

[xtremehockey27]

Thanks!

[peacejoytown]

You're welcome.

[WhoLeo22]

You make it look so easy,.real excellent guitar playing

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I've been playing this for more than a quarter century now. It is becoming more like brushing teeth.

[barryb2]

Outstanding as are your other contributions. Can I get the tab for your version?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[0ldfinger]

Hi peacejoy town, this is an amazing performance. I am playing this video in slow motion so I can check you don't have a few extra fingers hidden away there. If you have the tab for this I'd be most appreciative!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Did you find my secret finger? Check your inbox for the score.

[bell1684]

Great Job!

Dont know how much into Ragtime but if you dont know already check out Pat Donohue who is a great fingerpicker. Would love to hear you do a version of Pat's "Blue Tango".

[peacejoytown]

Thank you!

Although I am not playing much these days, I love playing ragtime music. Yes, Pat Donohue is a great fingerpicker. I will keep that tune in my mind. For now, I am pretty much occupied with my own.

[moseymama]

The thing I noticed is the way you hold the neck of the guitar. When a see a guitarist wrap their thumb around the neck,I say,he has not had the proper training.My instructor would not permit me to do this,also your fingers are very nimble.A good guitarist fingers are not grabbing the strings as though the guitar was going to run away.I have all of your videos. Mari Ana

[peacejoytown]

Thank you for the notice Mari Ana. It is because my main instructors were records and cassette tapes and I was never propery trained. I am still looking for a better way though. I tried a classical holding style, but just couldn't rock and roll, so I gave up. (-^)

[moseymama]

No No...I meant you hold the neck properly. Your thumb is not wrapped around the neck. Most of your country guitarists have their thumbs wrapped all around the neck.I noticed you did not,This is a true classical way. With your type of music I think the guitar placement on one knee would be awkward.The classical hold is so to have light flow with your strum hand.

[peacejoytown]

Sorry about misunderstading. Am I? I sometimes use thumb to the notes on sixth string. But I have relatively short fingers, it just can not pop out from the top side of the neck. I see some modern guitar player use both hands on the neck. The biggest issue for me now is the angle of the right hand wrist and the pinky. I will try again with a classical style holding. I have to find something to lift my left leg though.

[moseymama]

I used to just cross my legs.I had a very strict instructor.He played in most of the show rooms in Las Vegas.He played all string instruments. He never wanted to see string marks on my fingers,if he did it meant I was pressing the strings too hard and was not putting the strength in my forearm.I wish I could have kept up with it,he wanted me to be a concert guitarist,without frets. Mari Ana

[peacejoytown]

If he was my instructor, I would be dropped out. My fingertips have so much of strings marks and they are solid as rock. I understand the concept and the properness of not pressing strings. It just my body reacts on the music and forget about all those bad habits.

[moseymama]

He said the fingers need to be flexable.He gave me excersies to loosen up my fingers and to make my forearm stronger. Also with my (right) hand in classical music you hold that hand differently.I wish I had continued.Always regrets huh? I do enjoy listening to a good guitarist and you are surely one of them. thank you Mari Ana

[peacejoytown]

You can re-start anytime since you have a solid background Mari Ana. The sound of guitar can make people around you smile. Just play it for fun!

[moseymama]

Might do that. I have an acustic sitting right her in my den with a hat hanging on it.lol. Maybe Ill take the hat off and start.Listening to you inspires me.thank you Mari Ana.

[peacejoytown]

Good going Mari Ana!

[RaggedTime]

You have pretty darn good "habits" for an untrained player. That is, good as in "correct" from a classical point of view. Usually most players who just position their left hand the way they want to, do it in all sorts of awkward ways. I'm still trying to correct mine from time to time, because it used to cause thumb pain.

Anyway, keep forgetting about other things except music. It's the most important thing after all.

[RaggedTime]

I know where your words come from, but next time don't say "he has not had the proper training", say "he has not had a classical training". Check Merle Travis to see unique, complex and original playing style utilizing thumb wrap.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you for your advise. I like the feel of Merle and Chet' playing. Their duet album is one of my all time favorites.

[moseymama]

But I was not refering to this gentleman. I noticed that his left hand WAS positioned corectly. I just did not say my sentence properly. I am sorry I did not make myself clear. I truly like this gentleman's playing. I have several of his videos on my site. thank you for correcting me though,appreciated. Mari Ana

[peacejoytown]

Thank you for calling me a "gentleman" Mari Ana. Did you take the hat off from your guitar?

[moseymama]

The hats off,yes. Now I have to cut my nails. Good luck to me Huh? Mari Ana

[peacejoytown]

Good to hear that Mari Ana.

[RaggedTime]

Oh, there's some confusion here. I was not referring to peacejoytown as well.

I just meant to say that, next time don't say "he's not had proper training" about "that guitarist who wraps his thumb". In other words I was referring to any general guitarist who wraps his thumb.

Hope this makes it clear now.

[peacejoytown]

It is true that if you keep your thumb behind the neck, fingers are more relaxed and less power is needed. And I find grabbing the neck gives me more drive or groove in playing.

[moseymama]

I dont know if this question was directed to me or not. I was being trained classically.I dont know if I can explain or not. curve your left hand,with thumb under the arm.Your fingers are looser then if your thumb was wrapped around the neck.wrapping the thumb around the neck restricts movement of fingers.

[peacejoytown]

I think the word "proper" was not so suitable for this case. But I understand why you used that "word" too. Let's smile for now and enjoy the guitar. (^^)/

[Remdemz]

That is one catchy tune! Any chance you could direct me towards the score? Thanks in advance and keep on posting.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[tommforu]

Great peice..........I would love to have the tabs or sheet music for Ragpickin'........tabs preferably.Thx

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[Bluesguitarman64]

Very good !

Rob (Italy)

[peacejoytown]

Thank you!

[bigtimeband]

Please help me with the tab to this song?? I've never heard it before and now I can't get it out of my head, I've got to learn it.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. It is a pretty popular tune among the fingerpickers. The score for this is there too.

[pickinpop]

the mark of a great musician is that he doesnt play a song the same way once hahahaha well maybe 2 times, by the way im putting all your videos on my ipod

[peacejoytown]

The thing is that I memorize the song as a whole with feel. So the details vary each time. On the other hand, the score is just a record at a moment I am writing.

[squidwombat]

how come the arrangement on your site is different than how you play it here

[peacejoytown]

Because, I play it differently each time, and the video was made about a half year ago. The basic idea is there, and you can play it as you like.

[golfdom1987]

Great job with a very technically difficult song! As usual, you make it look easy!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I've been playing this song for more than 20 years. I am enjoying a gradual change in play.

[umenan]

むちゃくちゃカッコ良いです。感動しました！！

[peacejoytown]

ありがとうございます。m(_ _)m

[squidwombat]

ok so id love to learn this no matter how long it takes and i have your score. Any tips ?

[peacejoytown]

Play it in a tempo that you can feel the shuffle, then up to the tempo as whole. Most of all, enjoy learning!

[glaoud]

I think at Marcel DADI or Chet Atkins*****

[peacejoytown]

They are big influences to me for sure.

[kanhyoue123]

自然に足がリズムをとっちゃいます！

楽しい！　I'm proud of you.

[peacejoytown]

ありがとうございます！

[yokotok]

すごい！五星！

上級バージョン、何度聞いてもふっ飛びます。

個人的に栄誉をどうぞ

[peacejoytown]

ありがとうございます。何度でもふっ飛んでください。(^^)/­

[alexjs1000]

I want to hear more jazz! Lets hear some jazz standards!

[peacejoytown]

I am not really a jazz oriented player, but if you mean jazzy standards, like "Fly Me To The Moon", I would love to.

[nickandelliott]

Man you are good. Amazing, Blind Blake, Rev Gary Davis, Stefan Grossman would all be proud of you, such talent and a relaxed style. Very enjoyable, have you heard of Joseph Spence? Now there's someone to emulate!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. They are the roots of my playing style. Is Joseph Spence a ragtime piano composer. I remember the name but not sure what he is.

[nickandelliott]

Type Joseph Spence into youtube search and you'll find several songs/playing etc. He takes a bit of getting used when you first hear him, but a genius on the guitar if you listen closely.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you for the information. I listened several videos and found out that I've been listening his songs through Ry Cooder. I even play "The Great Dreams From Heaven" on my gigs sometimes. I love the way he sings.

[philwisejr]

Absolutely amazing! I love it! Would you mind sending out one more copy? I would love to have the tab. Thank you for posting this!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[BuddyBolden]

Amazing! The variations you play the second time through are fantastic; did you come up with them yourself?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. I've been playing this song for more than twenty years, and it developed naturally. It still is developing.

[fodorski]

Wow, am I impressed; but, more so, entertained! May I too have the score?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[azdv]

Wonderful playing! Just a joy to listen to and to watch!

[azdv]

So sorry to nag you about it as well. Its such a great song, may I trouble you for the tab please?

[peacejoytown]

Thank you and don't need to be sorry. Check your inbox for the score.

[sch3rzo]

Really good stuff :)

Do you think you can send me the scores? Thanks in advance!

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.

[danyluis]

Me quito el sombrero ante Ud. caballero. ¡Qué inventiva y cuán brillante ejecución! Lo felicito.

---------------------

I take off my hat in front of you, gentleman. What an inventiveness and brilliant playing! My most profound congratulations.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you! I am nowehere near gentleman, I am still struggling with chopsticks after a half century!

[syncopater999]

I commented on this before. It sounds fresh as ever. I really like the little snappy runs that you add to the tune. They fit really well and give the tune a great sound. Well played again.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you.

[sww40]

Mesmerizing! Great finger picking. Any chance of tabs for this & 'i will', another great piece of playing. Well done! Thanks.

[peacejoytown]

Thank you. Check your inbox for the score.