1 Lester Flatt Style Rhythm Guitar Instruction Taught By Chris Sharp Video 1 Introduction

This video is an overview of what we will be covering in this series and why I decided to make these videos. Though there is no instruction in this video it might be worth watching just to see if you're interested in the series. Please feel free to contact me at chrissharp80@hotmail.com for lessons via webcam. Also, please visit the websites at www.chrissharpmusic.net and www.myspace.com/chrissharpmusic . I have several CD's for sale with some top notch musicians (including Earl Scruggs, John Hartford, Josh Graves, Kenny Baker, Stuart Duncan, Mike Compton, etc...)

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• lester
• flatt
• earl
• scruggs
• john
• hartford
• chris
• sharp
• studio
• 607
• rhythm
• guitar
• acoustic
• fingerpicks
• martin
• bluegrass
• music
• metronome
• lessons
• style
• webcam

[Studio607Productions]

Thanks everyone! When I get a chance I'll try to add some videos on flatpicking, at least the way I approach it.

[kudzugypsy]

Chris - just curious as to why do you think so many (most) of the postwar rhythm players ditched the thumbpick style for the flatpick? A lot of the older players (who learned during the 30's-40s) i know still play rhythm this way, while most of the rhythm players from the early 60's up to today dont. I'd be interested to hear your theories. this style really works so well for the rhythm in early BG.

[Studio607Productions]

kudzugypsy, I really have no idea why so many pickers went the way of the flatpick I can offer my theories. Around the time using a flatpick became popular coincides with Jimmy Martin becoming popular. He also trained many of the musicians who went on to train many others. (JD Crowe -> Tony Rice-though it's likely Tony was already using a flatpick. Doyle Lawson) Those 2 alone have had a major impact on the use of it. Doc Watson and Clarence (though later) were also influences of it's use, IMHO

[kudzugypsy]

great job Chris, hope to see more stuff soon.

one question- i have noticed from watching Lester that it "appears" he is "pinching" with the index finger on the downbeats also, either that or his index is tucked under and its appearing that way - any comments?

[Studio607Productions]

Hi Kudzugysy, Thanks for your comment and I will be posting a video each week, if all goes as planned. As for Lester pinching the strings; I've noticed that on the videos as well and can only assume that his fingers were moving together as a reflex. I hear no sound that suggests to me that he's doing an actual pinch, though I'll be the first to say that there are many things I don't understand about his playing. Best wishes, Chris

[44buddies]

Chris: I want to tell you as a former "Foggy", brief as it was, you certainly have got the "old man's" lick. Also, it's a wonderful series that I enjoy revisiting at least once a month.

Congratulations, keep up the great work, and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Herb Pedersen

[Pickinbuddy]

GREAT series! You are so right--Lester Flatt's style of picking was really unique...that hand truly was quicker than the eye...you'd SEE a certain motion...then HEAR something entirely different....a most beautiful, understated picking style that really filled out the band. Les...is truly MORE!

[themagicwookster]

Hi Chris, I love what you're doing, thanks so much. Having just watched you play walk on boy, is there any chance that you could do a video or two on how you approach flatpicking and putting a solo into a song. all the best and thanks again.

[kilinreece]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the very detailed look into Lesters playing style! Its really interesting to see and hear a very different approach than the typical flatpick styles. I really enjoyed your fiddle playing on John Hartfords banjo instruction series and I was curious (being an aspiring fiddle player but mainly a guitar player in a band here in Hawaii) if you would consider doing any fiddle lessons! Thanks again -Kilin Reece

[0098apple]

Thank you for all of your efforts. !!!

[DAVIDDAMIENR]

I Love the Studio 607 Video's your're doing.

Great Job,

DDR

[Studio607Productions]

Yes, I do check them in HD and have, since posting that comment, learned that the quality of the first 6 videos was not as good because of a bad camera, bad lighting and basically a novice producer (me). I have learned some about lighting and upgraded the camera. The latest video (E Chord...) is a bit bright but I'm under some time constraints at the moment and to set the lighting up right takes about an hour. I did a easy setup, which resulted in too much light. Thanks so much for your comment.