How to Flatpick | Acoustic Guitar Lesson

Рет қаралды 255,350

Күн бұрын

What is flatpicking on guitar? Sure, it involves playing with a pick, but it's a little bit more involved with that. Flatpicking is a specific acoustic guitar style, heard primarily in the bluegrass and folk genres, of playing individual notes with a pick to form melodies, solos, and fills. Here's everything you need to learn about how to use flatpicking on guitar, about some flatpicking icons, gear, and more: acousticguitar.com/learn-the-...
For more great guitar lessons:
Get our (free!) weekly newsletter: acousticguitar.com/newsletter/
Join our community on Patreon: / acousticguitarplus
Subscribe to the magazine: store.acousticguitar.com/prod...

Пікірлер: 164

@ShawnBrockMusic Жыл бұрын

I use to put up free flat picking lessons on my channel, and they would get like 100 views, which was a big disappointment, considering I was zooming in, slowing songs down and showing them note by note. Then people started having me demo guitars, and talk about them, and the views shot up. This brought me to the conclusion that people like to collect and trade guitars more than try to learn to play them. Improving ones playing takes hard work, and so many don’t want to put the time in.

@colinpadley1897 Жыл бұрын

I'm afraid I'm one of them, but really want to get more into the learning/playing.

@ShawnBrockMusic Жыл бұрын

@@colinpadley1897 Brother there is nothing wrong with either road you choose; music and the guitar are huge blessings, and as long as you are enjoying it, that is all that matters.

@tbonedalb100 Жыл бұрын

Not me...I could give a shit about what kind of guitar it is...I want to learn to flat pick!!

@ShawnBrockMusic Жыл бұрын

@@tbonedalb100 Brother I guarantee you will do it with that kind of attitude. Such a desire is missing in a lot of people these days, and I hope you will stay with it and burn it up.

@jeffmcdonald7882 Жыл бұрын

Based on reading your comment I am going to go to your page and check it out. I am an eager learner!

@robertshorthill6836 Жыл бұрын

You are a good teacher, my brother. When I was first learning to flat pick a guitar, I listened to early Ramblin' Jack Elliot and Wood Gutherie among others. If I encountered a decent picker, I would ask them to show me what the heck they were doing. Most of the time these folks had heard of the "Village" and the folk scene taking place there. Those of you way too young to know what I'm talking about have missed a rare period of music history. Most of these people from that era are gone now, but the music lives on, if we care.

@richardmindemann6935 Жыл бұрын

We do!

@jstaxcoach Жыл бұрын

What a gifted, humble, fun teacher you are!!!

@michaelploucha3409 2 жыл бұрын

I like how he says about open chords “We know and love”. It is easy to look down on open chords due to wanting to be an advanced player. But , I realize I do love each and every one because of my love of the guitar.

@jeffloewi5632 9 ай бұрын

I really appreciate the calm energy of your lessons. I would have loved to see a lesson on that intro. Thanks

@Nuke_Skywalker 2 жыл бұрын

man this dude is so cool. he rellay has his heart in it and it shows! great teacher.

@mojoefelix 4 ай бұрын

Wow. The information about playing in open position with G and C chord shapes and then using capo to get to different keys is fundamental orientation about bluegrass playing that I really needed!

@ahsistermojo 2 жыл бұрын

OMG why couldn’t I have found this about four years ago. Finally! Thank you, great lesson. I’m looking forward to many more 😀 so I put my money where my mouth is and joined Patreon 👍

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! We look forward to getting to know you over on Patreon (and if you’ve got any flatpicking special requests, send us a message there)

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 жыл бұрын

Watch our newest flatpicking lesson with Alan: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/hLpme6mpqtaqgXU.html

@johncostopoulos7741 2 жыл бұрын

you had me on the first 27 seconds!! Great tutorial. Many thanks

@billallen1594 Жыл бұрын

Thank you. Your enthusiasm is infectious 👍🏻

@Supwisebs Жыл бұрын

Loved that rye smile as you were finishing up your introductory demonstration. Great tutorial, man.

@constanceturner871 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this tutorial. This is very helpful.

@swingmitchellg 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful lesson! Thank you!

@drewcunningham2 7 ай бұрын

Great lesson - after years of only fingerpicking, I am still quite new to flatpicking and definitely struggling to build any sort of accuracy and speed - this lesson has really helped - Cheers!

@shmulik345 2 жыл бұрын

Alan please put more lessons - Pure gold!

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 жыл бұрын

We've got a lot more lessons with Alan on our site: acousticguitar.com/?s=alan+barnosky

@johnmacmillan627 9 ай бұрын

Excellent lesson! Thank you. Will follow

@kimalton6556 Жыл бұрын

You are my new hero. Thank You for or this i am So psyched to practice!

8 ай бұрын

You got me! Thanks so much for this engaging way to start Flatpicking!

@glenryseff9858 2 жыл бұрын

Great lesson thanks

@homeworshipwithmartyandamy7754 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you I will give this a try.

@conanthedestroyer7123 Жыл бұрын

Your guitar sounds awesome!

@daningram3143 Жыл бұрын

Great information brother!!!

@magicdaveable 2 жыл бұрын

I flatpick from the nut to the 20th fret on my cutaway acoustic. I flatpick to the 24th fret on my electric solid body. I have been flatpicking for over 50 years. The key is to practice, practice, practice.

@jdhaole7650 2 жыл бұрын

You entirely missed the point

@tristanbellows4029 2 жыл бұрын

Well my dad was a guitar so.

@logofthelex2668 Жыл бұрын

That guitar must be huge!

@rickturner882 Жыл бұрын

He puts a capo on the 21st fret. Lol JK Thanks for the advice.

@wheninroamful Жыл бұрын

That’s several thousands flatpicked notes a year!!!!! At least. 😅

@toddmcmahon3360 10 ай бұрын

Great tutorial.

@MaurizioMusic Ай бұрын

nice job my friend - I picked up a few licks - learning never ends! 🙂

@dieselman7453 2 жыл бұрын

Like that guitar bro looks class Cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪

@StillPointStudio 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah great lesson!

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 жыл бұрын

Follow along with the TAB/notation here: acousticguitar.com/learn-the-fundamentals-of-flatpicking-on-guitar/

@butchd18 2 жыл бұрын

That's am awesome lesson super flatpicking

@teddyboy252 Жыл бұрын

Good job

@jandouglas5013 Жыл бұрын

great lesson, BTW!

@darrylweller6143 2 жыл бұрын

So good

@rosemarylambin7204 2 жыл бұрын

Good lesson! I mostly play finger style, but want to learn some flatpicking, too.

@vicjohnson5047 Жыл бұрын

That is a sweet sounding guitar.

@TheBamaKid1962 Жыл бұрын

I could listen to you play for DAYS! So I reckon I'll just get my gitter out and practice!!!

@myfavorites360 Жыл бұрын

I don''t flat pick, but love your lessons. Keep it up.

@Illinois-Wildlife-Encounters 2 жыл бұрын

New fan here! Thanks for putting this out there.....

@joshuabrown2248 4 ай бұрын

Thanks bro

@cp1198pc Жыл бұрын

what's a good lesson to turn to after this one? Thanks for this. Great licks that are easy enough to learn for a new flatpicker.

@bjm2762 Жыл бұрын

Looks like some fun examples. Can't wait to try them. I presume you play the first example on each of the strings? Great video, cheers

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

You can do it on each string but not really necessary, the skill transfers pretty easily to the other strings. I think the most important thing is to do it often even if it’s just one string for a short amount of time

@corky1548 2 жыл бұрын

Cool dude 😎

@PartBear Ай бұрын

I’m tuned to 432 also, right on!

@paramesvaridasa5167 11 ай бұрын

Great lesson thank you very much Hay. What kind of guitar is at your place?

@oinkooink 2 жыл бұрын

I can pick. I just don't know what notes to play. Bluegrass has roughly a zillion notes per minute. I usually run out of ideas after the first 3 or 4 notes. Kind of a problem.

@chrisbaddeley5766 8 ай бұрын

Love thre tone of your guitar! What make and model is it please?

@vincentlussier8264 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! That's so like Molly Tuttle!

@user-nk3qx9ko3w Жыл бұрын

Great lesson. What is the song in the intro?

@rdekemper Жыл бұрын

More!

@roberthale2268 2 жыл бұрын

Nice. What kind of guitar is that?

@bswann3469 2 жыл бұрын

That guitar has some serious bass

@rickharris7786 2 жыл бұрын

Great teacher….. where have you been? 😄🎶

@RsqSqr 2 жыл бұрын

Which guitar are you using?

@dakotahstr 11 ай бұрын

I wish i could do that

@pascaljeanne6520 2 жыл бұрын

helloman , very long time ago i play with a bluegrass band , in france and belgium and switzerland ! they were very good , we play in festivals , with doc and tony lol ! i played bass and the guitarist was so good ! denis queille ! a swiss guy , and henri rosset on the banjo ! i love that music ! cool!

@pascaljeanne6520 2 жыл бұрын

denis played very fast licks oh man !

@monkmonk1144 Жыл бұрын

Qual a marca dessa acoustic guitar?

@peterabbey1539 6 ай бұрын

Apologies if answered previously...Can you tell us about your guitar. Looks and sounds beautiful!

@Melvorgazh 2 жыл бұрын

Heyo! I was wondering if by any chance you knew about videos teaching the rolls and cuts on the guitar? I have seen some flute and fiddle video lessons about those ornementations. Regards.

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

I don’t think I’ve heard of rolls and cuts. Love the name of it though

@Melvorgazh Жыл бұрын

@@alanbarnosky5566 Ah! Hi sorry for late reply. Eh, I’ll get back to you about those ornaments shortly. :) I like their names too. Those sound cool and smart.

@Melvorgazh Жыл бұрын

@@alanbarnosky5566 Hi Alan, This is an introduction to the roll by Shannon Heaton from Boston. It’s on the flute but let me seek back for you one on the fiddle which is closer to the guitar as it is a string instrument. I tried to copy/paste the link but strangely it doesn’t work. If you search Shannon Heaton ornemantations you’ll find it quickly. :)

@Melvorgazh Жыл бұрын

There is also Hannah Harris titled: The secret to practice Irish rolls. I haven’t seen any guitar version sadly. I guess it’s like a succession of pull-off’s and hammer-on’s but it’s very confused in my head, especially with the “cuts”. Cheers, Thomas from Belgium.

@cburns3256 2 жыл бұрын

Simple, yet complicated.

@marktabscott5803 6 ай бұрын

What kind of guitar is that? Very nice!!!!!!

@Shortcutguitlssns Жыл бұрын

What was that capo?

@dmac5678 Жыл бұрын

is flatpicking the same as alternate picking?

@darrylweller6143 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of guitar is that?

@billdedrick1914 11 ай бұрын

Great job....nice tone on that Huffman...What strings and gauge used? What flat pick, model and thickness used?

@alanbarnosky5566 11 ай бұрын

Thanks - I use medium elixirs on that guitar. I was probably using a blue chip TAD 40 or 50 for that video but it’s been a while so not exactly sure!

@billdedrick1914 11 ай бұрын

@@alanbarnosky5566 Nice, the tone and bottom end remind me of my exceptional 2002 HD28V Martin..

@rosemarylambin7204 2 жыл бұрын

Which issue of AG is this in.

@CCTOOLE Жыл бұрын

Example two that g run what’s he doing with left hand?

@scoho2000 3 ай бұрын

What is the name of the tune he's playing in the intro? Does he teach it anywhere?

@robertshorthill6836 Жыл бұрын

If you want to learn flatpicking, get a decent mandolin. Then when you understand that a bit, go to guitar. Pretty soon you will become a decent flatpicker. Aso, study Norman Blake. He is a good old time picker of fiddle and folk tunes that are so obscure it's a shame. But if a person cares, there is a whole universe of great, great tunes waiting to be played at festivals and jams. I hope you find other pickers interested in your finds. Bob in Montana

@AcousticGuitarMag Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Bob. Have you checked this lesson Alan did on Norman Blake's Flatpicking style? acousticguitar.com/how-to-flatpick-like-roots-legend-norman-blake/

@folksurvival Жыл бұрын

Why mandolin? I never thought of Norman Blake as obscure.

@giroudsbrother9450 Жыл бұрын

What guitar is that?!

@relevantusername88 Жыл бұрын

Man, why even fight that insane beard you can undoubtedly grow. Set that thing free!

@manbat1011 2 жыл бұрын

7:35

@jandouglas5013 Жыл бұрын

This may be a moot point, but is there a specific way to hold the pick that is most advantageous?

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

Hey Jan - the important thing is for your hand to be relaxed and natural. Shake out your hand a bit and your thumb will probably gently rest against your index finger. That’s where the pick goes. That’s all there is to it!

@SkeetShooter515 2 ай бұрын

I have been playing the guitar for a long time now but I learned most of the songs I listen to. What songs should learn to play on the acoustic guitar?

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 ай бұрын

We have TAB and notation for a lot of songs on our website. New and classic instrumental pieces: acousticguitar.com/category/lessons/songs/instrumentals. Songs to sing and play: acousticguitar.com/category/lessons/songs/sing-and-play

@SkeetShooter515 2 ай бұрын

@@AcousticGuitarMag I’m not gonna spend money to play your tabs I have ultimate guitar

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 ай бұрын

@@SkeetShooter515 OK, enjoy!

@colinpadley1897 Жыл бұрын

Great lesson, what's the guitar please?

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

Huffman, a builder from Smithfield NC

@f69tele Жыл бұрын

What gauge pick do you use?

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

I usually use around 1mm

@davepearce2070 2 жыл бұрын

Which metronome app do you suggest? There are a lot of them!

@alanbarnosky5566 2 жыл бұрын

I like Pro Metronome! There’s a built in timer, and also a lot of options for subdivisions and also long clicks (like a click only every 4 measures). I’m sure there’s a lot of other good ones out there too

@cotyreed047360 2 жыл бұрын

Need more time on 3rd example!

@davestambaugh7282 2 жыл бұрын

So if I play first position in the key of D with out a capo then I am still flat picking but not blue grass. Right???

@alanbarnosky5566 2 жыл бұрын

Songs in D can be played open or with capo 2 out of the C shape. Which one to choose often comes down to the song itself, and really your own preference. I’ve got a column with Acoustic Guitar for the tune Old Grimes, played it out D no capo, you can search for it as an example.

@davestambaugh7282 2 жыл бұрын

@@alanbarnosky5566 What about when it is not a song at all but a fiddle tune . You know the kind of music that does not tell some story that people used to dance to.

@alanbarnosky5566 2 жыл бұрын

@@davestambaugh7282 Up to you! Both D shape and C shape (2nd fret) have their advantages. Check out this vid for an example of a fiddle tune in open D kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qMt1rbCU1ZnNhJs.html

@thrimnak1 4 ай бұрын

What is that nice guitar you’re playing on ?

@papszi83 2 жыл бұрын

hi, what brand is that guitar? thanks

@alanbarnosky5566 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Peter - its a custom build from Huffman Guitars in Smithfield NC.

@charlespatrick8650 2 жыл бұрын

@@alanbarnosky5566 watching this on a tiny screen on my iphone, and was trying to figure out what model Martin the guitar is, before seeing this comment, and finally seeing that's not the Martin logo on the headstock 😂

@steveb9325 2 жыл бұрын

@@alanbarnosky5566 thank you! On my little screen thought maybe Collings. Appreciate the info

@danr5105 2 жыл бұрын

Hi. I am an older player closing in on my third year on guitar. I want to take music theory at my Community College. I ask if you think it is "worth it". Thanks. Here is a course description. Book in under 20.00. Introduction to fundamentals of music designed to develop basic literacy in music. Includes definitions and notation, rhythm and meter, intervals, scales and transposition, key signatures, triads, chords and harmony, and simple forms.

@colethompson306 2 жыл бұрын

I took a music theory class at University my second year of playing and though it was very demanding it’s worth it and will change the way you view the guitar. Keep in mind that everything you do will (probably) be based around the piano so make sure to learn your note names on the guitar so it is easy to translate.

@danr5105 2 жыл бұрын

@@colethompson306 Hello Cole, thanks for that tip.Naming the notes I am playing is a big push as is with most that has a technical linkage. I am enjoying most videos that start out with something like "hre is your guitar fretboard on keys". Thanks again.

@danadardenful 2 жыл бұрын

What kind of capo do you use?

@alanbarnosky5566 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Dana, I like the Paige capo

@priestmorrison6564 2 жыл бұрын

Boy, *you MOVIN like my Math Teacher...WHEW!?

@graycrom Жыл бұрын

OH MY GOD , I've played for nigh on 40 years and this is messing with my mind. The notes are easy the speed is easy, the pick...ARRGGH. That first one I can just down pick the g a d b and hammer on the rest. my brain just won't do the up pick on the b flat and d

@businessleo Жыл бұрын

Im confused Where are the examples?

@AcousticGuitarMag Жыл бұрын

You can read the TAB/notation for this lesson our on website: acousticguitar.com/learn-the-fundamentals-of-flatpicking-on-guitar/

@rosemarylambin7204 2 жыл бұрын

Which issue of AG is this in?

@AcousticGuitarMag 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Rosemary, this is an online-only lesson at this point. You can see the TAB/notation here: acousticguitar.com/learn-the-fundamentals-of-flatpicking-on-guitar/

@tieguyscollectibles9767 2 жыл бұрын

It looks very difficult

@paulmitchell5349 2 жыл бұрын

Why ''flat'' picking? What is flat ?

@keithpetersen9196 Жыл бұрын

Your wrist

@patrickbush9526 Жыл бұрын

You forgot his named after Lester Flatt

@lancebarbarino8178 2 жыл бұрын

That's some bluegrass picking son.

@Rowen170 2 жыл бұрын

Wish you would have taught what you played at the beginning on video.

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

Ha thanks! That was actually just a bit of noodling to kick of the video. It ends with one of licks I show later on

@markforrestsr2242 Жыл бұрын

I subscribed, but maybe prematurely? Are you going to tell us what you're doing, or just do it, and expect us to get it? Too many great pickers, can't teach! Please explain what you're doing, and not expect us to figure it out.

@alanbarnosky5566 Жыл бұрын

Hey thanks, this video is meant to accompany the tab and text at the AG website (link in description), so finding that should help show you what I’m actually playing. Without that tab I agree this would be very confusing. If you’re not a tab reader I would definitely recommend learning, lots of good info out there is in tab format.

@chrisanderson8094 Жыл бұрын

a second camera on your left hand would be 2X helpful...

@tylerstorer287 2 ай бұрын

slow down homie

@lorenvguitar614 5 ай бұрын

Not to be rude, too much explaining. Play something and play some more please.

@aubreynoftall3830 10 ай бұрын

nice song brian!....guitar playing is half decent....i disagree with the d minor chord....sounds bad......the crosspicking is awkward and ome of the bass runs isnt suitable...but hey nobodys perfect....including me....love the song...the high kings version is pretty good

@DaveScarcella Жыл бұрын

Blah blah blah, talk talk talk...lesson starts at 4:40

@rzz9594 Жыл бұрын

He only shows he expertise , great player. Just talk you should talk a little bit more about that …. But get a seat on the View … quit playing and talk more ,more .,more ..quit playing just talk .,