Fingerstyle Focus - Learn to play Fingerstyle Guitar!

🎵 Unlock the Secrets of Fingerstyle Guitar with Sam Lawson's "Fingerstyle Focus" Course! 🎸

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Course Overview:

In this comprehensive online course, Sam Lawson will guide you through the art of fingerstyle guitar, a technique synonymous with some of the most iconic musicians in history. From the soulful melodies of James Taylor to the complex rhythms of Paul Simon, this course promises to elevate your playing to new heights.

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What You'll Learn:

• Proper Technique: Master the fundamentals of fingerstyle with correct hand positions and movements from day one, avoiding common pitfalls.
• Diverse Styles: Explore a variety of techniques used across different styles of guitar music, ensuring a versatile skill set.
• Iconic Artists: Learn arrangements in the style of Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Lennon/McCartney, Paul Simon, and John Mayer.
• Solo Mastery: Challenge yourself with two solo fingerstyle guitar pieces where you play both melody and accompaniment.

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Course Breakdown:

• Chapter 1: Basics of Fingerstyle

  • Understanding the fundamentals
  • Hand positioning and attack techniques

• Chapter 2: Expanding Your Technique

  • Advanced fingerpicking patterns
  • Harmonic nuances

• Chapter 3: Interpretation & Artistry

  • Interpreting the styles of your favorite artists
  • Emotional expression through fingerstyle

• Chapter 4: Rhythmic Explorations

  • Dynamics and rhythmic variations
  • Syncopation and groove

• Chapter 5: Mastering the Art

  • Performance practice
  • Polishing your technique to perfection

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Exclusive Arrangements:

• 5 Exclusive Arrangements in the style of your idols!
• 2 Solo Fingerstyle Pieces that will test and refine your skills.

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Your Instructor:

Led by Stuart Ryan, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience, this course is more than just lessons—it's a masterclass in fingerstyle guitar. Stuart's extensive background as a session musician, his educational role at BIMM Bristol, and his contributions to major guitar magazines make him the ideal mentor for your musical journey.

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Why Choose This Course?

• World-Class Instruction: Learn from an expert who has played for Studio Sessions, TV, Film, and as a concert guitarist.
• Proven Method: A step-by-step approach to ensure you learn correctly from the outset.
• Versatile Skill Set: Become a well-rounded fingerstyle guitarist capable of playing in various styles.
• Continuous Improvement: Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, this course offers something for everyone.

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Join the Fingerstyle Community:

Whether you're looking to play your favorite songs, expand your repertoire, or simply refine your technique, "Fingerstyle Focus" is the perfect course to bring your guitar playing to life. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the best and play like a legend!

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Enroll now and start your journey to becoming a fingerstyle virtuoso! 🌟

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Overview of the Course: The course in question is a comprehensive guide to fingerstyle guitar, designed for beginners as well as intermediate players looking to refine their technique. The instructor, Stuart Ryan, is praised for his clear and professional teaching approach, making the learning process both easy and enjoyable. The course structure is step-by-step, with a focus on patterns, artists, and techniques that are essential for mastering the fingerstyle approach.

Pros:

• Clear Instruction: The instructor's explanations are clear and easy to follow, with a pace that allows students to keep up while learning.
• Musical Arrangements: The arrangements of classic songs like "Auld Lang Syne" and "Danny Boy" are appreciated for their beauty and educational value.
• Technique Development: The exercises provided in the course help in developing muscle memory, finger independence, and control over the guitar.
• Recommended by Learners: Many learners recommend the course, noting its effectiveness in technique improvement and revisitability for continued progress.

Cons:

• Pacing Concerns: Some learners feel the course moves too quickly or that the expected level of expertise was not clearly stated at the outset.
• Lack of Song Application: There is a noticeable gap where the application of techniques learned to modern songs from the 60s and 70s, roll techniques, iconic styles, and fingerstyle blues patterns is not demonstrated with actual songs.
• Practice Routines Details: While practice routines are good, some learners point out that details on right-hand finger placement could be more explicit.
• Missing Context: Some learners mention feeling uncertain about the level of guitar knowledge assumed for the class.

Content Breakdown:

1. Basics of Fingerstyle Guitar: The course begins with the fundamental techniques and patterns necessary for playing fingerstyle.
2. Advanced Techniques: It progresses to more complex techniques such as rolls, syncopation, and percussion elements.
3. Iconic Styles and Patterns: Stuart Ryan teaches various iconic styles and patterns but does not always tie them back to specific songs that embody those styles.
4. Playing Along: The course includes play-along sections where students can practice the techniques alongside the instructor, which is beneficial for developing muscle memory.
5. Classic Arrangements: The course culminates in arrangements of classic songs like "Auld Lang Syne" and "Danny Boy," offering learners the chance to apply their skills to well-known tunes.

Final Thoughts: Overall, this fingerstyle guitar course is highly regarded for its thoroughness in teaching techniques and patterns. However, it falls short in providing a clear application of these techniques to contemporary music. The course's pace and the lack of specific guidance on right-hand technique are points that could be improved. Despite these drawbacks, the course remains a valuable resource for beginners and intermediates looking to enhance their fingerstyle playing skills. It is recommended for its quality instruction, with the caveat that learners may need to supplement with additional resources for more modern song application.