Fingerpicking Guitar for the Young Beginner

Book excerpt: This beginner's approach to playing fingerstyle guitar uses well-known folk songs to develop left and right-hand techniques. the tunes are first introduced with simplified chords and accompaniment provided by an easy downward strum of the thumb. Next, the thumb and three fingers pluck simultaneously to produce block chords, and finally render more complex arpeggiated patterns. While barre chords are judiciously avoided throughout, the alternating bass concept is presented with "full-strength" chords using all six strings where applicable. While the melodies are shown in standard notation, the lyrics and companion CD serve as rhythmic guides to the student; neither note nor tablature reading ability is required to complete this enjoyable course.