7 TYPES of GUITAR LESSONS, Part Two, American Finger Style & Acoustic/Folk
by Rick Cittar
This series of articles channels the study of the guitar into 7 types of lessons. In the last article the classical guitar style was discussed. The next two types of guitar lessons will focus on American Finger Style and Acoustic/Folk.
I hope the content can answer some question about what to expect during the study of the instrument. I can also adapt the technical aspects of each style for children’s guitar lessons, and left-handed guitar lessons as well.
American Finger Style
Similar to the classical guitar technique for the right hand, beginning American Finger Style uses only the thumb, index, and ring finger. A common characteristic of the music in this style is a strong quarter note bass pulse played with the thumb. This approach can be used as a great accompaniment for a vocal performance like in Manse Lipscomb’s “Sugar Babe”.
There are many wonderful tunes that are very accessable to the beginning student. Some traditional tunes like “The Arkansas Traveller” remind me of the many cartoons I watched as a child. Many current songs as well as some blues arrangements are also featured in print.
The development of alternating bass can be easliy carried over to playing chord progresssions with a distinctive pulse. American Finger Style would be a good study for a student who wanted to learn to play a list of favorite songs with a consistent technical and rhythmic approach.
Acoustic/Folk
This style is great if you want to start learning just three chords and whole list of simple songs. Usually played on a plectrum or steel-string guitar, the strings are strummed with either a pick or the fingers. With the study of the Essential Chords, the student can develop the skills to play a rhythmic accompaniment to many tunes.
Acoustic/Folk style can also be a springboard to further study of musical notation, chordal harmony, scales, right-hand technique, and general music theory. The Mel Bay Method is an excellent example that will develop a player’s skills through time and an ever-expanding repertoire. Flatpickers like Doc Watson playing “The Tennessee Stud” display amazing skill and passion. There are many virtuoso players in this style.
