New Here + Genre Question

LeftyBlues45 · #1 03-12-2021, 10:14 AM

Hey all,

I'm new around here and wanted to say hi and ask for some help from more acoustically equipped individuals.

I have been playing guitar for almost exactly 2 years at this point, learned mostly between the JustinGuitar website and transcribing songs myself. I definitely fall into being more of an electric player, mostly playing grunge and blues at the moment. That said, awhile ago I picked up a seagull S6, which is a great guitar, and worked through a lot of campfire beginner songs on it and messed around with some folk stuff. The hardest songs I can play on acoustic are probably Fire and Rain by James Taylor and Vincent by Don McLean, to gauge my ability at the moment.

While I am very happy with my path on electric guitar, I am a bit stumbled on acoustic. I think the biggest problem is that I'm not too familiar with a lot of acoustic besides the campfire songs like CCR I know and Acoustic hits from rock bands like Everlong, Polly, and the Led Zep acoustic stuff. All that said, I HEAR a lot of acoustic music I would like to play but I don't even know what it would be considered or what artists I could look into who play it. In particular, I'm interested in stuff that is mostly flatpicking, some strumming, see examples below. I don't think its Folk, and it could be bluegrass, but I'm not sure as when I search for bluegrass stuff I get a lot of stuff that's different (sub-genre maybe?). Someone who has a lot more knowledge on the world of acoustic, please let me know what I can look for that would similar! Thanks.

Examples:

particularly the strumming and flatpicking (picked out) sections

This one from 5:28-9:58, VERY advanced (to me), but this style is something I would love to work towards. I could listen to this clip all day long, which is why I love to be able to play something like this.

Thanks again for any help/info you can send my way!

-LeftyBlues

reeve21 · #2 03-12-2021, 10:45 AM

Lefty, your videos didn't load. Try pasting only the characters after the = sign in the YouTube link.

LeftyBlues45 · #3 03-12-2021, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reeve21

Lefty, your videos didn't load. Try pasting only the characters after the = sign in the YouTube link.

Thanks, that seemed to do the trick.

Fatfinger McGee · #4 03-12-2021, 11:10 AM

The first video, in my non-expert opinion, starts out with some cross-picking in a country/bluegrass style with a few arpeggio licks and walking bass, and moves toward rhythm guitar. Basically, that style is about singing over what you're playing, to me, so look for singer/songwriters.

Maybe check out 'The Once and Future Carpenter' by The Avett Brothers, and if that works for you, do an 'Americana' Spotify channel.

See if this lesson does anything for you - Molly Tuttle on crosspicking. She's a modern bluegrass wiz but plays across a lot of genres, could be a good Spotify choice too.

The second is flat-picked melody, and that guy is beyond my abilities too

. Sure is nice. I'd probably look to start with learning to flatpick chord-melody, and work your way up from there.

Hopefully this helps. Good luck!

Ben M. · #5 03-12-2021, 03:55 PM

I’d recommend you start with Doc Watson. He’s one of the main guys who got the ball rolling in this type of playing.

You should definitely check out Billy Strings. He can flat pick like nobody’s business.

rstaight · #6 03-12-2021, 04:28 PM

If you really want to get to the roots check out Maybelle Carter. Maybe even Merle Travis.

As far as genre, you can play anything on acoustic. Some may surprise you. I am currently on a Bob Dylan and Beatles kick. Even some Queen.

LeftyBlues45 · #7 03-12-2021, 04:36 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions! Will definitely do my research!

emtsteve · #8 03-12-2021, 10:46 PM

MusicWithRyan.com has some very good lessons to get you started with flatpicking chord/melody songs. I think there are some free lessons to get a feel for what is offered. Very good slow introduction to the style.

zenkensho · #9 03-13-2021, 06:43 AM

What they said.
Learn some Doc Watson.
Also... Billy Stings is great.
Classic songs that fit in here that are easy to learn.
•Old Joe Clark (I play this every single time I pick up my guitar. I just can't help myself. I can probably play it in my sleep)
•Salt Creek (played almost as much as Old Joe Clark)
•Blackberry Blossom
•Boumont Rag
•Black Mountain Rag

Plenty to study here:
https://www.flatpick.com/Default.asp
And here:
http://www.bluegrassguitar.com/

zenkensho · #10 03-13-2021, 07:05 AM

Actually... Now that I think about it...

Billy Strings playing Salt Creek and Old Joe Clark.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YpsBTnB50XQ
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And I just can't let it go without recommending Tony Rice.
Salt Creek is a pretty popular bluegrass tune as you can see.

https://youtu.be/wCXBCCqAiY0

dwasifar · #11 03-13-2021, 08:37 AM

Not quite what you were asking for, but try creating "unplugged" versions of the songs you've been playing on your electric. I have a lot of fun doing that. You'd be surprised what you can translate to acoustic.