Easy instrumental pieces

foxo · #1 10-30-2021, 06:35 AM

I’ve got a cold so I can’t sing.

What are some easy instrumental pieces I could try and learn? The only instrumental piece I can play at present is Mark Hanson’s arrangement of Freight Train.

TBman · #2 10-30-2021, 09:18 AM

This website has digital downloads:

https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/instr...t-music/900050

You could also try Homespun.com for digital downloads of video "lessons." I'm sure they have easy finger style. Usually with these lessons you get a few tunes to learn and a walk through by the artist doing the video lesson. You buy and then download the lessons. Homespun has software that is free that you can download or you can use the Purple website to view the lesson and download the tabs for the lesson.

Truefire also has finger style lessons that include multiple tunes. I'm sure they have beginner finger style.

To me, they really aren't guitar lessons, they are just giving you some of their tunes to play, showing you how they play them and do a slow walk through of the tunes.

Basically I learned finger style by trying to emulate other professional players. First it was Mark Hanson, then Tommy Emmanuel, Toby Walker, Doug Young, Massaki Kishibe, Al Petteway, Stephen Wake, El McMeen, William Coulter and now Ed Gerhard (and a few others in between all).

I did play as a strummer and a flat picker for years/decades and I also played hybrid style before I went totally finger style. I think you would benefit by picking a couple of artists that play finger style and also a few singer/songwrite types (like John Denver, James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot) to see how to put things together (specifically James Taylor in this regard).

You have a great deal of song writing talent. I think once you get more finger style experience you will do well.

tbeltrans · #3 10-31-2021, 03:44 AM

This youtube channel has many easy to play tunes, complete with both TAB and video demonstration of the tunes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-P...-teBQZw/videos

I suggest you check out that and similar youtube channels before feeling the need to spend money. Since this guy provides the tab onscreen, you really don't need to purchase it, though if you use that channel a lot you may eventually want to support it.

Tony

foxo · #4 10-31-2021, 12:23 PM

Thanks Tony and Barry, I’ll check both these out.

Bushleague · #5 11-01-2021, 04:53 AM

Walk Dont Run by the Ventures.

macmanmatty · #6 11-01-2021, 06:22 AM

If you have Travis picking down or some other kind of finger picking you can just figure out the melodies to the songs you used to sing and come up with simple arrangements of those.
But some other simple songs are

Nine Pound Hammer
Wild Wood Flower
Windy and Warm
Home Sweet Home

Woolbury · #7 11-04-2021, 08:56 AM

I do a medley with Cocaine(Rev Gary Davis)/Freight Train/Larry the Logger(Doobie Bros) That'll keep you busy for awhile

I also like Windy and Warm as suggested by others, and that leads into Hesitation Blues, Hot Tuna approach

mr. beaumont · #8 11-04-2021, 09:00 AM

I think "Wildwood Flower" is one everybody should try at some point. Now's your chance

reeve21 · #9 11-04-2021, 10:33 AM

Some John Hurt will help what ails you! My Creole Belle is a good one to start with. And you can sign along when you are feeling better

davidbeinct · #10 11-04-2021, 10:46 AM

AGF member Toby Walker has a free lesson on Etta Baker’s “Knoxville Rag” available through AGF sponsor Dream Guitars.

foxo · #11 11-05-2021, 11:50 AM

Thanks for all the replies and advice.

Blueser100 · #12 11-09-2021, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbeltrans

This youtube channel has many easy to play tunes, complete with both TAB and video demonstration of the tunes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-P...-teBQZw/videos

I suggest you check out that and similar youtube channels before feeling the need to spend money. Since this guy provides the tab onscreen, you really don't need to purchase it, though if you use that channel a lot you may eventually want to support it.

Tony

Thank you for this link. I tried some of his lessons and really enjoyed them. I am now working on “Daniel,” one of my all time favorites. I am supporting him on Patreon as well. Very doable lessons for late beginner-early intermediate.

tbeltrans · #13 11-09-2021, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueser100

Thank you for this link. I tried some of his lessons and really enjoyed them. I am now working on “Daniel,” one of my all time favorites. I am supporting him on Patreon as well. Very doable lessons for late beginner-early intermediate.

Thanks I am glad that worked out for you.

Tony

Fred_Garvin · #14 11-09-2021, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I think "Wildwood Flower" is one everybody should try at some point. Now's your chance

I know it's a classic, but every time I hear this I think:

We though it was kinda handy,
Take a trip and never leave the farm.

davidbeinct · #15 11-10-2021, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred_Garvin

I know it's a classic, but every time I hear this I think:

We though it was kinda handy,
Take a trip and never leave the farm.

My parents were big Jim Stafford fans. I was watching a couple videos of him on YouTube the other day. He can really play guitar!