The Art and Beauty of Melodic Flatpicking

[The Orb]

I have nothing helpful to say, but I can relate. I'm trying to learn how to build my own chord-melody arrangements of songs. I love rock and roll, but the chord melody books I have and the videos I watch are infested with jazz songs. This makes it more difficult than necessary, but I am learning things I can apply to all genres of music.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein

Your right, Carl has a nice style. He isn't exactly flatpicking. He's hybrid picking — a fingerstyle that uses a flatpick plus the middle and ring finger.

For flatpicking that isn't bluegrass, listen to some of the jazz gods, starting with Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Joe Pass. Then check out some of Jerry Garcia's acoustic noodling, especially with Dave Grisman. Then give a listen to some Doc Watson and Norman Blake.

None of them strictly played single notes, of course — few do — but they all sported some astonishing single-note riffs and runs.

Charlie,
If I could flat pick 1/4 as well as Robert Bowlin, I'd never fingerpick again.



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[Mr. Jelly]

Originally Posted by SprintBob

Watching this video of flatpicking virtuoso Carl Miner play one of many beautiful arrangements on Youtbue of his playing makes me want to add this style of playing to my acoustic journey.

I love Carls playing on YouTube. It's my guilty pleasure to do the same thing. But Carl's music that he aspires to doesn't appear to be playing solo guitar like he does on the videos. If he did a CD doing what he does on the videos I would love it. But by the other people's music he enjoys and after hearing some of his issued music I don't I care for it so much. Much more production and poppy. Norman Blake did the flatpicking thing, old time country and melodic playing. Always minimally based with acoustic instruments. Because of the variation he always kept my interest. There is room for all of it and one style supports the other. Follow the yellow brick road.

[Gordon Currie]

I watched Live at Lincoln Theater (2013) with the Milk Carton Kids last night, and Kenneth Pattingale was doing a ton of melodic flatpicking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL8eBrhVTJ4

[SprintBob]

Great responses and that are insightful and inspiring, thanks!

[Moldstar]

I would say if you like Carl Minner, check out Gillian Welch and David Grier.

[islandguitar]

As with Howard (above), Robert Bowlin is one of my all time favorites, with a "touch" that is rare and beautiful .
This live track done in '18, not too long ago. Pretty amazing stuff!