Acoustic Style Guitar Course: Level 2
In Acoustic Style Level 2 we’ll pick up the pace on our fingerpicking. We’ll explore a powerful tool; the capo, which allows you to play in any key. You’ll learn more embellishments on simple campfire chords and we’ll dive into open tunings. There’s a lot to get to in order to master the acoustic guitar, so let’s go learn how to play guitar acoustic style!
Choose Your Access To This Course
Chapter: 1: Fingerpicking Up The Pace
In this chapter you’ll learn advanced picking techniques such as hybrid picking, clawhammer style, advanced Travis Picking and fingerpicking in ¾ time.
Chapter: 2: Gear, Equipment and Tone
Let's take a look at some acoustic guitar gear. We'll teach you all about the capo, various right hand accessories, how to properly amplify an acoustic guitar and recording techniques to make your acoustic sound amazing.
Chapter: 3: Killin' It At The Campfire
In this chapter you’ll learn the importance of dynamics and palm muting, advanced arpeggiation, with additional guitar chord embellishments and strumming patterns.
Chapter: 4: Open Tunings
Different tunings can sound great on an acoustic guitar. Learn the ins and outs of the most common alternate tunings including drop D, open D, DADGAD, classic open G and others. Be sure to open the guitar tuner!
Chapter: 5: Stripping It All Down
With acoustic guitar you'll likely be playing along with a singer, so let's talk about accompanyment. Here we will show you how to fill between phrases, how to fill with your fingers, how to play with another guitarist and much more.
Chapter: 6: Fingerpicking Paradise
Finalize your fingerstyle knowledge in the last chapter in Acoustic Style Level 2. You’ll learn how to play with a swing feel, to make open string melodies, harmonics, jazzy voicings and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 3 to 1 rule suggests focusing on playing correctly three times for every one mistake you make during practice. It’s a way to reinforce good habits and improve your muscle memory while minimizing errors.
Yes, 30 minutes a day is enough to see steady progress, especially if you focus on specific skills or songs. Consistency is more important than long sessions, so stick with it!
Not necessarily, but it can feel tough for beginners because of the thicker strings and higher action (the distance between strings and fretboard). Once you get used to it, though, it’s a joy to play.
Practice regularly, focus on clean chord transitions, and work on your rhythm. Experiment with fingerpicking and strumming patterns to make your playing more versatile and dynamic.
It might be because of high action, stiff strings, or even the guitar’s setup. Consider getting your guitar professionally adjusted or switching to lighter strings for easier playability.
Start slow with simple exercises to build accuracy and speed. Practice alternate picking, scales, and patterns, and make sure to relax your hand to keep the motion fluid.
You can get “decent” in about 3-6 months with regular practice, meaning you’ll be able to play basic songs and switch between chords smoothly. Becoming truly skilled takes more time, but it’s a rewarding journey.
Complex fingerstyle pieces or songs with intricate chord shapes can be really challenging. Some advanced players also struggle with fast strumming or alternate tunings if they’re not familiar with them.
Use the thumb for the bass strings (E, A, D) and your index, middle, and ring fingers for the higher strings (G, B, E). Start with simple patterns, go slow, and focus on keeping your hand relaxed and your movements precise.
Fingerpicking is often harder for beginners because it requires more coordination and independence of fingers. Strumming feels more intuitive, but both get easier with practice!
