Help to become better bluegrass picker

Hi guys I'm new and look forward to what I can learn here. I'm 55 years old and sit my guitar down for almost 20 years.I was never very good just knew a few cords. Any advice I would love to become a better flat picker any suggestion on practicing of scales etc....

I would check out the fundamentals on this site,be prepared to put in a lot of practice and have a look at the flatpicking lessons. I started in a similar way to you. Started strumming first off and then fingerstyle. Glad I stuck at the fundamentals though and practised everyday. Loads of flatpicking stuff on youtube too. Good luck Anthony.

I would also suggest following the beginner courses. You gain substantial knowledge that will benefit you as you continue to learn. Check under the instructors tab. I think Lisa had something about finger picking. There are several other instructors that offer bluegrass.

I'm also interested in bluegrass, as Robin and Linda Williams are personal friends (through my wife). I always enjoy the trip to Virginia to attend the bluegrass festival.

Hey anthony1429,
I just saw your post, and figured I would let you know that I'll help you any way I can. As everyone else has said, start with the fundamentals, and then I have some bluegrass rhythm lessons. I cover the patterns, and then show it with fills. Fills are a great way to get used to playing single notes, and can help you prepare for the real flat picking. After that I have several popular syncopated strumming patterns, used by Tony Rice, Clarence White, Dan Tyminkski to name a few.

After that move on to the other flat picking stuff, like bluegrass solo, and there are others too. I even have some stuff on crosspicking, and let me know if there is something you'd like to see.

Driving Bluegrass Rhythm At A Medium Tempo
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=869

Driving Bluegrass Rhythm At A Medium Tempo With Fills
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=910

Driving Bluegrass Rhythm Strumming 16th Notes
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=917

Driving Bluegrass Rhythm Strumming 16th Notes With Fills
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=965

Fast Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=832

Fast Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar With Fills
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=846

Syncopated Strumming Patterns
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=995

Bluegrass Solo In G
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=978

Introduction To Crosspicking
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=1011

Again, let me know if I can do anything to help you, or if you have any questions you need answered.