Lisa started playing guitar at age 10. In college, she learned
music theory and education, getting her degree from the University of New
Hampshire.
Since then, she's been a full-time touring artist, recorded five CD's of
her original music, and received national recognition for her achievements: a
Grand Prize in the USA Songwriting Contest, and First Prize in the Mixx
Magazine Indie Band Contest.
Lisa's influences include everything from classic '60s and '70s rock, world
music, Latin, and jazz. Combine her talents and knowledge and you
get one fantastic instructor. She has nearly 600 lessons on our
site specializing in beginning techniques, and acoustic guitar approaches such
as fingerpicking and strumming.
Lisa created the foundational hub of Guitar Tricks' Core Learning System, with her new
versions of Guitar Fundamentals, Levels 1 and 2.
Let's start out nice and easy, by learning 2 'Simple Chords'. This will enable us to work on the skill of changing from one chord to the other in rhythm. Then we will learn to play a short and easy song using those new chords and new skills, called 'Walk Downtown.'
Let's learn the basic positions and skills for getting your right hand and your left hand started on their guitar journey. Each hand has its own set of skills to get used to, and we'll look at those one at a time. And then, we'll be ready to make some music!
Are you ready for another pair of SImple Chords? Once again, these chords use only 3 strings. We will practice their tone, and switching from one to the other in rhythm. Then we'll put all that to work and learn to play the song, 'I Believed You'.
Welcome to the guitar! Let's learn a bit about the varieties of guitar models that are available to you, and what model of guitar will be the best fit or you. We'll learn how to hold the guitar properly, and some basic guitar anatomy too!
In order to really get the most out of your guitar learning process, it is good to understand the basic principles of how it works as a musical instrument. After all, you will be interacting with this instrument to make music, so you two gotta get to know each other!
Are you beginning to see how much music you can make with just a handful of simple chords, and a song to play? Let's add one more Simple Chord to your collection, and then learn to play the songs 'Would You?', and 'Long Long Train'. Have fun with this!
Even if you're the greatest guitar player in the world, if your guitar is out of tune, it will sound bad. Let's learn all about tuning your guitar using a couple of different methods. Plus, you'll learn a story about my friend Eddie that you will never forget - and which will help you forever stay in tune.
We'll start with just one string, and work our way up. Let's learn to read tablature line-by-line, and use it to play simple melodies together, and along with the band! Have fun learning to play 'Higher Elevation', and 'Ode to Joy'! It's easier than you might think!
By the end of this tutorial, you'll be reading full tablature, and playing melodies that use all 6 strings of the guitar. Reading tablature and playing melodies is an essential guitar skill. Congratulations on getting this under your belt! Have fun learning to play 'Five Miles Out', and 'Six Days Till Sunday'!
When we add 2 more lines to the tablature, we open up the ability to read and play melodies which will involve the high E, B, G, and D strings. Have fun learning to play 'Early Bird Gala', and 'Cousin Dave's Blues'!
Welcome to the world of 'full' chords, using all 6 strings of the guitar. We'll start by learning the E Minor and the D Major chord, plus a couple of fun songs to play along with Lisa and the band. Have fun learning to play 'Funky Holiday', and 'Do Something For You,!
In order to make the most of your guitar-learning journey, it is very helpful to understand some important concepts about the learning process, and, how best to practice. Wondering how long it will take you to learn to play? We'll find out in this tutorial
Now that you know how to make 5 essential chords, let's put them to work in the context of rhythm, and playing songs. In this tutorial, you'll learn strategies for switching from one chord to another, plus, 2 fun songs to play along with Lisa and the band! Have fun learning to play 'Cross the Line', and 'Begin Again'!
Let's put those Power-Pack chords, and chord-change strategies to work! In this tutorial, you'll learn 3 fun songs that use the skills you have been working on. Have a blast learning to play 'Roll Like Water', 'I Get It Now', and 'Skeeter Loves Annie', along with Lisa and the band!
In this tutorial, you'll learn a whole new kind of chord, one which is actually moveable! Your fingers learn only one chord shape, but with that shape you can make any major or minor chord you want. No wonder they call it a Power Chord!
Learning to understand what the Major Scale is all about will open up exciting new doors to you as a guitar player! The Major Scale is a common language amongst all instruments, not just the guitar. In this tutorial, we'll learn what makes the Major Scale 'tick', and why.
When you add the chords C, G, and Am to your collection, you will have learned the 5 most commonly found chords in guitar music! You won't believe the amazing doors this will open for you and your guitar playing.
Now that you've mastered the G, C, D, Am, and Em, and learned to play several songs, let's expand out your collection of major and minor chords. This will open so many exciting new doors for you and your guitar playing!
You now have a solid understanding of melody and tablature. If you'd like to continue honing these techniques, give these more advanced songs a try. If, however, you'd rather move on to working with full chords, feel free to skip ahead to the next tutorial.
Or, stick around and learn to play 'Heading Home', Hickory Ridge', and a grand-slam version of 'Ode to Joy'!
If you are having any trouble getting good clear tone out of your notes, you are not alone!! In this tutorial we'll learn some very specific strategies for discovering what is going wrong, and how you can fix it. These tone tips apply to all guitar players at all levels. You will be using these strategies for years to come.
With millions of songs in the key of G, you'll get a ton of mileage out of mastering this key. We'll determine the major and the minor chords, talk about chord-change strategies, and learn a new song in the the key of G called 'Darling Destination'.
By learning the songs and chords in this tutorial, you are not only opening up your ability to use power chords to play nearly any song you want - but also, building on an essential foundation that will make understanding the neck of the guitar much easier as we go forward.
Chord-Change Strategies for the 5-Chord Power Pack
Once you master the skills of getting from one chord to the next, on time and in rhythm, there are thousands of songs you'll be able to play with your 5-Chord Power Pack. Switching chords on time and in rhythm takes strategy - and you'll learn it all in this tutorial.
Let's learn to understand the nuts and bolts that lie behind the strumming rhythm we have been working on so far in this course. Applying this new info to what you can already do will vastly expand your strumming grooves and options! You'll be amazed at how easy, and how very cool this is going to be.
Major scales that relate to the major chords you already know are an important building block for making your playing more interesting and fun. Use the notes of these scales to work towards playing melody, riffs, and improvisations, right in the context of a song with chords. Expand your sound, big-time!
In this set of lessons, we'll learn a pattern of notes to play that will allow you to easily play the major scale, in any key you want. This streamlined system makes playing major scales super easy, and is the gateway to playing melody, riffs, and improvisations up the neck of the guitar.
Trick yourself into practicing your major scales by playing along with the grooves in this tutorial. We will use what you've learned about major scales, and build on it to create real music. Get ready to have a blast, and, come away with a fluid and solid grasp of several essential major scales.
Let's build on what you've learned about power chords, with some essential music theory concepts every musician needs to know. In this tutorial, you'll learn all about how sharps and flats work in music, and on your guitar. And, how to play EVERY power chord possible, rooted on the 6th string.
In this tutorial, we will build upon your understanding of Power Chords, and reveal how a very simple and predictable graphic pattern on the neck of the guitar can be used to find the likely chords in any key.
A very common key, you'll find there are millions of songs in the key of C. In this set of lessons, We'll determine the major and the minor chords, talk about chord-change strategies, and learn a new song in the the key of C called 'Keep That Faith'.
In these lessons, we'll learn four slam-dunk strategies for navigating your way from one chord to the next, no matter what the chords are! This will be super-helpful at this point in your guitar learning process, and in years to come as you encounter more advanced challenges. Memorize these golden strategies!
When you are strumming in 3/4 time, the moves and skills are very much the same as what you are already comfortable with, but the feel is quite different. Discover how 3/4 time gives a song a "dance-like" feel, and learn to play the song 'With You I Am Whole'.
Now that you have learned a very important set of power chords by name, let's have fun helping you to make them second nature by playing some fun grooves and songs. Oh yeah, and a spelling bee!
The key of E is the last key we will explore in this section. Once again, we'll determine the major and the minor chords, talk about chord-change strategies, and learn a new song in the the key of E called 'Three Long Days'.
Barre chords are not always easy to make, but they do make a lot of sense, musically. Understanding barre chords will enable you to play ANY major or minor chord that exists, plus add lots of new textures to your guitar playing.
The key of D is another very common key in popular music. Some of the minor chords aren't quite as friendly as in the previous keys we have studied, but don't worry - where there is a will, there is a way. Let's determine the major and the minor chords, talk about chord-change strategies, and learn a new song in the the key of D called 'What Love Can Do'.
In this tutorial I'll teach you the first level of acoustic fingerpicking. We'll get started with a basic four-step pattern, then learn how to change chords with it. We'll then do some 2 and 3 chord practice drills followed by two songs. Then it's time for drills to build your speed and play another song. Next we'll learn different styles, play another song, and finish with more drills - and a final song!
The key of A shows up quite commonly in contemporary music, and is a good one to have under your belt. We'll determine the major and the minor chords, talk about chord-change strategies, and learn to play a new song in the the key of A called 'Shiny Objects'.
In this tutorial, we will learn how to name Power Chords whose root note is on the 5th string. Get ready to learn two new songs, written especially to help you memorize these chord positions: 'Can't Do Everything', and 'Frank Gets Angry!'
Going beyond straight-up major, and straight-up minor, is how we begin to add even more flavor, mood, and nuance to the music we make on the guitar. Let's explore adding additional notes to our basic chords, and listen for how this changes up the mood and creates motion in a song.
The Major Chord is made up of a very specific and simple formula of notes. This formula applies to all major chords, no matter what instrument you play them on! Let's learn the formula, and put it to the test, to discover what every major chord has in common.
Welcome to the Guided Practice Routine for Beginners. Here, you can practice right along with me, and I'll guide you the whole way. This tutorial is divided into 5 stations. For a good well-rounded workout, do the drills that are right for your skill level in each of the 5 stations. Customize your routine to fit your skill level, and the time you have for practicing today. Make this Guided Practice Routine for Beginners a part of your daily guitar playing!
Let's learn the foolproof 'recipe' for constructing a Minor Scale, and then listen to how that relates to the sound we get when we learn some essential minor scales, in open position. These scales are really pretty, and fun to play!
Now that you've learned all about Power Chords and the basics of the 'Magic L', let's take it one step further, and use the 'Magic L' to tell us even more information about our chord options for playing in any key. No more counting on fingers - it's all right there in the pattern!
The Minor Chord follows a very similar formula to the Major Chord, with only one tiny difference. Let's learn about how to build a minor triad, and a minor chord, and listen for how this completely changes the mood of the music!
The 'Dominant 7th' chord has a very distinct sound and mood, all its own. Let's learn the formula for constructing this chord, and then explore how it sounds and functions in two different musical contexts, with play-along tunes.
Now that you can name your Power Chords with 5th and 6th string roots, let's see what the 'Magic L' can do for us when we turn it upside down. Suddenly, you'll open up a whole new set of options for how and where to play a song on the guitar!
Play 13 classic holiday songs with just three chords. Single-note melody solos are also included. Use of a capo is recommended to adjust the pitch of each song to best suit your singing voice, and suggested capo settings are included.
The key of D is a super-popular key in contemporary music, and yet, 2 of the minor chords likely to appear in this key are best played as barre chords. Let's integrate a minor barre chords into an easy song in the key of D. Don't let the occasional barre chord scare you away from great songs!
As you graduate from Guitar Fundamentals 1, let's take some time to make sure all your basics are solidly in place. But even more importantly, and way more fun, let's explore the power and potential of your accomplishments so far! It's Graduation Week! Congratulations to you!
Every good boy does fine, right? Right! Let's learn how to read notes in standard musical notation, and how to play them on the guitar. Tablature is easy, but for guitar players only. Standard musical notation is the universal written language of music.
In this tutorial, we'll begin to make the connection between playing an open minor scale, top to bottom, and, using the notes within that scale to create melody and solos. In other words, now that you've learned some scales, let's make some music!
When you place your barre chord root note on the 5th string of the guitar, you can create any major or minor chord that exists, using barre chord theory. Heads up: The major ones are tough to make, but the minor ones tend to fall into place more easily. Either way, it's important that you understand the concepts, even your tone has a ways to go!
In this tutorial, we'll have some fun with some challenging practice exercises for the minor scale. Get ready to put your minor scale chops to work, with these very musical scale practice exercises. Who said practicing scales should be boring?
The key of G is super-popular in contemporary music. The most likely minor chord to appear in the key of G is a Bm, which is best played as a barre chord. Let's get comfortable playing an easy song in the key of G, and easing that Bm barre chord right into the mix.
One Little Pattern, ALL Natural Minor Scales. It's Easy!
The 'Grid-Style' minor scale allows us to play any minor scale that exists, using a consistent and moveable pattern. Learn this grid, and you can instantly play ANY minor scale that exists, just by placing the grid at different points on the neck of the guitar.
5 traditional Christmas songs are presented with fingerstyle arrangements. Each song has an arrangement to accompany singing, and also an instrumental melody solo.
Big concepts are coming together and paying off here, as we learn how the 'Magic L' will tell you exactly what major or minor chords to play for most any song, with ease and predictability! This is powerful stuff for jamming, songwriting, and playing tons of great music.
So far you've learned how to read music, one note at a time. But now, let's take a classic melody, and add not just one, but TWO harmony notes, sprinkled throughout the piece. You'll see how this will add up to a beautiful solo guitar piece you can read and play.
In this tutorial, we'll put your budding skills in reading music to work. We will learn to play the familiar melody, 'Ode to Joy', by Beethoven. AND, when we add harmony, and bass, and you will end up with a beautiful solo guitar piece to master.
Let's start with the basics of strumming, and then teach you to strum in a variety of keys, tempos, and time signatures. Along the way, you'll learn to play 10 songs! A solid foundation in strumming basics is essential to playing folk, rock, pop, blues, and more. Get started right here!
Now that you have mastered the 4-Step Pattern, let's take things to the next level by adding variations of that pattern to create full-measure classic patterns. Along the way, you'll learn to play several classic songs, including Thyme, Blow Ye Winds of the Morning, and Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor. Get ready to ramp things up!
In this tutorial I'll map out a 10 point practice strategy for growing your guitar skills. I'll start by giving you an overview of the entire "map", then the ten point strategy: seeing familiar patterns and repeated elements, planning and economizing finger and hand movement, navigating transitions and maintaining good tone, the role of different notes and chords within a piece, dynamics, and a few tips on maximizing your practice regimen.
Knowing which note to play is great, but we also need to know how long that note should last. This is the basis of rhythm, as notes move one to the next throughout a piece of music. Let's learn how the physical shape of the note indicates its timing.
Welcome to Acoustic Fingerpicking Step-by-Step, Level 2! In the Fingerpicker's Goldmine featured in this tutorial, you'll find over a dozen ornaments and fancy tricks you can play to add new life and complexity to your song arrangements. Impress your friends with these awesome tricks of the trade. Let's get fancy!
Fingerpicker's Goldmine is a treasure trove of classic fingerpicking figures, perfect for adding flavor and complexity to fingerstyle guitar songs. From Hot Tuna to Jack Johnson, Joni Mitchell to James Taylor, these classic figures have been used extensively by acoustic music's icons.
This tutorial is a continuation of the Acoustic Fingerpicking Series, created by Lisa McCormick. All prerequisite skills and concepts necessary to master these figures are taught in earlier lessons in the series.
Jorma Kaukonen started here. Taj Mahal, and Keb' Mo' too, plus dozens of other acoustic blues masters. Even if you're new to fingerpicking, this tutorial will walk you step-by-step through learning to play the fingerstyle blues, and load you up with an impressive collection of tricks and riffs you can toss in at any time. You'll even learn to write your own blues song!
Now that you have mastered the 4-Step Pattern and full measure variations in 4/4 time, let's take a look at new patterns in 3/4 time and 6/8 time. Along the way, you'll learn to play several classic songs, including Star of the County Down, Do You Love an Apple, and a beautiful arrangement of Scarborough Fair with an impressive fancy figure you can play!
This versatile warm-up exercise can easily be adapted for beginner through advanced players. It is also equally useful on acoustic and electric guitars, and relevant for players of any guitar style.
In Acoustic Strumming Level 2, we build on the foundation created in Level 1, and move into the Classic Must-Know Strumming Pattern that underlies much of folk, rock, pop, country, and blues music. We'll learn several songs and variations along the way.
This tutorial presents two acoustic fingerstyle versions of this classic Christmas carol. One version can be used to accompany singing the song. The other version is an instrumental melody solo. You may prefer one version over the other, or you may wish to learn both. They go together perfectly.
Lisa will show you how to play a simple strumming version of each song that is perfect for singing along with; either by yourself, or with your friends, family, and community gatherings. She'll also teach how to play a single-note melody version of each song. The single-note melody versions work beautifully as a solo instrumental, or to be played along with a friend who is playing the accompanying chords.
Lisa McCormick gives you a complete tour of this classic 70s hit by Cat Stevens, guiding you through the song form and chord structure, strumming rhythms, signature riffs, and the songwriting sensibilities. You get a full play-along at the end of the tutorial, plus a bonus lesson at the very end!
Let's ramp it up yet again by taking fingerpicking patterns in 4/4 time, and combining them to create interesting song arrangements. Learn a secret tone-mellowing technique, and how to play the song Cindy. Then get ready for Acoustic Fingerpicking Step-by-Step, Level 2. Congrats!
Welcome to Acoustic Fingerpicking, Intermediate Level.
In this set of lessons, we'll build on the skills learned in Acoustic FIngerpicking for Beginners, Levels 1 through 6. We'll take patterns and pattern variations learned in the Beginner section, and begin combining them within a single song. This will allow you to create song arrangements that are more interesting, varied, and dynamic.
Learning to combine patterns leads to refined coordination, and lays the groundwork for adding in some exciting fingerpicking figures, which will be presented in Acoustic Fingerpicking 8, Fingerpicker's Goldmine.
Get your love beads on and learn to play this fun and easy classic. We opted for a simple approach to this song, so we'll be delving into a solo guitar version by Janis Joplin. We'll look at the chords, strumming patterns, and guitar work...and we'll also look at the overall song structure, and what it is that makes this "cinematic" country song "tick".
In this series of lessons, Lisa McCormick will take you through everything you need to know to play "Baby, I Love Your Way" as made famous by Peter Frampton. She'll start with the central riff first, then use the riff to teach you how to build the intro and verse. Then Lisa will delve into the pre-chorus and chorus, followed by a slow-mo playalong, and two final playalongs: one with Lisa, and one with just the band.
In this segment, we'll bring all your hard work and solid skills to work in learning to play 3 full songs, complete with fancy ornamentations and arrangements to learn. You'll learn to play The Water is Wide, John Riley, and Lord Franklin's Lament. Prepare to add these beauties to your repertoire.
In this tutorial we'll work together to speed up your chord changes along with a steady beat, in six keys commonly used in guitar music: D, A minor, G, C, E, and A. We'll use a simple strum so that you can focus your attention on your left hand and the important job it has to do, which is to change chords swiftly and accurately. Have fun with these, and see how long you can keep up!
This tutorial presents an acoustic fingerstyle versions of this classic Christmas carol. This version features chords and a picking pattern to accompany the singing part, and a melody riff to serve as an intro, and a spacer between verses.
In this tutorial, we'll take a note-for-note look at how to play the beautiful traditional tune, "Oh Danny Boy". We'll look at all the various elements of the song and how to play it fingerstyle on acoustic guitar, and do two play alongs: one in slo-mo and one at tempo. Plus, we'll discuss the underlying principles of practice that will make learning to play this tune much much easier!
This tutorial is the graduation ceremony for Acoustic Fingerpicking, Levels 1-8. Learning to play this tune will draw on skills you have learned in the previous levels, and give you a nice instrumental tune for your repertoire.
This fingerstyle instrumental uses skills you've learned in Acoustic Fingerpicking, Step-by-Step. Enjoy learning this piece - and don't worry - you don't have to sing a single note!
This tutorial presents two acoustic fingerstyle versions of this classic Christmas carol. One version can be used to accompany singing the song. The other version is an instrumental melody solo. You may prefer one version over the other, or you may wish to learn both. They go together perfectly.
Lisa will show you each of these wonderful Christmas Carols as a simple strumming version of the song that is perfect for singing along with; either by yourself, or with your friends, family, and community gatherings.
And then, she'll also show you how to play a single-note melody version of each song. The single-note melody versions work beautifully as a solo instrumental, or to be played along with a friend who is playing the accompanying chords.
This tutorial presents two acoustic fingerstyle versions of this classic Christmas carol. One version can be used to accompany singing the song. The other version is an instrumental melody solo. You may prefer one version over the other, or you may wish to learn both. They go together perfectly.
Lisa McCormick teaches you two complete versions of this song in this tutorial; one of these is played in an acoustic-rock strumming style, and the other is a fairly advanced fingerstyle version. At the end of the tutorial, there is a full-band playthrough, with no guitar in the mix. Why? That's your job! Learn the strumming version, or the fingerstyle version, or make up your own hybrid version and rock out with the band.
In this tutorial we'll take a look at a wide variety of ways to play the classic party song "Happy Birthday", from very basic to rocked-out reggae. This is the the most recognizable song in the English language! Choose the style, skill level, and key that is the best fit for your guitar skills and vocal range.
Lisa will show you how to play a simple strumming version of each song that is perfect for singing along with; either by yourself, or with your friends, family, and community gatherings. She'll also teach how to play a single-note melody version of each song. The single-note melody versions work beautifully as a solo instrumental, or to be played along with a friend who is playing the accompanying chords.
In this tutorial, we'll learn and apply a basic 4-step fingerpicking pattern to the bluesy American traditional classic, "St. James Infirmary". We'll also learn a more advanced melody solo in two parts that you can use as an intro or interlude within the song. We'll finish it all off with a full play through so you can put it all together. Have fun!
This tutorial presents two acoustic fingerstyle versions of this classic Christmas carol. One version can be used to accompany singing the song. The other version is an instrumental melody solo. You may prefer one version over the other, or you may wish to learn both. They go together perfectly.
You wouldn't head out for a 10k run without doing some stretches and warm-ups first, would you? Same thing with guitar. Wake up your finger muscles with these simple warm-up drills before you head into a practice or playing session, and you'll cross the finish line in fine style.
This instrumental song project uses a single fingerpicking pattern, and some chord variations There are no other fancy moves, which makes this a great piece for the Advanced Beginner to Intermediate student.
Mastering a Song Project is a great way to solidify your skills and build your repertoire.
This traditional ballad is a lot of fun to learn to play, with a great little acoustic melody solo and upbeat strumming technique. The story is great too. They really had it out for this poor guy, John Barleycorn. Have fun with this one!
In this tutorial, the classic Christmas carol, "We Three Kings" is taught in four different versions. The strum and sing version is perfect for beginners. The easy melody solo creates an opportunity for an easy duet. And the chord/melody versions taught both flatpick-style and fingerstyle are a fun challenge for intermediate players.
In this song tutorial, Lisa McCormick walks you through all the skills and information needed to play "Closer to Fine", as made famous by the Indigo Girls. Lisa will teach you opening acoustic guitar riff that hooks you into the song and continues through the verses, the chorus, and all the other musical details in the tune. Besides the guitar parts, we also look at the dynamics, vocal harmony, lyrical composition, and song structure.
Your band is waiting for you to tune up and play! These Song Projects allow you to put all your strumming skills to work, with four song arrangements to master.
This tutorial takes you step-by-step through the skills and understanding needed to learn to play this acoustic gem, "At Seventeen" as made famous by Janis Ian. Fingerpickers will enjoy this jazzy challenge, and strummers can substitute an easy-going strum to enjoy this artistic arrangement of chord changes and powerful lyrics. We'll pick apart the intro riff, the verses and choruses, and put it all together in a play along with the "band"!
In this song tutorial Lisa McCormick will teach you the parts to "The First Cut Is The Deepest". You'll learn the acoustic intro, verse arpeggio, chorus, some "ear candy", and do play-alongs designed for the acoustic parts. Then you'll tour through the electric guitar parts- the licks and riffs and solo, followed by electric guitar play-alongs. Create your own custom version by combining elements of these arrangements to suit your style and skill level.
Lisa will show you each of these wonderful Winter Carols as a simple strumming version of the song that is perfect for singing along with; either by yourself, or with your friends, family, and community gatherings.
And then, she'll also show you how to play a single-note melody version of each song. The single-note melody versions work beautifully as a solo instrumental, or to be played along with a friend who is playing the accompanying chords.
Using folk strumming techniques learned in the Acoustic Strumming Step-by-Step tutorials, this classic folk ballad also features a fun new challenge: a melody solo you can blend right in to the arrangement.
Why can some people just pick up the guitar, and play a song they've never played before in their lives, seemingly by magic? Turns out the 'magic' starts with a very simple formula that you may have heard of, called "One, Four, Five", or, Basic Chord Theory. You'll be amazed at what you can figure out 'by ear' when you understand this easy formula! Get started now and you'll be rattling off songs left and right by dinner time.
Cil Chais is an ancient melody that comes to us from the hills of Ireland, with all their mist and magic. This relatively uncomplicated acoustic fingerstyle version incorporates melody, bass, and harmony in such a way as to evoke a larger gathering of Irish musicians and instruments. We'll break the piece down and learn it note for note, then play it together all the way through, with a band joining us at the end. Have fun!
Learn how to play basic Stringband guitar in the 4 most popular keys. The acoustic guitar has a specific and important role to play in traditional Stringband music. It's a lot of fun, and easier than you might think!
One of the most challenging tasks for a new guitarist can be making chord changes smoothly and quickly, without creating a pause in the music.
Often times, coming up with a specific strategy for getting from one chord to the next can make all the difference.
This tutorial presents four powerful tools for improving the speed of your chord changes.
This tutorial presents four versions of the song. For beginners, a basic strum-and-sing version is included, as well as a single-note melody solo. For intermediates, we combine the chords and the melody to create an instrumental version, both flatpick style, and fingerstyle.
In this set of lessons, you'll learn to add upstrokes to your strumming. This will open new possibilities in adding fun and groove to your playing. You'll also learn some classic ornamentation techniques that will give your playing a real country flavor.
In this collection of lessons, Lisa McCormick is the guest host for the GT channel and teaches you tips and tricks on using a partial capo, suspended chords, and a special holiday episode on Christmas acoustic guitar.
Learn the foundational skills of guitar strumming. The techniques you learn in this tutorial will set you up to become a master guitar strummer. This tutorial presents skills in a country music context, but these skills are equally powerful in virtually any contemporary guitar music style.
The so-called "Ghost Strum" is an essential component of country style guitar strumming. Learn to incorporate this important skill into your country chops.
In this tutorial, we'll take an overview of the whole tune. We'll talk about working in 6/8 time, and how to count ourselves in to this tune. I'll give you some tips and tricks to make learning and playing the tune easier. and then we'll finish up with 2 playalongs; one at a slowed-down pace, and the other up to speed with a backup band. Have fun!
Learn this haunting Celtic tune, played in 9/8 time and DADGAD tuning. Legend has it, this tune is too beautiful and mysterious to have been written by human hands. Its composition is credited to the Faeries of Ireland.
Let's start by learning how to put your guitar into DADGAD tuning. Then we'll get right into learning some fun songs to play. DADGAD tuning offers up some interesting varieties in chord voicings and harmonies, most of which are no more difficult to play (and sometimes even easier!) than when the guitar is in Standard Tuning. Have fun with this adventure into alternate tuning!
In this tutorial, we'll take an overview of the whole tune. We'll talk about working in 3/4 time, and how to count ourselves in to this tune. I'll give you some tips and tricks to make learning and playing the tune easier. and then we'll finish up with 2 playalongs; one at a slowed-down pace, and the other up to speed with a backup band. Have fun!
In this tutorial, Lisa McCormick will teach you the acoustic song "Hammer and a Nail" as made famous by the Indigo Girls. Lisa will first tune you in to the big picture, then start by teaching you the chorus of the song which is central to everything. Then you'll build the verse, and the intro to the song, followed by the pre-chorus and the outro. To cap it all off, Lisa takes you through three play alongs.
Bass runs and other easy ornamentations give your strumming a very country-ish flavor. In this tutorial, you'll learn a variety of runs, and apply them in a variety of time signatures and rhythmic feels.
Learn to play a fingerstyle version of this traditional Christmas Carol, using a fingerpicking pattern in 3/4 time that you could sing with. And if you're a more advanced player, take on the instrumental melody solo for this beautiful holiday melody.
Take a close up look at the 12-string acoustic guitar. Find out why and how it makes such a rich harp-like sound, and how you can adapt your 6-string skills to a 12-string guitar and make magic happen!
In this set of lessons, we get to the most powerful and versatile strumming rhythms. Learn these techniques well, and you'll be able to become a strong solid strummer in nearly any guitar style.
This tutorial takes you step-by-step through how to play the original acoustic strumming song "Levitate", by Lisa McCormick. This includes the chords and strumming, tips and tricks, songwriting and composition comments, and a chance for you to play it along with Lisa's band, featuring YOU on the guitar.
Lisa started playing guitar at age 10. In college, she learned
music theory and education, getting her degree from the University of New
Hampshire.
