Caren Armstrong's Guitar Lessons

Caren first laid hands on a guitar when she was 10 years old; and she started
teaching just three years later when she was 13. Since then, she has taught
literally hundreds of people how to play and continues to be in high demand as
a teacher, mentor, and performer.
Caren is an acoustic guitar slinging singer/songwriter, and specializes in all
manner of lessons in that area on Guitar Tricks. While she is often recognized
for her precisely decorated fingerpicking style, Caren also loves to kick a
good groove to back her soaring vocals. Caren currently resides in the SF Bay
Area, and has produced her own albums, won many awards, and continues to teach
guitar.
Songs

In this tutorial Caren Armstrong will show you the Travis picking acoustic guitar part that gets repeated throughout "Alice's Restaurant" as made famous by Arlo Guthrie
Published: 06/25/2015 Upgrade
"Angel from Montgomery" is a modern country blues standard. There are countless covers of this song which is a strong indicator of the universal quality that a truly classic song holds. It has the type of lyric that could fit any singer of any age, and it has a harmonic structure that is simple yet distinctive, and like many standards, can be interpreted in countless ways by countless artists.
Published: 07/09/2014 Upgrade
In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach the holiday song "All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth". Caren will introduce the song and talk about gear and tone, then teach the song intro. The verse part is next, then we're on to the bridge; we'll learn the bass run after that. Caren will show the strumming and song form before walking you through it all slowly, then we'll do a play along performance.
Published: 11/19/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you all the parts to both interweaving finger picked acoustic guitar parts in this song. Travis picking will be used!
Published: 01/19/2016 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to fit the acoustic guitar sound fitting in beautifully with a big rock and roll production. With it's walking bass and big, fat guitar tone it really carries the song even while surrounded with bass, drums, and electric guitars.
Published: 01/21/2015 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to strum an acoustic guitar part along with this classic pop tune.
Published: 01/21/2015 Upgrade
In this song tutorial, Caren Armstrong will teach "Foolish Games", as made famous by Jewel. We'll start with a song introduction and the gear and tone, then break down the chords and finger picking in the intro for you. Then we're on to the verse and the pre-chorus, leading us to the chorus parts. We'll learn the transition to the outro and the outro before we do a play along performance and a jam along.
Published: 02/13/2014 Upgrade
Caren will show you the acoustic guitar part in this song that uses open chords as well as barre chords with an upbeat, shuffled strumming pattern.
Published: 02/07/2017 Upgrade
In this tutorial, Caren Armstrong will teach a campfire version of "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue", as made famous by Crystal Gayle. Caren will introduce the song then look at the acoustic tones before talking about the rhythm and strumming. The breakdowns of the intro and 1st two verses are next, then we'll learn the bridge before we go to verse 3. We'll learn the song ending, then the theme melody; we'll end with a play along.
Published: 11/27/2013 Upgrade
In this set of holiday song lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach "Frosty the Snowman", as made famous by Gene Autry. Caren will talk about the song and the gear & tone; then define the song form and teach the boom-chick strumming. We'll learn the song intro before we look at the verse and bridge parts, then learn the outro. We'll break down the walk-up bass run, then do a play along performance.
Published: 11/18/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you this classic singer-songwriter tune with a great fingerpicking pattern & an easy chord progression. This is bare bones, old school folk music; vocals & fingerpicked acoustic guitar. Very simple, mournful & world weary.
Published: 02/21/2017 Upgrade
Learn the Hey Jude chords as arranged for guitar in this lesson from Caren Armstrong. The Beatles songs are known for their catchy songs and this one is no different. This lesson is great for working on your bar chord strength and features a simple I-IV-V chord structure with a sneaky bVII in the outro. Learn how to play The Beatles Hey Jude and sing along with the Hey Jude lyrics in this lesson.
Published: 04/17/2014 Upgrade
Caren will show you the 4 chords of the song along with the Boom Chuck/chick strumming pattern that make this song fly down the tracks!
Published: 06/13/2016 Upgrade
Learn the Imagine chords as it has been arranged to be played on an acoustic guitar. Caren will show you how to strum the chord progression as well as the finger picking pattern. There's also a bonus lesson focused on the famous piano motif. Learn John Lennon's classic song along with a backing track and even sing along with the Imagine lyrics.
Published: 03/17/2016 Upgrade
Caren will show you a beginners approach to this pop rock classic with simplified, whole note strum and an easy set of chords to play along with the band.
Published: 03/08/2019 Upgrade
Caren will show you the acoustic guitar part that features some interesting challenges in an eccentric form, some unusual timing, played against a sparse backing track.
Published: 08/21/2019 Upgrade
In this tutorial, Caren Armstrong will teach "Kiss From A Rose", as made famous by Seal. Caren will introduce the song, then go over the "big picture" fundamentals you should know: the key, the chords, the strum, the finger picking, and the song form. Then it's on to the verses and the variations in each. You'll learn the chorus next, then the transition, the bridge, and the song ending. We'll end with a play along performance and a jam along.
Published: 02/10/2014 Upgrade
In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you "Keep on Truckin'", as made famous by Hot Tuna. We'll introduce the song and talk a bit about gear and tone, then look at the chord progression. Travis picking is up next, then we'll combine the two. After that we'll take a look at some variations, then learn the song ending. You'll learn a bonus riff before we do a play along performance and a jam along.
Published: 09/04/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play the guitar parts in this arrangement that uses a capo at the 1st fret. Atmospheric and slow, this is a fine example of how the vibe of a song can be completely changed by the arrangement.
Published: 08/07/2017 Upgrade
In this tutorial Caren Armstrong will teach you the country classic "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" as made famous by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Acoustic strumming and campfire story telling on tap!
Published: 06/23/2014 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to get the signature country sound with a strumming pattern. You'll also learn to use a capo and an option to add bass notes for a solo performance.
Published: 06/08/2015 Upgrade
In this series of holiday lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach the holiday standard "Merry Christmas, Baby". After a song introduction and a peek at gear and tone, Caren will look at the big picture with the timing, the chords, and the song form. Then we'll look at the song sections; the intro, the verses, the solo, the bridge, then the outro. We'll finish with a play along performance.
Published: 11/19/2013 Upgrade
This Beatles song in triple time is a beautiful example of the use of simplicity and repetition. It has several interesting features, including a 6/8 time signature, a signature, iconic bass/riff line, and a parallel minor key change.
Published: 10/30/2014 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play along with the classic repertoire builder. It's been covered by everyone from the local band at the corner coffee shop, to The Beatles. This song is easy to learn and fun to play. You'll have everyone dancing and singing along in no time!
Published: 12/08/2015 Upgrade
This series of lessons will be on the song "Shambala", by Three Dog Night. Caren Armstrong will teach this one, starting with an introduction to the song and a brief look at the gear and tone. The following lessons will examine the chords used, the song form, and the rhythm and strumming; then Caren will teach the A, B, and C sections of the song. You'll do a play along performance with Caren before you take over and play the song by yourself.
Published: 08/28/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you this classic, which is old school country music at it's best, with lots of pedal steel and back ground vocals to sweeten things up. Take that away and you have the rhythm guitar part that carries the core of the song.
Published: 02/05/2015 Upgrade
Caren will show you the guitar parts in this singer songwriter hit. The original version of this song has several acoustic guitar fingerpicking layers. We've made a composite version to make it easier to teach, learn & perform with just one guitar. This arrangement is based on a solo guitar performance, but we'll also include the backing band from the original version.
Published: 01/30/2018 Upgrade
Caren will show you the chords, the boom-chuck technique and the alternating bass motion used to play the acoustic guitar part to this classic country tune.
Published: 02/18/2016 Upgrade
Caren will show you this country anthemthat uses an acoustic guitar and a capo! There are opportunities to walk and alternate bass lines, while holding down the solid "boom-chick" rhythm that is a staple of this style.
Published: 01/15/2015 Upgrade
Caren will show you the Travis picking used throughout this acoustic song. We will be playing in "Drop D" tuning for this song.
Published: 05/05/2016 Upgrade
In these lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down", as made famous by Joan Baez. Caren will talk about the song, the gear and tone, and the strumming pattern. After that we'll head to the song intro, then how to play the verses. The chorus part comes up next, then a peek at the re-intro; then the song ending. A capo lesson is up before we do a play along, then you'll take center stage in the jam along.
Published: 09/30/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you lovely song that has some some fun challenges for acoustic guitar strumming.
Published: 08/10/2015 Upgrade
Caren will show you all the parts of this uptempo country classic played on acoustic guitar featuring some boom-chick strumming and modulations.
Published: 01/26/2016 Upgrade
Caren will show you this easy song that uses 4 basic chord shapes in the key of C Major and a capo on the first fret. Good left hand form is required to make the right hand sound good! For the beginner, this will be a great opportunity to work on chords in the key of C major, including F and G7.
Published: 04/27/2017 Upgrade
Caren will show you a made easy, beginner version of this great country classic with an acoustic guitar part that is perfectly suited to playing along with the band.
Published: 05/23/2016 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play along with this classic crooner love song. You'll use a capo and an acoustic guitar to play a simple chord progression. A bonus lesson shows you how to approach the song without the capo.
Published: 10/12/2015 Upgrade
Caren Armstrong teaches a folk song on acoustic guitar that every beginner can learn! "Where Have All The Flowers Gone" was originally made famous by Peter, Paul and Mary.
Published: 02/05/2015 Upgrade
In this tutorial, Caren Armstrong will teach "Who Will Save Your Soul', as made famous by Jewel. After a song introduction and a brief look at the acoustic tone, Caren will go over the chords used in the song. Next up is the right hand picking, and the song form. We'll learn the song intro part next, then the verse and chorus sections; the "breakdown" follows that, then the ending. We conclude with a play along performance then a jam along.
Published: 02/24/2014 Upgrade
Caren will show you that this song is essentially a 5 chord medium tempo country song. We're going to learn the boom chuck strumming pattern on acoustic guitar. Feel free to check out the GT country course get help get you up to speed on that skill! We're going to use a capo on the 5th fret to play in F major but using C major open chord shapes (C, AM, F, D7, G7).
Published: 05/04/2017 Upgrade
Yesterday chords are a little tricky but in this guitar lesson, Caren will show you how to play the song just as The Beatles did. She'll help you through the song intro, the verse, chords, and how to strum it all. By the end of the tutorial, you'll be able to play the entire song with a backing track.
Published: 10/30/2014 Upgrade
Play the You Are My Sunshine chords in this guitar lesson from Caren Armstrong. Caren will show you how to take three chords and a capo and play this tune. There will be a very easy strumming version, then she takes it up a notch to learn to weave the melody in while keeping the rhythmic pulse going at the same time. Also included are You Are My Sunshine lyrics so you can play and sing the song as well.
Published: 11/17/2015 Upgrade
Caren will show you an acoustic guitar accompaniment to the soulful pop classic, "You Send Me" originally made famous by the legendary Sam Cooke. A dreamy love song with a simple chord progression, a swinging beat & catchy lyrics. This song uses basic guitar chords, is easy strum along with, and fun to sing.
Published: 01/21/2015 UpgradeSongs Made Easy

In this lesson, Caren Armstrong will teach you "Amazing Grace". Caren will first show you the three chords in the song, then how to place your fingers to play them. Then you'll learn how to shift between the chords, and ways to gain finger independence. Next you'll learn the right hand strumming pattern. We'll put the chords and strumming together and do a slow play of the song, then we'll finish with a complete play along.
Published: 06/28/2012 Upgrade
In this beginner song tutorial, Caren Armstrong will teach you "Achy Breaky Heart", by Billy Ray Cyrus. Caren will introduce the song to you first, the show you the two chords you'll need to know and tips on shifting chords. Next she'll show you the strumming rhythm in your right hand. The you'll learn the song form - the verse and chorus - and when to change chords. Last is a play along with a full band backing track!
Published: 08/15/2012 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to use just a few easy chords and some signature rhythm, to play this classic song in a made easy arrangement to play an acoustic guitar part along with the band. We'll learn the chord progression and it's accompanying shuffled strum. We'll consider the skills necessary to play this song up to tempo.
Published: 03/16/2017 Upgrade
Caren will show you a made easy version of this classic Jimmy Reed 12 bar blues. in the key of A Major. If you've been studying the blues, you are likely familiar with the 12 bar song structure, if not, this is an opportunity to dig in to a genre that goes very deep while being based on variations on a simple harmonic theme.
Published: 02/16/2018 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to use an acoustic guitar to play along with the band in this made easy version of a classic song.
Published: 07/22/2016 Upgrade
In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you a beginner version of "El Paso", by Marty Robbins. Caren will start with an overview of what she'll be teaching, then show you all the chords you'll need to play the song. After the chords, you'll learn the rhythm and strumming pattern; then we're on to the song structure. Next is a slow play-through, then a play along up to speed, and you'll finish with the jam along.
Published: 10/24/2012 Upgrade
Caren will show how to play a Made Easy version of this song in order to strum the chords along with the band. This is a fun song that presents several challenges. We'll use numerous root position open & barre chords.
Published: 01/22/2019 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to strum an easy guitar part along with this classic blues tune. She will show you the three chords required to play along with the tune. This is required material for just about any blues jam, and in this tutorial we'll learn an easy acoustic guitar part to strum along with the band!
Published: 03/14/2018 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play an acoustic guitar part to strum along with the band in this tutorial. This puts the weight of rhythm on our right hand performance, so we'll be talking about how to get a sound that evokes the vibe of the song.
Published: 12/26/2018 Upgrade
Caren will show you how Creedence Clearwater Revival created a sound that blurs the lines of genre and a song that appeals to virtually every music lover. This essence of this song is 3 easy chords and a shuffled strum. It also includes one barre chord, B minor, just to keep things harmonically interesting. If you're new to barre chords, here's your chance to get started! We'll also be taking a look at the signature intro riff, which features a few more chords and some fun rhythmic challenges.
Published: 03/16/2017 Upgrade
In this beginner song tutorial, Caren Armstrong will teach "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness", by John Prine. Caren will introduce the song, then look at the open position chords you'll need to play this tune. After learning the chords, you'll learn the strumming rhythm; then the song structure. Caren will guide you through a slow-play, after which you'll play along up to speed. Finally, you'll play the song by yourself in the jam along.
Published: 03/14/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you a made easy arrangement of this Robert Johnson classic based on a version by Eric Clapton. The 12 bar blues form is fundamental to the genre, and has been used repeatedly for countless songs.
Published: 05/16/2017 Upgrade
Caren will show a simplified version of this classic old blues tune. Originally recorded in A-flat, this tutorial will teach the song by bumping it up a 1/2 step today for ease of playing. Whether you're jamming with our GT backing tracks, or with your friends, this one will get your toe tapping.
Published: 02/15/2018 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play along with this B.B. King classic in a made easy tutorial. Originally recorded in the key of B Minor, today we'll simplify by playing in the key of Am, using a total of 4 chords.
Published: 02/15/2018 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play along with this great swinging pop rock song that has a great bluesy beat, a little country style strumming and a fun chord progression that ties the whole thing together.
Published: 07/21/2016 Upgrade
Caren will show you an easy arrangement on the acoustic guitar that we can play throughout the song! Using mostly open chords and an easy swinging strumming rhythm you can play along with the band on this classic tune.
Published: 06/22/2016 Upgrade
In this series of song lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach "Who Will Save Your Soul", by Jewel. Caren will talk about the song and the gear and tone, then go over the chords used, the strum pattern, and the song form before she details the intro, verse, chorus, the breakdown, and the ending. You'll do a play along performance with Caren, then play the song by yourself in the jam along.
Published: 02/06/2014 Upgrade
In this set of beginner song lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you "Wide Open Spaces", by The Dixie Chicks. We'll start with an overview of the song, then take a look at different capos and how to use them. Next up is a breakdown of the chords in the song, followed by the strumming pattern. Then we'll look at the song form and do a slow-play; we'll conclude with a play along performance then a jam along.
Published: 03/14/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you how to play a made easy version of this song that teaches you all the chords and parts to play along with the band on this iconic tune.
Published: 12/17/2015 UpgradeStrumming

In this technique tutorial, Caren Armstrong will get you focused on your strumming. Caren will start by look the right hand with basic 1/8th notes, then she'll spice it up in the next lesson. Caren will explain her concept of "zoning" in the following lesson, and get into some syncopation. Next up is a look at "extreme zoning", then a look at damping (or muting). To finish, Caren will take all the elements and mix them up.
Published: 03/08/2012 UpgradeChords

In these seven guitar lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you how to turn barre chords into jazz chords. After introducing you to the tutorial, Caren will first break down the A7 chord, and in the next lesson, the E7 chord. Then it's time to learn to shift between the chords. After that, we'll look at harmonic reationships in A and E, playing progressions that use the I-IV-V chords. Last, Caren will demo some examples with different feels.
Published: 05/15/2012 UpgradeBeginner Technique

Caren Armstrong's Guitar Tricks Channel debut goes back to the basics. You'll see why Caren is a beginner's favorite teacher, with fantastic descriptions like "third finger first" of just what you need to do to break through the toughest beginning guitar roadblocks.
Published: 03/21/2014 Upgrade
A capo is a device used to the neck and strings of a guitar that shortens the playable length of the strings & as a result raising the pitch. There are numerous advantages to this result and we'll explore the most important ones in this tutorial.
Published: 02/28/2018 Upgrade
In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you how to develop good left hand technique. We'll start with an overview of the lessons, then look at the elements of basic left hand technique. Following that we'll look at chord position and placement; then learn about strength versus finesse in making our chord shifts. Chord connections are up next, and we'll conclude by wrapping up all the concepts.
Published: 04/10/2013 Upgrade
In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach you how to develop good left hand technique. We'll start with an overview of the lessons, then look at the elements of basic left hand technique. Following that we'll look at chord position and placement; then learn about strength versus finesse in making our chord shifts. Chord connections are up next, and we'll conclude by wrapping up all the concepts.
Published: 04/10/2013 UpgradeBeginner Practice


This three part series is designed to get eager beginners making music and having fun with the guitar. If you already have a little bit of experience, we recommend skipping ahead to Chapter 1 of Guitar Fundamentals, as this tutorial is designed for people who are picking up the guitar for the very first time.
Published: 07/01/2017 Upgrade
In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will delve into the concepts of how to practice. Caren will introduce the tutorial, then get you started on the beginner mindset. Next she'll tune you in to making a beginning with your practice, then how to stay focused. After that we'll talk about how to build muscle memory; then look at how to prioritize your practice, and multi-task. To finish things off, Caren will discuss getting better faster.
Published: 04/09/2013 UpgradeFinger Picking

In this set of lessons, Caren Armstrong will teach basic Travis picking technique. We'll start with an overview of Travis picking, then get into basic terminology and orientation. Next up is the important hand position, the we'll detail the basic picking pattern and counting the rhythm. A simple exercise follows; then we'll review some reminders of what not to do. Then we'll play some examples in 3 keys, and end with increasing your speed.
Published: 10/21/2013 Upgrade
Caren will show you to take the basic Travis picking skills learned in an earlier tutorial and play a more advanced version of this this acoustic guitar style technique.
Published: 06/16/2016 Upgrade