Traditional Songs

In this tutorial we'll learn a simple classical guitar style arrangement of the nursery rhyme "Mary Had A Little Lamb".

Old Joe Clark is a traditional bluegrass standard dating back to the 19th century. Here, three-finger "banjo-roll" style guitar picking is explained in great detail to get that fast, rolling sound on acoustic guitar. We take advantage of and use the open G triad tuning of strings 4, 3 and 2 to help us along. A fun, driving backing track is used to make the tune complete.

"Take Me Out To The Ball Game" is a well known public domain melody that's been sung at baseball games for over 100 years. In this tutorial we will learn a beginner level 2 guitar arrangement of the tune.

In this tutorial we will learn a more advanced version of 'Take Me Out To The Ball Game', the classic American tune about baseball in a jazz chord melody style.

In an earlier tutorial learned to play the single note melody of the French folk tune "Au Claire De La Lune". This time we are going to harmonize the melody in order to create and play a simple classical guitar style arrangement of the tune.

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!

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!

In this tutorial we will learn a simple, single note melody arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner". We'll start by working through melody, note by note, using the C major scale in the open position. After we get the notes in place, we'll learn how to add some performance flair by means of musical pauses called commas and fermatas. Finally, we'll add a few chord tones for a bonus banner. Let's get started!

In this tutorial we will learn an electrified arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner". We'll start by working through melody, note by note, in E major. After we get the notes down, we'll focus on getting the best electric, overdrive tone for the tune. Finally, we'll add some performance flair by means trills and bending. Let's get started!

In this tutorial we'll learn a solo fingerstyle arrangement of "The Star Spangled Banner". We'll start with the basics, understanding the melody and how to add bass notes and chord tones. Then, we'll work through the entire arrangement note by note. After we get the notes in place, we'll learn how to add some performance flair by means of musical pauses called commas and fermatas. Finally, we'll add a dramatic ending flourish.

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!

Christopher will show you how to play this traditional classical guitar piece that has beginner level skills as well as intermediate.