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Erich Andreas

My How to Play Fingerstyle/Fingerpick with  Beginner/Intermediate exercises course is the quickest and easiest method for learning all the redimentary Fingerstyle/Fingerpicking movements needed for guitar for acoustic OR electric guitar .  This course comprises 2 courses taking any guitarist from a beginner to intermediate level. It is my most direct, fun, and easy step-by-step method for the fingerstyle enthusiast, developed from teaching over 10,000 1-on-1 lessons and borrowing from my studies as a classical guitar major in college.

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My How to Play Fingerstyle/Fingerpick with  Beginner/Intermediate exercises course is the quickest and easiest method for learning all the redimentary Fingerstyle/Fingerpicking movements needed for guitar for acoustic OR electric guitar .  This course comprises 2 courses taking any guitarist from a beginner to intermediate level. It is my most direct, fun, and easy step-by-step method for the fingerstyle enthusiast, developed from teaching over 10,000 1-on-1 lessons and borrowing from my studies as a classical guitar major in college.

In this course we will focus on exercises only to REALLY hone our technique.  No songs taught in this course.  For that style, check out my other fingerpicking courses here on Udemy.  Also, LOTS more on my store page at YourGuitarSage (.com).

Course 1: The Basics of Fingerstyle Guitar

The first six lessons guide the student step-by-step through unraveling the mechanics of Fingerstyle guitar in a fun and exciting way. The student will learn:

1. The Resting Position and why this is the cornerstone for all fingerpicking songs and methods.

2. The "Oom-Pah-Pah" pattern that lends itself best to waltzes and songs in "3" or "6".

3. The Fingerstyle roll, which is a must-know for any lover of Fingerstyle

4. The "pinch-pick", which allows the student to play multiple "voices" at the same time. This method empowers the guitarist to play a melody over a bassline, allowing the student to create "whole band"/orchestral arrangements.

Course 2: Intermediate Fingerstyle Guitar

This section examines explicitly the many different fingerpicking challenges aspiring fingerstyle guitarists will experience as they level up this style. However, in this case, the student feels no frustration as each of the 27 exercises builds upon the last, creating an enjoyable and rewarding journey to greatness.

Each exercise is demonstrated with great detail, and a PDF matrix is supplied to ensure success, improved coordination, and finger independence, empowering the student to overcome future challenges easily.

As with all my courses, I aim to bring students to their guitar-playing goals in the most effective path possible while making all challenges easy and fun. This ultimate fingerstyle course is your ticket to complete fingerstyle freedom as quickly and painlessly as possible.

This course is covered by Udemy’s ironclad return policy, so there is no way to mess up.

Join us inside the course.

:)

Erich

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Beginner to intermediate fingerstyle/fingerpicking methods and techniques
  • Beginner to intermediate fingerstyle/fingerpicking exercises
  • How to alternate the bassline (often used in travis picking)
  • The essential pinch pick
  • Melody coordination exercises
  • Exercises for every possible quarter, eighth and sixteenth note variation.

Syllabus

Welcome
Welcome to How to Play Fingerstyle Guitar
The Basics of Fingerstyle Guitar
Introduction to the Basics of Fingerstyle Guitar
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down fingerstyle guitar into manageable exercises, which helps learners build coordination and finger independence
Focuses exclusively on exercises to hone technique, which may appeal to learners who prefer a structured approach
Teaches the "Oom-Pah-Pah" pattern, which is useful for playing waltzes and songs in "3" or "6"
Explores different fingerpicking challenges, which helps aspiring fingerstyle guitarists level up their skills
Does not teach songs, which may not appeal to learners who prefer to learn through playing complete pieces

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Reviews summary

Mastering fingerstyle guitar technique

According to learners, this course is highly effective for building fundamental fingerstyle guitar technique. Students praise the clear and encouraging instruction provided by Erich, noting how he breaks down mechanics into manageable steps. The progression of exercises is well-structured, helping to improve finger independence and coordination. A key aspect highlighted is that the course focuses purely on technique drills and exercises, and does not include learning specific songs. While many appreciate this focus on technical development, a few learners found the lack of musical application less motivating. Supplemental PDFs are found to be helpful references.
Course focuses purely on technique exercises, no songs.
"Loved that it's focused purely on technique, not just learning songs."
"Don't expect to learn popular songs here."
"Just doing exercises feels a bit dry after a while."
"I was hoping to learn some songs using fingerpicking. This course is just exercises."
"If you need pure technical drills, it's fine."
"It's purely technique focused, which is fine if you know that going in."
Downloadable exercises provide useful reference.
"The PDFs are helpful supplements."
"PDF exercises are a good reference."
"The downloadable exercises are very helpful."
Exercises build progressively for skill development.
"The exercises are challenging but build upon each other perfectly."
"The exercises are well-structured."
"The progression of exercises is perfect..."
"The structure is logical, moving from basic patterns to more complex rhythms..."
Instructor explains concepts and exercises clearly.
"Erich is a great instructor, very clear and encouraging."
"Erich breaks down everything clearly."
"The explanations are concise and easy to follow."
"The explanations are clear."
"Erich is a patient and clear teacher."
Excellent for building fundamental fingerstyle skills.
"This course is exactly what I needed to improve my finger independence and coordination."
"Fantastic course for serious beginners and intermediates looking to really hone their fingerpicking technique."
"Solid course for learning fingerstyle mechanics..."
"If you want to improve your finger independence and dexterity, this is a good resource."
"Exactly what I needed to build a strong foundation in fingerstyle."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fingerstyle/Fingerpick Guitar How to Play w/Beg/Int Exercise with these activities:
Review Basic Guitar Chords
Reinforce your knowledge of basic guitar chords to provide a solid foundation for fingerstyle techniques.
Browse courses on Guitar Chords
Show steps
  • Practice transitioning between common chords.
  • Memorize chord shapes and finger placements.
Guitar Aerobics
Use a book of guitar exercises to improve your overall technique and finger dexterity.
View Troy Nelson- on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Guitar Aerobics'.
  • Select exercises that focus on finger independence and coordination.
  • Incorporate these exercises into your daily practice routine.
Practice 'Oom-Pah-Pah' Pattern
Repeatedly practice the 'Oom-Pah-Pah' pattern to build muscle memory and improve timing.
Show steps
  • Set a metronome to a slow tempo.
  • Practice the pattern with different chord progressions.
  • Gradually increase the tempo as you improve.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Record Yourself Playing Exercises
Record yourself playing the fingerstyle exercises to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
Show steps
  • Set up a recording device (phone, camera, etc.).
  • Record yourself playing the exercises from the course.
  • Review the recording and identify areas where you can improve.
The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking
Study a book on Travis picking to expand your knowledge of fingerstyle techniques and learn new patterns.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Art of Contemporary Travis Picking'.
  • Work through the exercises and examples in the book.
Compose a Simple Fingerstyle Arrangement
Apply the learned techniques to create your own fingerstyle arrangement of a simple song.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple song with a clear melody.
  • Experiment with different fingerstyle patterns to create an arrangement.
  • Practice the arrangement until you can play it smoothly.

Career center

Learners who complete Fingerstyle/Fingerpick Guitar How to Play w/Beg/Int Exercise will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Acoustic Guitarist
An acoustic guitarist specializes in playing acoustic guitar, often performing solo or in small ensembles. This course directly helps acoustic guitarists improve their skills in fingerstyle and fingerpicking techniques. The emphasis on exercises, bassline alternation, and melody coordination helps build a strong foundation for performance. Aspiring or established acoustic guitarists should take this course to expand their repertoire and enhance their technical abilities. The intermediate section is of great benefit to guitarists who have basic proficiency.
Guitar Teacher
A Guitar Teacher educates students in the art of playing the guitar. This course in fingerstyle and fingerpicking guitar techniques is valuable because it provides a structured approach to learning these styles. Guitar teachers who wish to instruct their students in fingerstyle guitar may find this course a useful tool for developing their own teaching methods and understanding common challenges faced by learners. The syllabus, with its focus on exercises and step by step skill building, will assist in the development of a strong pedagogical approach.
Songwriter
A songwriter composes original musical pieces. This course in fingerstyle guitar can be extremely useful for songwriters looking to add depth and complexity to their compositions. Fingerstyle techniques can provide a richer harmonic and rhythmic foundation for songs. The course's approach to alternating bass lines and melody coordination can inspire new creative ideas. Songwriters taking this course will expand their musical palette and write more intricate and engaging songs.
Session Musician
Session Musicians are hired to play guitar on recordings or in live performances. This course may be useful for session musicians looking to expand their skill set into fingerstyle guitar. Fingerstyle guitar can be a unique texture to offer to clients. The exercises focusing on coordination and finger independence found in the intermediate section are of particular value. As a session musician, proficiency in styles like fingerstyle increases your marketability and versatility.
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. While not directly related to therapy, skill in playing guitar can be beneficial for a music therapist. The ability to play fingerstyle guitar, fostered by this course, may be useful in certain therapeutic contexts. The course's emphasis on exercises may assist in adapting musical instruction to individual patient needs. Music therapists typically require a master's degree.
Music Store Owner
A Music Store Owner manages and operates a retail store selling musical instruments and accessories. This course may be helpful for music store owners who want to increase their knowledge of guitar techniques. Understanding fingerstyle guitar can help owners better advise customers on instrument selection and accessories. The course's breakdown of guitar exercises can provide valuable insights. Music store owners who take this course will be better equipped to serve their customers.
Bandleader
A bandleader is responsible for leading and managing a musical group, including rehearsals and performances. This course may be useful for bandleaders who play guitar and want to incorporate fingerstyle techniques into their band's sound. The lessons on alternating bass lines and melody coordination can be applied to arranging parts for other instruments. Bandleaders taking this course will gain a deeper understanding of fingerstyle guitar, leading to creative and informed musical decisions.
Music Director
A Music Director oversees the musical aspects of a performance or production, such as a play or musical. This course may be useful for music directors who want to incorporate fingerstyle guitar into their productions. The course will help the music director become familiar with the nuances of fingerstyle guitar. The course's Intermediate Fingerstyle Guitar section is of particular use to accomplished players.
Music Journalist
A Music Journalist writes about music, including reviews, articles, and interviews. This course may assist music journalists to better understand finger style techniques. This will help the music journalist write more informed and insightful reviews and articles about guitarists. The course's breakdown of specific fingerstyle exercises can provide a framework for analyzing and describing guitar playing techniques. Music journalists who take this course will gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and skill involved in fingerstyle guitar.
Orchestrator
An Orchestrator arranges music for an orchestra. Although fingerstyle guitar is typically a solo or small ensemble style, this course may be useful for orchestrators looking to incorporate guitar into their arrangements. Understanding the technical aspects of fingerstyle guitar can help orchestrators write effective and idiomatic parts for guitar. The course's focus on alternating bass lines and melody coordination can translate into interesting orchestral textures. Knowledge of fingerstyle guitar may lead to innovative musical arrangements.
Guitar Technician
A Guitar Technician maintains and repairs guitars. While this course does not directly teach guitar repair, a deeper understanding of guitar playing styles such as fingerstyle can be beneficial for a technician. Knowing the nuances of different playing techniques may help technicians better understand the needs of their clients. The exercises covered in the course may provide insights into common issues related to playing technique. A guitar techinician who is knowledgable in fingerstyle techniques may be in more demand.
Music Supervisor
A Music Supervisor selects and licenses music for film, television, and other media. This course may be helpful for music supervisors looking to expand their knowledge of guitar styles. Understanding fingerstyle techniques may help music supervisors identify unique and appropriate music for their projects. The course's breakdown of fingerstyle techniques may aid in the selection process. Music supervisors who take this course will gain a new perspective on the creative possibilities of guitar music.
Choir Director
A Choir Director leads and manages a choir. While this course focuses on guitar, the principles of musicality and coordination covered in the course may be transferable to conducting a choir. Any improvement to their musical abilities may assist a Choir Director in their work. Also, a director may seek to incorporate guitar into their performances. By studying fingerstyle guitar, a choir director can broaden their musical horizons. The course's emphasis on exercises may inspire creative approaches.
Music Publisher
A Music Publisher manages the rights to musical works and promotes their use. While not directly related, understanding different guitar playing styles may be valuable for a music publisher. This course can provide a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of fingerstyle guitar. The emphasis on exercises and technique found throughout the course can provide insight into the value and complexity of musical pieces. Music publishers should seek to learn as much as possible about various music styles.
Digital Audio Workstation Technician
Digital Audio Workstation Technicians work with digital recording equipment. This course may be useful for technicians who are also musicians looking to improve their recording and mixing skills. Understanding nuances in guitar playing will assist in the production of high quality recordings. By studying fingerstyle guitar, a technician can understand different styles of playing that they may be asked to record.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fingerstyle/Fingerpick Guitar How to Play w/Beg/Int Exercise.
Delves into the intricacies of Travis picking, a style closely related to fingerstyle guitar. It provides a deeper understanding of alternating bass lines and syncopation. This book valuable resource for expanding your fingerstyle repertoire beyond the exercises in the course. It is commonly used by intermediate to advanced guitarists.
Provides a year's worth of exercises to improve guitar technique. While not specifically focused on fingerstyle, it offers valuable drills for dexterity, speed, and coordination. This book is best used as a supplementary resource for building overall guitar proficiency. Many guitar instructors recommend this book to their students.

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