Smart Guitar

Finger picking guitar is a different style of guitar that has both advantages and disadvantages over using a pick.

With a little practice it can be the basis for interesting and compelling solo pieces.

Using guitar finger picking it is much easier to skip strings and play non-adjacent strings at the same time, so there are advantages, even for new guitarists.

Basic Guitar Fingerpicking Technique

There are a variety of different styles of playing fingerpicking guitar. At the most basic level though the rules below dictate what string to play with what finger.

You use your thumb to play the 3 bass strings of the guitar. The index finger is used to play the 3rd string, the middle finger is used to play the 2nd string and the ring finger is used to play the 1st string.

The pinkie finger is not used in fingerstyle guitar playing Normally you would keep it as close to the ring finger as possible so it doesn’t interfere with your playing.

Once you have your fingers in the correct position over the strings it time to play an arpeggio.

Let’s try with a D chord. Simply finger the D chord, pick the 4th string with you thumb then 3rd string, second string, 1st, 2nd 3rd.

Make sure to use the correct finger for each of the strings.

Once you are comfortable using each finger to strike the right string, try changing between chords playing the pattern above.

Remember to change the bass note each time. By playing around with picking arrangements, some really interesting parts can be created.

The more time I spend on this site, the more I like it.  There are so many great lessons covering the vast range of possibilites that come with playing the guitar.  I’ll be uploading more and more lessons from JamPlay, so keep coming back, and definitely check out their site!

This is JamPlay’s Matt Brown teaching you the basics of Red Hot Chili Peppers “Under the Bridge.” Enjoy!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czAzpzOWn2A]

The Speed Learning System from Elmore Music is presented as the definitive guide to learning guitar. This is a tough challenge as there are some excellent guitar products on the market these days and it takes something special to really stand out.

As you can see in the screenshots below, it certainly looks good…but will you actually improve your guitar skills?

WHY YOU’LL IMPROVE

1. It’s an easy to follow format. There is a TON of content but the 30-day guide will keep you on track.
2. The amount and quality of the songs are well produced and familiar (Santana, Metallica, etc.)
3. This course works on both a PC and a MAC which isn’t always the case with other courses.
4. Ideal for guitarists who want to push past their learning plataeu
5.  Sheer quantity of tuition and lessons
6.  Well taught and laid out video lessons
7. Really easy to follow
8. Excellent bonuses
9. It’s excellent for beginner and intermediate guitarists and I totally recommend the course.  It’s not the cheapest option, but it is a great value.

This website will improve your:

* Ability to play a wide range of guitar styles
* Lead and rhythm guitar skills
* Understanding of guitar theory
* Ability to play with a band.

WHAT YOU GET

The Speed Learning System certainly all of Elmore Music’s courses rolled into one package. You will get instant access to Elmore Music’s 5 courses as well as 7 additional free bonuses which worth over $650!  The main courses included are:

Guitar Tips - Will show users how to play the guitar in 30 days online. 70 Jam Packed guitar lessons with image, text and sound, you’ll learn using all 3 mediums and really kick-start your progress!

Guitar Songs - Learn to play 50 legendary songs on the guitar using a brand new step-by-step site. Guitar Songs give you access to the hottest songs, tabs, video clips, step-by-step audio tracks and more.

Guitar Theory - Featuring lessons containing beats, signatures, rests, sharps, tempo’s dynamics, consonants …users will gain a thorough understanding of music theory and how it all comes together.

Guitar Leads - Take your playing to the next level. Only recommended for the serious shredder! Learn how to cross your hands over while finger tapping your way down the guitar neck! Learn to use a combination of whammy bar bends, harmonics, finger tapping as well as finger picking your way around your guitar fretboard… while still playing in perfect tune!

Guitar Backing Tracks - Jam along with your own virtual band! With catchy drum beats, cool bass riffs and hundreds of synth tracks (including piano, violin and more), it’s like having your own virtual band at your finger tips! Improve your strumming by jamming along to different drum beats.

You also receive 6 bonus items:
* Insider Action Plan For Writing Your Own Songs
* 5 Catchy Jam Tracks
* Easy Guitar Chord Dictionary
* Scale Tool Generation Software
* 7 Advanced Leads To Apply To Your Playing
* Your Own Live Guitar Tutor Via E-mail (for one year)

In addition to this you also receive a free guitar effects software package that lets you record and play guitar on your PC.

The current price ($197) works out at what four of the main courses would cost if you bought them separately and your basically getting the guitar theory, 7 bonus items and guitar software all for free!
As with Elmore Music’s Guitar Songs package when you first visit the site you’ll be offered some free guitar lessons which are excellent and should be the first thing you do.

There are thousands and thousands of sites that will tell you that they can teach you the guitar in a day.  Is it too good to be true?  Absolutely.  First of all, you can master the basics of guitar in a very short period of time, but you’ll have to practice and commit to whatever lessons you choose if you really want to be good or really improve your skills.  I mean, seriously, do you think Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Eric Clapton, or Bo Diddley just learned guitar in a week or a month?  Of course not!  It takes a long time and a lot of practice to be really good at playing the guitar (or anything else).

These courses will definitely give you the skills you need to be good at the guitar, even if you’re not a musical genius.  And they’re great for any level of musician.  Just starting out? Want to improve? Trying to be the best? This site offers reviews of the best options on the internet, so you don’t have to waste your time.  How do I know it works?  Four years ago I picked up a guitar for the first time (I was 23), and now I’m playing backup in Nashville for all kinds of recording artists.  That’s right, I actually get paid to play the guitar!

I’ve also included some links to sweet deals on guitars if you’re looking to upgrade your instrument, or add another one to your collection!

Feel free to revisit the site, as I’ll update the reviews, guitars, and information as I find it!