Hello fellow flatpickers!

Get ready for a week of fun! In this class for intermediate players, we’ll learn how to play harmony, and fancy rhythms using both familiar, and obscure melodies from Appalachian, Celtic, ragtime and bluegrass styles and maybe a blues or two. Handouts (tablature/chord sheets) will be made available for most of the tunes. We will also cover a lot of material the old fashioned way – by ear. Students will watch, listen, and learn, just like Robin did when his dad and uncle taught him some of the Appalachian tunes that he plays. Students can look forward to learning new tunes, different ways to play these tunes, learning harmonies and playing ‘out of a chord.’ Some of the arrangements will sound like a guitar orchestra when we all play together.

We'll be playing a lot of fiddle tunes and through the week, we may have a guest or two providing a better understanding of flatpicking.

What to bring:

1. Be sure to bring some type of recording component. You'll want to listen and learn from these long after the class is over.

2. You must have a capo. I'm currently using a Shub. There are several good ones on the market. Just try to make sure it works well.

3. Bring extra strings or make sure the Augusta store will be carrying your brand. It's usually humid in Elkins and you may find out they won't last as long. My favorites are DR Rare Phospor bronze.

4. Picks. Any of your favorite brands....medium to hard. Try to stay away from the thin ones. They go "flap-flap-flap"

Thanks again, everyone! Looking forward to a week of fun!

Your friend,