Guitar - Flatpicking
Instructor: Keith Larsen
Guitar - Flatpicking
Instructor: Keith Larsen
Course Description:
Level: 2 – 3 (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)
Using Fiddle tunes (with ear training and tablature for back up), we will explore the “bag of licks”, tricks and runs to spice up your playing. I love to talk guitar so we will cover a wide range of topics including:
- Picks.
- Jam etiquette.
- How to reduce tension in your playing.
- Picking out melodies.
- Breaking away from the melody and improvising.
- Putting the “Blues” in Bluegrass.
- Right hand technique.
- Solid rhythm playing.
- The 3 “T”s of music: Timing, Taste and Tone.
- How to make you a better musician all around, solo and when playing with others.
The atmosphere will be relaxed and supportive. We will play a lot and have fun and some laughs along the way.
Keith Larsen
I can remember at age six falling asleep at night listening to the Guess Who and Sugar Sugar by the Archies on a little Sony radio in Winnipeg. I loved to listen to music and whistle the melodies. My musical path on guitar started around 12 when my sister found me trying to string up and old junker guitar with fishing line. I used lower pound test line for the small strings and braided the bigger strings… it didn’t work. Seeing my determination my sister bought me my first decent guitar, an El Degas. I have been a guitar geek ever since. My musical influences are broad. I have performed since my teens and had the pleasure of playing bars, concert halls, and festivals all over BC and Alberta solo and with other wonderful talented musicians. I love to teach and have taught music to individuals and groups for decades. The musical journey is a wonderful path.
Website: RedGirl
Playing Experience Levels
These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).
Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.
LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.
LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.
LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.
LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.