Fingerpicking Guitar for the Young Beginner

William Bay

Dec 2010 · Mel Bay Publications

About this ebook

This beginner's approach to playing fingerstyle guitar uses well-known folk songs to develop left and right-hand techniques. The tunes are first introduced with simplified chords and accompaniment provided by an easy downward strum of the thumb. Next, the thumb and three fingers pluck simultaneously to produce block chords, and finally render more complex arpeggiated patterns. While barre chords are judiciously avoided throughout, the alternating bass concept is presented with full-strength chords using all six strings where applicable. While the melodies are shown in standard notation, the lyrics and companion audio serve as rhythmic guides to the student; neither note nor tablature reading ability is required to complete this enjoyable course. Includes access to online audio.

About the author

William Bay received his undergraduate degree in business at Washington University in St. Louis and his MBA at the University of Missouri. He played trumpet and guitar professionally for many years and has authored hundreds of books on music education and performance. As president of Mel Bay Publications he has produced thousands of books dealing with an eclectic array of musical styles, genres and instruments and performed on many audio and video recordings. He is an accomplished composer and arranger. His books have sold in the millions. He was recently inducted into the Missouri Music Hall of Fame.

The following William Bay recordings are now available on most audio streaming services: Trumpet and Guitar, Guitar Images, Acoustic Guitar Portraits, Christmas Guitar Portraits, Celtic Hymns and Sacred Songs, Songs from the Heartland, Beautiful American Airs and Ballads, Sacred Songs of Early America, Beautiful Airs and Ballads of the British Isles, Early Music Gems, Celtic Gems, Beautiful Carols of Christmas and more.