LucasEbert - Posted - 02/17/2021:  06:31:17

Hey ya'll,

New guy here. Im sure this has already been posted many times, but I couldn't find it.

What, in your opinion, is the best site online to learn flatpicking?

I've been playin' guitar for years, but have found myself in what I've heard called "intermediate guitar player limbo" lol.

I'm considering Bryan Sutton's lessons on Artist Works. Anyone had experience with that, or anything like it?

Thanks,

Lucas

Texasbanjo - Posted - 02/18/2021:  04:49:23

I would think the best, quickest, easiest way to learn to flat pick would be to find a good teacher and take lessons. That way you'd have a one-on-one lesson where the teacher could point out any problems you were having and quickly reverse any bad habits that were beginning to form.

Other than live learning, online would probably be the next best bet.

Hopefully, folks on here will have ideas for you.

Hilly Strings - Posted - 02/18/2021:  12:12:10

flatpick.com/

Has some good resources, plenty of TAB for every tune you can think of plus audio. They also have a comprehensive course of study that is downloadable. Not as interactive as online lessons.

Steve Kaufman Parking Lot Pickers is one of the best Audio instruction books with CD's. However, I think it's out of print because I have seen it advertised at ridiculous prices.

Online Video lessons I would say Ryan Kimm and Brandon Johnson are very good.

I started online skype lessons and after spending $180.00 on 4 lessons I didn't think I was getting good value for money, the instructor would obviously disagree. For one to one lessons, you need an objective and stick with it. If you go into private lessons blind without an objective you can soon burn through your cash. J

Susanne - Posted - 02/22/2021:  02:29:29

Hi Lucas, I started on Bryan Sutton's Artistworks class last August, and I highly recommend it. He starts from the beginning and teaches good technique, fiddle tunes, rhythm, everything, while being very inspirational with a good mindset about music.
For something like €200 (I may remember incorrectly about the exact price) a year you get access to an enormous archive of video lessons, tabs, forums, Bryan's monthly message which is always very inspiring, plus you can send videos of your playing to Bryan and he will respond with a video in which he gives you feedback. It's the best you can do for your playing, I know I would never have come so far without it.

It's very much worth the money and they have some frequent discounts too. I signed up for a year in August when they had 50% off and I'll definitely renew this summer.

68d28 - Posted - 02/22/2021:  04:24:57

I also highly recommend Bryan Sutton’s site. I’ve been a member for 2 years and I love it.

Dick Hauser - Posted - 02/26/2021:  11:49:44

I think Steve Kaufman's "Parking Lot" Series is very good - especially Series 1. It includes the large book and 6 CDs. There are 20 tunes with 3 versions of each tune - begin, intermediate, and advanced. The recordings include lot of useful information on playing technique. The book/CDs sell for a little over $70. So you get 3 versions of 20 tunes. So it is like getting over 60 lessons for that price.



Shipping is getting expensive everywhere. When I order something nowadays, shipping can add a lot to the original price. I find items advertised by not available.

I have always found getting a good instructor very difficult.  And that happens for every instrument.  The Kauman "Parking Lot" instructionals have taught me most about playing guitar.  I even tried to "talk" Mel Bay Publications into creaing a series like that for the fiddle.  No luck though.

Edited by - Dick Hauser on 02/26/2021 11:54:20

68d28 - Posted - 02/26/2021:  12:39:52

I know the best private Skype instructor in the world. He's great with beginners to the most advanced players. I'll never want another private teacher. Jake Workman - check him out.

Edited by - 68d28 on 02/26/2021 12:41:03

epjacobs - Posted - 08/27/2021:  13:11:34

I am amazed that no one has mentioned Banjo Ben Clark. He offers subscription lessons which include guitar, banjo, and mandolin, all included in the same package. His instruction includes music theory as well as playing technique, and while heavy on flatpicking he does sometimes cover fingerstyle songs. He generally puts out a new lesson for each of the three instruments monthly, but the subscription also allows access to all of the prior material, so a wealth of songs and theory is in the catalogue. I have been a subscriber for several years (bought a lifetime membership) and have been very pleased with the quality and value. Check out Banjobenclark.com.

rrgramps - Posted - 11/12/2021:  11:21:28

Both Bryan Sutton and Banjo Been Clark are working for me. But I’m not a newbie, and yet, they both are teaching me quality stuff, and worth the price. Bryan has more critiques, and gives about 15 minutes for each submission.

monstertone - Posted - 03/23/2022:  08:54:43

Before the web, Oak publications once had a Bluegrass Guitar book by Happy Traum. Maybe another on Doc Watson style guitar.