Bluegrass Guitar Learning Paths & Lessons

Learning Path

Getting Started with Bluegrass Guitar

These online beginner guitar lessons will help you get started with the basics from holding your guitar to strumming. You'll follow ...

Learning Path

Your First Guitar Chords

In this path you'll learn which strings to push down with your fretting hand to create E minor and A minor chords on the guitar. The...

Learning Path

D and G Major Chords

The D and G major chords will give you even more options for switching chords and challenge your technique just enough so that learn...

Learning Path

Getting Started with Flatpicking on Guitar

In this path you'll learn the basic down and upstroke flatpicking technique that you know and love from your favorite recordings. Fi...

Song

Angeline the Baker - Beginner

It is perfect for beginners as it is easy to learn and master, with the melody contained in a single octave. The down-strums of the ...

Song

Cripple Creek - Melody

Dive into the enchanting world of folk and bluegrass with our 'Cripple Creek - Melody' lesson designed specifically for guitar begi...

Arrangement

Crawdad Song
Melody

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This is the range where you will most often pick the lead. You shouldn't have to pick as close to the bridge since you are playing a...

Arrangement

East Virginia Blues
Beginner

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Nothing but the melody boys and girls. With an arrangement this simple, we can always focus on other elements of playing besides wha...

Song

I'll Fly Away

Take flight into the world of acoustic brilliance with our 'I'll Fly Away' guitar tablature lesson. This comprehensive tutorial cat...

Song

The Girl I Left Behind Me

"The Girl I Left Behind Me" is a classic folk song with a lively instrumental melody and dreamy vocals, making it a great choice fo...

Song

There is a Time

This timeless tune was made famous by "The Dillards" on The Andy Griffith Show. Start by learning the melody arrangements first. The...

Song

Shady Grove

Shady Grove is a classic folk song for guitar that features both simple melody arrangements and an advanced one. Perfect for both be...

Song

Midnight on the Water

An advanced beginner-friendly flat-picking guitar piece, "Midnight on the Water" is a charmingly simple waltz that celebrates the be...

Song

Bury Me Beneath the Willow

This classic bluegrass ballad provides an excellent opportunity for advanced beginner flat-picking guitarists to build their technic...

Song

Grandfather's Clock

This timeless classic is a great piece for intermediate flat picking guitarists to learn! This arrangement keeps true to the origina...

Song

Cripple Creek

A classic banjo-style folk song, Cripple Creek is the perfect tune for intermediate guitarists. This multi-arrangement features Low ...

Song

Devil's Dream

Dive into the exhilarating world of crosspicking technique as you tackle the intricate patterns of this classic bluegrass piece. The...

Song

Freight Train

These tablatures guide you note by note through the captivating solo, allowing you to channel the spirit of the blues and folk tradi...

Song

Old Joe Clark

Old Joe Clark is an old-time American folk tune arranged for flatpicking guitar. It features multiple arranged and variations, maki...

Song

Red Haired Boy

An up-tempo traditional American folk tune, Red Haired Boy is an ideal choice for intermediate flatpicking guitarists looking for an...

Learning Path

Introduction to Crosspicking

Learn the most basic mechanics of the cross-picking technique and apply it in two different songs

Learning Path

Crosspicking Guitar 102

This lesson series will build on the material covered in the "Introduction to Crosspicking" lessons. There will be a brief review of...

Song

Boil Them Cabbage

Embark on your crosspicking journey with our 'Boil Them Cabbage' lesson, specially crafted for guitar beginners seeking to master t...

Song

Crosspicking 101

"Crosspicking 101" is the perfect starting point for guitar beginners eager to delve into the captivating world of crosspicking tech...

Song

Crosspicking Exercises and Patterns

"Crosspicking Exercises and Patterns" is a comprehensive guide tailored for guitar beginners looking to develop their crosspicking t...

Learning Path

G Scales for Beginners

Learn how to play two different scales so you can practice putting your fretting and picking hands together. Take it nice and slow a...

Arrangement

Amazing Grace
Crosspicking

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This cross-picking arrangement can be very beautiful played on solo guitar in a jam. There's a lot of notes in the full arrangement....

Arrangement

I'll Fly Away
Crosspicking

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Cross-picking is hard. That is why this arrangement has some measures that are quite easy to play. It gives you a momentary break f...

Arrangement

Roll in my Sweet Baby's Arms
Crosspicking

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This arrangement of Roll in my Sweet Baby's Arms is all cross-picking and has some difficult string crossings. Take it slow. Measure...

Arrangement

Banks of the Ohio
Crosspicking

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This version of Banks of the Ohio starts out with a crosspicking arrangement and seamlessly moves into some longer melody phrasing. ...

Arrangement

Angeline the Baker
Crosspicking

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  D
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This arrangement of Angeline the Baker features more crosspicking lines that makes the melody sound fuller and more complex. Don’t f...

Arrangement

Angel Band
Crosspicking

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This is a great hymn and a nice cross-picking arrangement. Start with just the melody, so you know which notes to accent when cross-...

Song

C Major - 1st Position

An introduction and gentle exploration of C Major in the first position

Song

G Major Scale Workout

This G Major Scale Workout on Guitar with three different tablatures gives players a great exercise to build their fretting hand dex...

Learning Path

Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar 101

In this learning path you'll study the classic chord shapes, rhythm patterns, fills and “bass runs” of Bluegrass guitar.

Learning Path

Rhythm Guitar - Introduction to Walking Bass

This lesson path will introduce you to standard walking bass runs in several keys and two different time signatures. I'll Fly Away w...

Song

Rhythm Basics

Rhythm Basics is a guitar exercise designed to develop your basic rhythmic accuracy and timing. It is presented in three different a...

Song

Amazing Grace Rhythm Guitar

This lesson allows players to explore two different arrangements of the classic gospel tune, “Amazing Grace” on acoustic guitar. Eac...

Arrangement

Crawdad Song
Rhythm

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Learn to play rhythm! It's what gives music life. You gotta have it in a jam, and it makes singers and songs worth listening to.

Song

The Old Crossroad

The Old Crossroad by Bill Monroe is a classic tune featuring a lively rhythm arrangement. It is primarily composed in a traditional ...

Song

Watson Blues

A classic Monroe instrumental that features a signature guitar riff from his friend Doc Watson

Arrangement

Crawdad Song
Floaties

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

An entry point to playing "floaties". Learn the basic melody in a new position by playing higher fretted notes and open strings. Thi...

Arrangement

Cripple Creek - Melody
Melody - Up the Neck

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Up the neck doesn't have do be a scary place. Check out this simple arrangement of cripple creek. If you've played any of the other ...

Arrangement

Cripple Creek
Bluegrass - Up the Neck

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Going up! Venture beyond the ordinary and explore the fretboard's upper reaches as you master this dynamic solo rendition of the be...

Arrangement

Golden Slippers
Up the Neck

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

An up the neck break with some fancy triplets and a hint of cross-picking. It's the perfect recipe for an excellent arrangement of t...

Arrangement

Jerusalem Ridge
Bluegrass

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  Am
• Tuning
  EADGBE

It's a tough tune. It's kind of the pinnacle of Bluegrass fiddle tunes. You should learn it :D

Arrangement

Big Sciota
Up the Neck

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Big Sciota is a classic fiddle tune. The chords changes in the B part are a little different, but very interesting. This arrangement...

Arrangement

Hunting The Buffalo
Up the Neck

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  Em
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Way up the neck on this one. Switch the licks and learn new tricks. Fun times aren't gonna have themselves now ;)

Learning Path

How to Play Cripple Creek

This Lesson will teach you scales in a couple positions, and show how to play the melody of Cripple Creek in those spots as well. Th...

Learning Path

How to Play Red Haired Boy

Learn how to play the tune Red Haired Boy and add variations with the lick-switcher.

Learning Path

How to Play Sugarfoot Rag

Learn the tune Sugarfoot Rag, explore several variations, and gain an overview of how to play backup.

Learning Path

How to Play Salt Creek

Learn to play the jam standard Salt Creek, and create some tasty variations with the lick switcher. Delve into the heart of the blue...

Learning Path

G Scales for Beginners

Learn how to play two different scales so you can practice putting your fretting and picking hands together. Take it nice and slow a...

Learning Path

Intro to the Pentatonic Scale

Learn the pentatonic Scale for 3 keys: G, C, and D. Then, apply that to a song along with multiple variations in the lick switcher.

Song

G Major Scale Workout

This G Major Scale Workout on Guitar with three different tablatures gives players a great exercise to build their fretting hand dex...

Song

D Major Scale Workout

This D Major Scale Workout includes a variety of exercises featuring four different arrangements - One octave scale, Ccale Pattern #...

Song

C Major - 1st Position

An introduction and gentle exploration of C Major in the first position

Learning Path

Learning by Ear with Hide Notes

This lesson video will teach you how to use Hide Notes. Hide Notes is a tool from Tunefox that conceals certain notes in the tablatu...

Song

Big Sciota

Big Sciota is an upbeat fiddle tune perfect for flat picking guitar. With a driving rhythm and catchy melody, this classic tune is g...

Song

Cherokee Shuffle

Cherokee Shuffle is a classic fiddle tune from the Appalachian folk tradition. It is great for beginner guitar players as it is mid-...

Song

Turkey in the Straw

Turkey in the Straw is an old time fiddle tune played with a fast tempo and a fun arrangement, making it a great choice for expert g...

Song

Bill Cheatum

"Bill Cheatum" is a classic fiddle tune with a medium tempo, perfect for intermediate guitar players! The melody is driving with ple...

Song

Sally Goodin

Sally Goodin is an old-time fiddle tune and an expert-level swing music classic. An essential for fans of both traditions, it is fas...

Song

Crazy Creek

Crazy Creek for Guitar is an up-tempo fiddle tune that is perfect for expert players. A great song to show off your skill and techni...

Song

Salt Creek

Salt Creek is an up-tempo old time fiddle tune that's great for intermediate guitar players. This instrumental tune is full of energ...

Song

Arkansas Traveler

The Arkansas Traveler is a popular folk song originating in the Southern United States. It tells the story of a stranger's encounter...

Song

Forked Deer

Guitar song Forked Deer in C major is a well-known traditional tune that has been arranged multiple times. It has three different ta...

Arrangement

Whiskey Before Breakfast
Bluegrass

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  C
• Tuning
  EADGBE

A standard arrangement of this classic tune. Check out the licks for some great options. There's plenty of Crosspicking, Bluegrass,...

Song

Soldier's Joy

Soldier's Joy is an uplifting folk song with roots that date back hundreds of years. It has become a popular pick among acoustic gui...

Arrangement

Chinquapin Hunting
Bluegrass

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  C
• Tuning
  EADGBE

A wonderful little fiddle tune. This one is great to learn out of C or D.

Song

Billy in the Low Ground

Billy in the Low Ground is a fun and challenging solo guitar piece that is great for intermediate-level players. The song has a trad...

Song

Fisher's Hornpipe

This arrangement of Fisher's Hornpipe in C position is a masterful take on a traditional folk classic. The intricate finger picking ...

Arrangement

East Virginia Blues
Intermediate

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This fun arrangement of East Virginia Blues has a lot of chromatic runs, but still maintains the melody. As it should be! Where woul...

Arrangement

Arkansas Traveler
Chromatic

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  C
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This arrangement of Arkansas Traveler is the melody with some chromatic twists :). Notice how the B section features longer scale ba...

Arrangement

Sitting On Top of the World
Advanced

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

Here's a complex arrangement with a whole bunch of chromaticism and string hopping thrown in. It'll blow your friends a way, that's ...

Arrangement

Wildwood Flower
Advanced

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  C
• Tuning
  EADGBE

A fun and exciting arrangement of Wildwood Flower with lots of substance. There’s some crosspicking, chromatic action, and overall, ...

Arrangement

Sailor's Hornpipe
Intermediate

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This solo for Sailor's Hornpipe features more of the chromatic notes that you may be familiar with in this melody. Pay attention to ...

Arrangement

Big Sandy
Bluegrass

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

This is a great Bill Monroe tune. A chromatic walk is one of the main themes in the melody. If you want more ideas on how to incorpo...

Arrangement

New Camptown Races
Naiditch Style

• Difficulty
  
• Key
  G
• Tuning
  EADGBE

New Camptown races was written by mandolinist Frank Wakefield. He was heavily influenced by Bill Monroe. The arrangement here i...