Good Guitar Habits

Learn about the instructor and how these lessons came about.

Let’s explain how patterns are easier to see when you can play in all 12 keys.

Starting on G, we’ll identify a simple pattern for finding every note (in the chromatic scale) on the fretboard. This is the foundation for all upcoming lessons.

This lesson walks you through playing a major scale in all 12 keys. However, any scale can easily be applied to this model.

Starting with a review of 3 main arpeggios, we’ll see how to leverage the 12 roots to practice arpeggio patterns.

Why are we choosing to call some notes ‘sharp’ and others ‘flat’?

Assuming you know how to play the most common barre chords, this lesson illuminates a simple way to transpose any chord progression pattern to any key visually on the fretboard.

A concise summary of this course’s primary lessons - outlining a ‘homework’ project that will help you take ownership of the course material.

Learn about this course, the scales and tools we’ll be using.

Learn/review the G minor pentatonic scale. This will form the basis for all the practice in this course. The scale is downloadable as guitar tab with this lesson.

Continue using the same pentatonic scale, but playing 2 notes for each beat. We’ll identify your metronome speed as well.

Learn to divide each beat into 4 even parts (a.k.a. 1/16ths).

Without changing the metronome tempo, dividing the beat into 3 even parts increases the effective speed of your picking.

Follow along (using a metronome) to learn an effective exercise using variable subdivisions.

Setting your tempo to the right spead isn’t always the FASTEST speed. This lesson points out the best ways to use a metronome as you develop.

We’ll review the lessons and summarize the most important take-aways and tips.

We’ll go over the key points in this course.

Knowing where fingerpickers generally place their fingers is a significant advantage for beginners.

Specific steps for learning to use finger planting. ‘Planting’ is a technique that ensures good tone, speed and coordination as your fingerpicking improves.

The same advice I’ve given my private students for years - how to orient your wrist, elbow and hand for ideal placement on the guitar.

We’ll go over some key points to consider as you practice and develop.

A look at what duple-based rhythm is and how to start practicing it in the context of 1/8th notes.

A deeper dive into smaller duple subdivisions - dividing our 1/8ths into smaller parts as well.

Learn to subdivide tempo into 3 even parts and start playing a rhythm that is very common in fingerpicking styles!

By mixing duple and triple rhythms, we can create more interesting guitar parts.

A walkthrough of a simple walking bass line. This kind of walk can embellish a chord progression and is well-suited to fingerpicking.

Identify and learn some common chord progressions that you can use as a ready-made template for practicing and playing fingerpicking.

We’ll wrap it up and I’ll outline a section project for students who are hightly motivated to make the most of the course.

Learn about your instructor and why I’ve made this course for my students…

We’ll review some practice scenarios and how they could be recreated with visualization. This kind of practice is a powerful practice tool I encourage my private students to use often.

Learn focusing your attention with visualization helps you learn more efficiently.

Visualizing chords, scales (and many things you’re learning) you’ll make progress more quickly. Here, we discuss activities that are a good match for visualization.

What constitutes a good practice routine? Let’s find out!

Let's brainstorm some ideas for what exactly to do during your practice routine.

How much practice do you really need? Over the years, certain models have proven better for my private students and I’ll share what I’ve learned.

Overview of a specific practice routine, building on the guidance provided in this course.

Let's look back on what you've accomplished.

Learn about the student portal that offers students extended resources to help them practice and follow along with more in depth downloads.