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Flatpicking Guitar Trios: A Journey into the Heart of American Roots Music

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Flatpicking Guitar Trios: A Journey into the Heart of American Roots Music is an in-depth exploration of the history, techniques, and repertoire of flatpicking guitar trios. This book is a must-read for any fan of flatpicking guitar music.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides a history of flatpicking guitar trios, from their origins in the Appalachian Mountains to their rise to popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. The second part discusses the techniques used by flatpicking guitarists, including right-hand picking patterns, left-hand fingering, and improvisation. The third part presents a repertoire of 20 classic flatpicking guitar trio tunes.

Flatpicking Guitar Trios

by John Pitts

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8607 KB
Print length	:	68 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The book is written by John Pitts, a renowned flatpicking guitarist and teacher. Pitts has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in bluegrass music, including Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, and Doc Watson. He is also the author of several other books on flatpicking guitar.

Flatpicking Guitar Trios: A Journey into the Heart of American Roots Music is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to this exciting and vibrant musical genre. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you will find something of value in this book.

The History of Flatpicking Guitar Trios

The origins of flatpicking guitar trios can be traced back to the Appalachian Mountains in the early 19th century. At that time, the guitar was a common instrument in rural America, and it was often played in informal settings such as church services, barn dances, and family gatherings.

In the late 19th century, the guitar began to be used in more formal settings, such as concert halls and vaudeville shows. This led to the development of a more sophisticated style of guitar playing, known as flatpicking. Flatpicking is characterized by its use of a flatpick, which is held between the thumb and first finger of the right hand.

In the early 20th century, flatpicking guitar trios began to emerge as a popular form of entertainment. These trios typically consisted of a lead guitarist, a rhythm guitarist, and a bass guitarist. The lead guitarist would play the melody, while the rhythm guitarist and bass guitarist would provide accompaniment.

Flatpicking guitar trios reached their peak of popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, during the folk and bluegrass revivals. During this time, many influential flatpicking guitar trios emerged, such as the Dillards, the Seldom Scene, and the Country Gentlemen.

The Techniques of Flatpicking Guitar Trios

Flatpicking guitar trios use a variety of techniques to create their unique sound. The most important of these techniques are right-hand picking patterns, left-hand fingering, and improvisation.

Right-hand Picking Patterns

Right-hand picking patterns are the foundation of flatpicking guitar playing. These patterns involve using a flatpick to pluck the strings in a variety of ways, including downstrokes, upstrokes, and rolls.

There are many different right-hand picking patterns that can be used in flatpicking guitar trios. Some of the most common patterns include the forward roll, the backward roll, and the Travis picking pattern.

Left-hand Fingering

Left-hand fingering is used to create the melody and harmony on the guitar. The left hand is responsible for pressing down on the strings to create different notes.

There are many different left-hand fingering techniques that can be used in flatpicking guitar trios. Some of the most common techniques include hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides.

Improvisation

Improvisation is an important part of flatpicking guitar trios. Improvisation is the art of creating music on the spot, without any prior preparation.

There are many different ways to improvise on the guitar. Some of the most common techniques include using scales, arpeggios, and licks.

The Repertoire of Flatpicking Guitar Trios

The repertoire of flatpicking guitar trios is vast and varied. It includes everything from traditional folk songs to bluegrass standards to original compositions.

Some of the most popular flatpicking guitar trio tunes include "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," "Rocky Top," and "The Ballad of John Henry." These tunes are often played at bluegrass festivals and other events.

In addition to traditional tunes, flatpicking guitar trios also play a variety of original compositions. These compositions often showcase the trio's unique sound and virtuosity.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy of Flatpicking Guitar Trios: A Journey into the Heart of American Roots Music today!

Flatpicking Guitar Trios

by John Pitts

5 out of 5