Instructional – Lester Flatt Style Rhythm Guitar
Taught by Chris Sharp
Video 1 - Introduction
Video 1 – Introduction
This video is an overview of what we will be covering in this series and why I decided to make these videos. Though there is no instruction in this video it might be worth watching just to see if you’re interested in the series.
Video 2 - Tuning
Video 2 – Tuning
In this lesson we talk about tuning, my theories about tuning alone or in a crowded area and ideas for tuning with other people, eg. your band.
Video 3 - Picks
Video 3 – Picks
Lester Flatt used 2 picks. A thumbpick and a fingerpick (on his index finger). This shows my opinions of what makes picks good and how to go about choosing picks for this style. I recommend picks and even show you some tips on how to make your picks work better for Lester’s style of playing.
Video 4 - G chord
Video 4 – G chord
Finally we start playing the guitar! This lesson is shows the basic pattern (which remains the fundamental pattern) using the G-Chord for Lester’s style of playing. Each chord has some unique features that should not be overlooked but the basics for the entire stye are all right here.
Video 5 - C chord
Video 5 – C chord
The C-Chord is one of my favorites because you can really get into a groove playing it (this is because of the accents possible i this chord) Even in songs played out of G positon are funner to play if you have a C-Chord that you can fully accent.
Video 6 - D chord
Video 6 – D chord
In this lesson we explore the D-Chord rhythm pattern. Though the technique remains somewhat the same there are many different things that can be done in this chord position that are not possible in other positions.
Video 7 - Two basic G-runs
Video 7 – Two basic G runs
Lester Flatt was famous for his G Runs. In this lesson we cover 2 basic G Runs in common time. These will lay the groundwork for future variations of the G Run, including the 3/4 G Run. This topic is loaded with information so there will be several videos devoted to it.
Video 8 - E chord & Six White Horses Pattern
Video 8 – E Chord and Six White Horses Pattern
After getting several emails specifically asking about this pattern I bumped it up in the original outline for how these videos would procede. The “Six White Horses” pattern is one of Lester’s staple patterns and I believe this is very close to what he was playing and hope this video will be of assistance of any who wish to learn it.
Video 9 - E run & Basic Dynamics
Video 9 – E Run and Basic Dynamics
This lesson extends what we have been learning about the E chord and introduces the E Run which is a version of the G Run played out of E position. In addition we cover basic dynamics (using the guitar as a tool to fill in the gaps created by phrasing in vocals and pauses between verses and choruses).
Video 10 - G Run in 3/4 Time, a Simple Transition to D and a Common G Chord Pattern
Video 10 – G Run in 3/4 Time, a Simple Transition to D and a Common G Chord Pattern
This lesson covers the 3/4 time G Run, a transition lick to the D chord and a common run used in the G chord position.
Video 11a - Six White Horses Part 1
Video 11a – Six White Horses Part 1
After receiving several requests for this I have made 2 videos that I hope will help you learn “Six White Horses”. This video covers the rhythm pattern and we talk more about dynamics.
Video 11b - Six White Horses Part 2
Video 11b – Six White Horses Part 2
After receiving several requests for this I have made 2 videos that I hope will help you learn “Six White Horses”. This video covers the guitar solo. Though not exactly true to Flatt it should give you a good idea of what he was doing. Over the years I’ve ended up adding or taking away parts (it happens) but I hope enough of the original content is still here.
The Tipton Hill Boys
The Tipton Hill Boys - Songs We Like
“Songs We Like” is the latest recording by the band I play in “The Tipton Hill Boys”. I hope you will enjoy this short video with soundclips from a few of the songs.
The Tipton Hill Boys - Old Flame
Old Flames is a song that will be on the 2009 Tipon Hill Boys’ release. The Tipton Hill Boys is the name of the band I perform and work with. A 3 peice band, George Buckner on banjo and vocals and Kevin Sluder on bass and vocals and myself on guitar and vocals, we are going for a sound that is a mixture of Flatt and Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers and our own elements. Kevin is doing the vocals on this track and I hope you will enjoy his fine singing as well as George’s extraordinary banjo playing. We plan to do a full “CMT” type video for this song in the future but I simply don’t have time at the moment to work on that. I did want to share it with you though so I hope the fire will create a nice ambience for the song.
