Fingerpicking Tips To Save Years of Guitar Practice

[@vasocreta]

Best 20 minutes of lessons I've ever had. Thanks!

[@justinjohnsonlive]

Wow, thanks so much! Love that you found the lesson helpful and I truly appreciate your support of the channel! If you’re interested in more lesson material I do have members only lessons through this channel that you can check out at kzbin.infojoin

[@turnercariker7578]

How in the hell is this shit free. This guy is the perfect teacher. Chill as hell, perfectly paced, great pointers, and ultimately a bad ass player.

[@kimw.9303]

I agree Turner!! All of what you said! He's perfectly paced, but also can always Pause.. or back up!! Besides working on those transitions, I am also tryin to get my muscle memory in my fingers to function...lol.. Been Years and was never really professionally trained, I have learned by ear, and by watching someone else play.. *smiles* Someday I may even learn to read music.. :)))

[@willieboy8798]

im sure he wont hate you for being a patreon!!! he is a damn good teach...my slide and accoustic playing has went through the roof.... watching him! my suggestion learn music theory .... cold,... i play 12 instruments in total.. all i need is to know were the notes are and how to play the instrument that is it....ear training and your solid to do about anything you want.... i learned music to get me through chem for physics, prof recommended and it worked chemistry and music work the same,nearly GO GETTUM

[@willieboy8798]

BTW if you want to advance fast in your guitar play folk music. i know we all want to play the music that winds us up, and that is good. folk music is the easiest to learn. many of the super cool tunes and improve that justin plays so jumpin comes from that genre.

[@marjorieandrzejewski7996]

@@kimw.9303 I'm on Patreon as JJ ARMY supporter 💜 Are you? He's giving his first LIVE STREAM performance for all his Patreon supporters tomorrow at 5pm CDT. Go to Patreon and sign up!

[@JackAndAmandaGoode]

Shhh!

[@_madNES]

KZbin is littered with guitar teachers giving very brief and shallow lessons on techniques and whatnot, and then after the 8 or so minute video they plug their overpriced lessons on their website for more in depth lessons. And then this guy puts out a 20 minute video, perfectly paced and explained, in perfect lighting and an actual camera man. Easily one of the best guitar lessons on KZbin.

[@prithiviflippinvoodoo4852]

Yup he looks like a cool dude who plays guitar for fun.

[@tylerbrandon460]

Agreed!

[@katariina7697]

Amen.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

you nailed it. i just got my very first guitar today and i watched 5 utubers and this is the type of thing i want to learn and he did explain it really well, so i subscribed.

[@marisellavera5124]

Yes!!!!!!

[@easytattoo]

I’m 64 buying my first guitar always wanted to learn to play

[@harmondraws]

This makes me feel a lot better because I just ordered my first guitar coming on Saturday and I'm only 20

[@breeandstephen9321]

thats awesome dude! hope its goin well

[@harmondraws]

@@trumpsahead I definitely think you're right about the next level of spirituality. My guitar showed up today. But I bought it inspite of the new year. But I've been growing very spiritual within the last few months and I can feel this was the right choice. Even tho I just fumbled around with it for 20 minutes and felt more stressed then when I started. I'm trying to learn finger style right off the bat. I want to learn chords but I can't stretch my fingers enough or push the strings down far enough at the same time. Trying not to get too over welmed on day 1...

[@douggrimes5867]

Great

[@themoonlightbandit237]

@@harmondraws your hand will gain the strength and flexibility in due time. Just keep trying :)

[@raychlc5959]

I’m blind and have always wanted to learn guitar but having browsed KZbin for years trying to find the right tutor, I’ve struggled to find people who explain with words. It’s all very visual stuff. Thank you so much Justin for saying exactly what we need to do out loud..

[@ilovekendrickilovekendrick2962]

I see...

[@danielharris4965]

I hope it's gotten better for you. Once you get the hang of it you can play by feel. Quite a few musicians rarely look at their instruments while playing most of the time.

[@iknowcharley5]

Don’t know if you’ll get back to this, but you can do anything you put your mind to! God bless you brother!

[@Sduell60]

I would also suggest MartyzSongs. He is an excellent teacher and I've learned several popular songs from him. Justin is much more talented than I will ever be. But he sure is great to just kick back and listen to.

[@fudomyoo9762]

@@ilovekendrickilovekendrick2962 dickhead

[@scarletcrusade8729]

Summary : 2:07 Good finger position 3:18 Anchering 4:33 use mirror 5:02 1st exercice (pattern at 5:40) 7:43 2nd exercice (pattern at 9:04) 10:08 3rd exercice (pattern at 11:25) 12:40 4th exercice (pattern at 13:35) 14:28 cool shit 14:40 5th exercice (pattern at 16:09) 18:17 cool shit 18:51 final advices /!\ Be sure to watch the entire video before using this summary! /!\

[@thwack35]

Scarlet Crusade not all heroes wear capes! Thank you for the index!

[@benjaminapplegate8990]

Well done sir

[@RyRidge]

You're the Man. The 5 techniques are good Starting points but isn't Anchoring a Crutch? His Good habit is kind of a bad habit... Right?

[@scarletcrusade8729]

@@RyRidge Anchoring sounds to me more like a good habit rather than a bad one. It really helps with feeling the fingers position since it adds a point of reference for the sensation. It also allows more power to the fingers because you can use your anchor as a support. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqnaqoCLrJV2gs0 look at the arm. The right arm never fly, it always is in contact with the guitar. The style of the anchor isn't important IMO, only the fact to use an anchor is.

[@josep9016]

Thanks

[@kornbread5359]

It gets easier, but the path evolves. You will come to a point where youre able to watch a cover 1 time and be able to do it. Or to be able to do it by ear. Better yet, make your own songs Long road, enjoy each step

[@talson3001]

I just started playing the guitar this week, and I feel frustrated sometimes, but this comment motivates me to keep trying. Thank you!

[@kornbread5359]

The frustration we all feel, its what makes the satisfaction feel so much better after accomplishment.

[@chillestplays4034]

Great advice. Every step has eventually been rewarding

[@latvijasvilks8454]

Stupid question .... But is it easier to learn with an acoustic guitar? Mby not learn but evolve easier. Because now on electric guitar bridge and..... just feels like mission impossible to learn.

[@kornbread5359]

Latvijas Vilks i think its best to use both, frequently. I mostly play acoustic now and rarely electric anymore and have lost some bending capabilities but at the same time it all depends on what type of playing style you want to develop

[@violayla]

Awesome. What a teacher you are. The pace and the visibility are perfect. Such a good camera work. Finally I can see what the instructor is doing. Thank you so much.😊

[@jimofaotearoa3636]

I watched this video a few months ago and took Justins advice to heart and tried to adopt his great technique. Started playing in the mirror like he said...went from there. Started with the basics of fingerpicking and didn't pay too much attention to what chord i was fretting...just as long as i was getting my pattern down right. Thing is.....3 or 4 months down the track and i'm fingerpicking Joni Mitchell songs and the dirtiest delta blues you ever heard...just let yourself learn -both brain, mind and body...just fingerpick like crazy. You will quickly start gaining the needed muscle memory and strength but you really need to work that pinky!!! Mine has basically been unemployed my entire life and so was, at first, absolutely weak and useless...but a few months down the track i am getting real confidence in lil' pinky and he's there lightning fast when i call...... This really does work peoples.

[@probablyabot7024]

Thats so awesome man I hope to get there soon im dedicated

[@daranadine7711]

Im working on getting my pinkie out of unemployment too!

[@vitinosolano6632]

Thanks for sharing. I've had my guitar starting at me for months with disappointment and I finally started 2 days ago. Yea, I was looking for a simple, fundamental exercise that'll develope the muscle memory. Your comment just added to my motivation and discipline. Cheers

[@jacquelinebell2949]

ok, where can I find the dirty delta blues?

[@hannah8951]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@airplanegeorge]

sunlight on the strings, is great, and it would also make a good song title.

[@dirtyorganboy2264]

shut up george

[@user-wl8dy4ft6p]

Im taking that. Thankyou.

[@arcadicus_ezevius]

Dont shut up @@dirtyorganboy2264

[@leemundy1613]

Catchy, kinda like Smoke On the Water

[@stevenroberts9380]

I appreciate a guy who was born to play and to teach with such clarity. I'm the kind of person who needs the whys behind the whats which you do so well, Thanks

[@r34ct4]

I am turning 1,337 years old today and have been practicing for a full year with this method. I can confidently say that this year has been pivotal in my progress. Thank you.

[@Donnybrook10]

Damn...What's your secret to long life Methuseleh?

[@il_principe]

Vampires are real confirmed

[@Papagiorgio153]

Just turned 594 year old, and i can honestly say in my 162 years of playing that this video changed the way i play forever

[@malibudolphin3109]

So your last name is Biden

[@procarpenter1788]

@@malibudolphin3109 ooo you so witty and speshul

[@Helbur_RoboGym]

I am a 61 y.o. grandpa from South Africa. I used to mess around a bit on guitars during school years but all I remembered from that were a few chords. So, when the lockdown hit us by end March, I borrowed an acoustic guitar and started Justin's course. The man is a genius! The way the course builds up, preparing you for future lessons makes it extremely effective. In the past three months I have completed the fundamentals and intermediary courses and have since moved on to the Tennessee Hill Country Blues lesson, looking forward to mastering RumbleStrippin sometime soon. I have since bought some of his music downloads as well and as you can see, had become a huge fan! Thanks for all the joy you brought to my life Justin, God bless you! (even more)

[@steyno]

Just some feedback: I have since switched from the nylon loaner to an acoustic steel string but found it quite a challenge and I decided to start all over with a metronome this time. I should have done that from the outset as it really helps a lot.

[@gittarpikk]

Seeing your mention that Justin had a course on Tn hill country Blues caused me to smash the subscribe button instantly... Especially cuz I'm now learning the blues and live here around the ET Appalachians.

[@Max-re5vg]

Good for You Mate....59....still playing guitar......good for you

[@steyno]

Update: Well, a year on and now 62, I have completed the course right up to the last lesson. For the bending, I had to upgrade to electric giitar and got me a used Cort Yorktown hollowbody in ship shape. That got me through much quicker and should have done this earlier. Although I can play most everything in the course, I am no master yet but keeping at it. The hollowbody helps a lot with practising without amp. I now bought some tabs from Justin's website and musicnotes and look forward to my next "one-man band practice"

[@l4nes]

I'm a 131 year old wizard and I just started playing the ukulele, thanks for the tutorial

[@timmarco6915]

Can't fool me magic ma'am. Your really a 1031 year old wizard learning to play the ukelele!

[@mjs2016]

Justin is the real wizard

[@raysmith1630]

Well, you can't be Merlin, Merlin is much older than 131... hahaha.

[@usernamemykel]

Kanilea?

[@JC.77776]

@@timmarco6915You’re *😂

[@uftukel1714]

51 years old and started taking guitar lessons a year ago. Great video lesson. Thanks for the tips. Old guy like me needs all the help he can get.

[@mcmaggotsherbel7545]

How is it going? imagine when your 76, been playing for 25 years and playing guitar instead of watching TV!!

[@larryparker5262]

Practically in the same boat! 51 now, been learning for a couple years on my own and finger picking, imo, is where I should have started. My friend that got me started playing pasted away so I been on my own. Not gonna ever give up' love music to much!

[@ShinyRacer22]

@@larryparker5262 you're never on your own Larry your KZbin buddy's are in this with you keep on keeping on

[@owasso8775]

I'm 58 I know!

[@wildfirexx1000]

I'm 68 and restarted at 66...never to old to start!

[@Bill_Jones.]

Justin, I’ve been playing for 15 years and your 20 minute video corrected a problem I’ve had all along. I wasn’t anchoring my picking hand, and I could never get any volume. In just 20 minutes you have given me a whole new way to play. Thanks so much !!

[@HeliodoroChavez]

❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@audiophileman7047]

I've never really felt comfortable using a pick when I play. I like using my hand and feeling the strings when I strum. As a beginner, you've got me excited about fingerpicking. I really appreciate these tips. Thank you, Justin, it's so cool to have a guitarist you admire show you how to play the guitar. 👍💖🎸😎

[@jimandcassiemacintyre1951]

❤❤ 18:42 18:42

[@jimandcassiemacintyre1951]

😊😊

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

Honestly, don't think I've ever seen such a professional lesson, on every level, delivery, filming, everything. Thanks Justin, new sub here.

[@Max-re5vg]

Exactly my thoughts.....

[@GlenNalley-gf8ib]

A heart-felt Thank You. As a 59-year-old who put his guitars away several years ago, I want to voice my appreciation for this video. I pulled my guitars back out about a year ago, even bought a Gretsch (love it), but haven't really taken off playing again. I watched this video a few weeks ago and have been better at practice. Thank you for the motivation and knowledge. You have made a difference for me. Your talent and skill have you ranked with my guitar heroes, Jerry Reed and Chet Atkins.

[@idsassociates6260]

I am a 60-year-old grandma finally learning finger picking! So excited. I hope to get my grandson learning early!

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

I've been playing for 39 years. My single biggest regret in my self-taught approach is that I put ALL the emphasis on the left hand and none on the picking hand. In recent years I've really wanted to learn to finger pick but even in the KZbin era, I couldn't find anyone that explained it in a way that really connected with me...until today. This is great. Thanks!!

[@suminshizzles6951]

Take on Fleetwood Macs' Landslide. It is not too hard since the pattern just repeats over and over again. Some people get things right away. It took me three days just to get the right picking hand to do what it was supposed to. I have never finger picked and use a plectrum. But after three days of just 5 3 4 2 5 3 4 i finally got it. At first my fingers were fumbling all over the place and felt like jello. They could not even find the strings. I kept at it. Slowly. Then got faster. Now i can play it.

[@Djsonley]

I started practicing g a week ago about 4 hours a day & actively avoiding ever using a pick. I plan not to ever if possible. Learning the chords finger style seems useful as if a note in the chord is buzzing it sounds really clear something is wrong with at least one of the notes.

[@jamespatton3500]

@@Djsonley iv been finger picking for years and tune my guitar by ear mostly i use a pick to tune bc it makes the sound a little more clear so I keep a pick around just for that

[@motonorge1172]

I given up I just hammer on the strings 😂

[@akshaysharma2786]

you should try GCH academy free course entirely and very well taught you can for finger style lesson there its really great and free.

[@strongereveryday2302]

The first actual helpful fingerpicking lesson I've ever had.

[@angermanager2116]

I was thinking "wtf how are the strings in tune but so loose" and he immediately explained it. Nice work.

[@debbeeemerson8609]

I was wondering the same thing when I was watching, what did he say"?

[@emmanuelalfredomendoza7365]

@@debbeeemerson8609 the light affects how the camera captures the movement of the strings.

[@pelletey]

trippy af, so cool!

[@emmanuelalfredomendoza7365]

@@pelletey I legit thought I had a fly on my screen

[@pelletey]

@@emmanuelalfredomendoza7365 haha yeah i get that a lot, it's a nice avatar :P

[@stephen25uk]

Free lessons from a virtuoso is insane. Thank the Lord for KZbin. I have been playing for years and only learned about using my pinky to pick strings from this beginners lesson. It explains how he does some of the licks in his amazing arrangements.

[@frankriley3651]

I just want to say thanks for your great lesson and to say I appreciate your calm, easy manner. You have a great speaking voice and a kind, thoughtful manner about you.

[@HerrP58]

Well said, sir.

[@Motherplantmusic]

Justin, I've been picking for quite a while, but never thought there was something wrong with my picking finger positioning---specifically, the thumb being separated from the other fingers. My goodness, what a difference! I occasionally find myself slipping back to the thumb/finger collision style from before, but this new method will be anchored soon. This is one of those things where you ask yourself, "How did I not figure this out myself?" Life-changing (or at least picking-changing tip! Other great tips, too! Thanks so much.

[@carmeladams9566]

Thank you so much. I love your style of teaching. So clear and easy to understand. I am a total beginner at guitar at age 71. Have been playing ukulele for a number of years but thought I'd like to give guitar a go. So glad I found you.

[@triples4good]

Justin, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your experience, expertise and how to get things under your fingers. Just mad brilliant talent!!!

[@MisterMagickTrick]

Damn. I've been playing fingerstyle guitar for around 11 years now and I just want to say I've never come across such a great teacher on the internet or in person before. Thoughtful, to the point and just showing everybody how to do well for absolutely free. You're a great person, a great teacher and a great guitarist. Excellent use of lighting to help show what exactly is going on, too! Thanks for being you, man.

[@thecathancegroup]

This man is an exceptional teacher.

[@allenlocke1935]

agreed, absolutely!

[@joemaybon3870]

fred cheney Yes.

[@TumpskyandMrsSmall]

I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL!

[@kentbeery8653]

fred cheney indeed

[@takavaka758]

Agreed

[@monicavanopdurp9853]

@Justin- I have been trying and trying YEARS to figure out and master the fingerpicking process and to also be able to incorporate it within strumming. I'm SO HAPPY you popped up on my screen. Things happen in a person's life and for some (like myself) and you feel as if you've lost your music. I am one of those. Deep inside I KNOW and I'm searching once again for the music but I need to touch and be able to reach the soul searching depth and sound. I will be following you and want to say thank you for your kindness in sharing your gift. Truly!!!

[@kalebjacobs111]

Very helpful, thankyou for explaining in depth & demonstrating slowly

[@adrianmario4991]

This video is pure gold. So much value and information. I watched 5 mins, and later while noodling on the guitar, applied this information to my playing and it just worked. The hand position and anchoring ideas when applied to already existing chord playing, just works. It doesn't take much effort. You sir, are the best! Much thanks!

[@Max-re5vg]

Noodling.....I Love that word......

[@robertgray7908]

There is only one thing I like more than your guitar playing, and that’s your attitude to helping others play. Many guitarists like simply to be better than others. You help others play better - so they can reach their own heights and make their own sweet music ... that’s got to make the World a better place. Peace, respect. All lives matter! 👍🏻👍🏿🎵

[@BRS-Peterbilt-379]

I've been playing guitar for a long f'n time and finger picking is something I've always wanted to teach myself. This is the best breakdown of the technique I've seen. Great job Man! Thanks for posting.

[@williamtauriello1581]

Thank you Justin! I’m picking up the guitar again after a 50 year rest, and yours has been the best, most encouraging and enjoyable lesson I’ve seen. Most teachers overlook a lot of the items you cover, from hand anchoring, to self-evaluation techniques, to simply going slowly enough to not only see but understand what your fingers are doing. Also, your honesty regarding the amount of practice needed to get good is refreshing! You have a willing student and I am eager to learn more! Thanks again!

[@zoomberry108]

Me too William , just goind to dust my guitar

[@HerrP58]

I'm with you, William. I took a short break during high school and picked it up again a few years ago. Never too late. I reach 63 next month and I'm excited to get my fingers worn out by these picking lessons!

[@GabHanna]

46 yr old stayed at home mom w 3 kids. I watch my kids playing all kind of musical instruments and nagging all day for them to practice. Here I am going to try to learn the guitar on my own while sheltering in place. This time I have to live up to my own words. Count. Practice and Repeat. Wish me luck!!

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

good luck! 🐰❤️🌼🎸🎶🤝✌️

[@cathdodd5072]

Me too!

[@kaneshap.6146]

Aww! Good luck!❤️ You'll do great!!

[@Max-re5vg]

I wish you luck SOOOO Much....My Mom tried to teach me Guitar....she quit....(poor overworked Mom).....I went on to become........really happy with what I can do on a guitar.....not a rockstar.......but I can hum along ....... actually no...that's a lie...I'm pretty OK as a Guitarist.......but......" a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first footstep".....GO!! GabHanna!

[@ChubbYJimz]

Good luck to you and all of us on this humble guitar journey

[@angelmorales7401]

I already taught myself all fingerstyle, but I love how straightforward he teaches, which screams "just practice!!!" its hilariouslt beautiful.

[@chrisneill6239]

I’ve been playing the guitar for over 20 years without ever learning any good fingerpicking. This is a very helpful video to inspire me. I’m finally going to start practicing. Thanks for the lesson.

[@dalecauthen9086]

Justin, I bought four of your guitar lesson DVD's from your website last week. And you have taught me more in the first 1/4 of the first DVD than all my guitar teachers combined have taught me over the past DECADES ! Thank you ! Not to slam all guitar teachers. I'm sure most of them are good. I just didn't know in the past what "fingerpicking" is and they didn't understand what I wanted to learn. When I wrote some tab to a song I wanted to play, one of them said, "Oh, you want to make every note count." So that's how I think of this style. Every note counts.

[@unclecharles3617]

I've been playing guitar for many years. A friend of mine played fingerstyle and I asked him "how do you do that". He answered, "just do it". So 40 years later I'm still just doing it. I've been playing these same patterns for years but never really paused to break it down to realize exactly what I was "just doing". This video is helpful to me because it now gives me the ability to catagorise each pattern and organize my playing into more melodic results instead of the random never play it the same way twice method I've grown used to. Thank you Justin.👍

[@Max-re5vg]

True Words.

[@willylee101]

I'm doing this now every day for 30 minutes and it's helping so much. Thank you for this exercises. Finally playing guitar is fun again, after being stuck in my development.

[@zacht7629]

I'm from exactly 3000 years in the future. I've come back to check this guy out. Loved it. I'll be getting my first guitar exactly 3000 years and 1 day from today.

[@JunkYour925]

This (REAL finger style/picking) is exactly what I was looking for - Thanks! The sunlight trick is such a great idea. You are both a great player AND instructor. The internet is loaded with crap.

[@keramidasnicolas2079]

Not just the Internet. But there are also a lot of talented people on the Internet, even if the ratio is the same as everywhere else : 20/80.

[@thereluctantgardener5634]

Thank you for this. My teen sons and I decided to learn to play the guitar. I have found I am more of a finger picker as opposed to a pick user. So many videos concentrate on the fret, but very few concentrate on the pick style. This will definitely help me define my fingerpicking style & technique.

[@markbowman3]

At the first part of this year I was told that I'm in the end stages of heart failure and I just had my ninth heart attack three weeks ago. I'm 54 years old and my wife and I adopted our first child 6 years ago. I have always encourage my daughter to never say that she can't do something. That the only time you can't do something, it's because you stopped trying. About a month ago she, right out of the blue, said Papa teach me how to play a guitar. I said sweetheart your Papa can't play a guitar. Busted me with: Papa...did you stop trying. We both got guitars tonight. Never say you can't do something! I've watched this so many times tonight I'm starting to answer him! 🎅

[@synthmesc]

That's awesome man, she'll remember these times all her life - learning and playing tunes with her dad. Right on 👍 Best wishes to you and your family

[@markbowman3]

@@synthmesc Thank you! GOD bless you and yours!

[@sigmundaarvik-hansen4005]

What a touching and truly inspiring story. May God bless you and your daughter!

[@markbowman3]

@@sigmundaarvik-hansen4005 Thank you so much! GOD bless you and yours!

[@qwirky1709]

My dad is in his early sixties and is suffering from heart failure too, and he lost his vision 3 years ago. It’s really turned all of our lives upside down, but trying to stay positive and appreciating all the little things makes a difference. I started learning guitar two years ago, partially because I always wanted to, partially because he laments that he never learned. He likes to hear me play, and I treasure that. I wish you the best of luck with your endeavor, and stay safe (and sane!) ❤️❤️

[@jaysonwallker1648]

I've been trying to learn this for YEARS! Thanks for being the first one to adequately explain how to finger pick properly.

[@swaggercat]

I've always had problems with thumb positioning. Thanks for addressing that. No one else I've watched has ever talked about it.

[@UNDRdog01]

I Love how these exercises were extremely universal. And cover a foundation for multiple patterns in the predictable future. And the sun was a nice touch for the strings. Been looking for this video all morning, thank you

[@Mirozenx]

This guy is one of the best guitar teachers I've ever found on KZbin... thank you so much!

[@roscmon]

Whatever you were playing right there in the beginning clenched it for me. I'm 65 years old, retired, bored, and I've been getting into drawing with graphite and color pencils because i need to do something to fight depression and boredom. I have a lot of talent in art, people say I'm really good. But art frustrates be because i don't know how to use other mediums and no one to teach me. And i don't love art enough to keep trying to study, experiment, and spend money trying different materials. So i wondered what i can do to get through the winter that would be more enjoyable than art. I looked up a couple videos on learning guitar. I realized that strumming doesn't do a whole lot for me but picking... Picking DOES. And exactly what you were playing that had that somewhat blues sound... THAT i love! I'm going today to look at some guitars. I can't wait to get started! Your video will be the first one i watch. Thank you!!!

[@necromanzer52]

I've been working on these exercises during the quarantine and it's really paying off. Thanks a lot for the video, man.

[@mikedalgliesh1377]

I absolutely love this guy. Wasted a few years on heavy metal guitar, i should have been playing blues this whole time

[@rg2424]

Love and appreciate both, I love blues just as much as I like metal

[@AvioftheSand]

It's funny, I love metal, but have just gotten into the blues. Even when I bought my Gibson SG back in 2008, I never played metal though. Just would fiddle around with classic rock but couldn't learn fast enough and gave up. Now I'm getting back into it and want to learn the delta blues

[@robertemerson1087]

@Owen Hawkinson Classic rock and blues is better, lol.

[@hunteryoungblood649]

Mix it up a bit, dont make your music boring and have fun with it.

[@paulwhitford7579]

Best attitude in a teacher I’ve ever seen. Good man

[@franklinblack2716]

So thankful for this brother..grew up on RnB Jazz and Blues..brother's music, videos and teaching is otherworldly..We are lucky to experience such a talent!!

[@KingJames61]

Just turned 60 years old and bought a new guitar. Love this guy! Justin has really inspired me to practice. Could play nothing but the two string Honkytonk prior to discovering his KZbin presence. You’re special brother, thanks. J.E. Shepard MSgt, USAF Ret.

[@Tralman1965]

I'm 55. I used to play and just recently bought a new acoustic guitar. I was pretty discouraged at how rusty I've become. I watched this video and really appreciate how helpful it is. Thank you Justin.

[@Max-re5vg]

Dude...I'm turning 60 this year. I have spent the last 30 years finding 5 guitars that are PERFECTLY IN TUNE. Welcome to the LONG GAME.....I commend you for not quitting and re-joining the tragic cavalcade of guitar Lovers. Good On You.....this is Important work you are undertaking

[@mackdaddie222]

First, I'm not an accomplished guitar player. Singer yes, songwriter pretty good, guitar, just not that hot. This lesson made really no sense to me when I watched it, but I did nothing but these patterns for a week, along with my daily scales and stretch routines.I found them honestly frustrating, as you said, it was like a little mind puzzle for my fingers and brain. I'm still not fast with them, didn't expect to be, but what I did notice is when I started playing songs again, everything felt smoother, more relaxed, and cleaner. I'm more aware of my positioning and posture. I'm more relaxed while playing. THis is easily the best lesson I've found on the net(and trust me, I've found way too many), and I'm truly grateful for it. Thanks so much.

[@flamingosextet8649]

I've only been frustrated by finger picking so far, hopefully these simpler steps will provide the momentum for success! And seriously, who would vote thumbs down on this? As a music educator, this is solid pedagogy!

[@joshwinbun4647]

Dude, that was one of the best lessons I have ever seen, and I watch a lot of great lessons. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dominiquedoeslife]

I've been a fingerstyle guitarist for a long time and this is the best instructional video on fingerstyle guitar that I've seen. I play and sing at a lot of live jam session type events. Even got to play over at Buddy Guy's here in Chicago, and even so, I meet surprisingly few fingerstyle guitarists. I can chicken pick and play with a pick, of course, but fingerstyle is so intuitive and has such a distinctive sound. If you're ever in Chicago at a jam session, it would be great to jam sometime.

[@WritePlayYT]

So helpful. I’m in my 30s, been playing since I was a kid - I *always* had anchored with my pinkie & thought (years later) “well darn now I’ll never unlearn that” But he showed how it can best be used - thanks!

[@quutamoo]

Thank you so much! i'm super glad you're the kind of musician that actually cares about his audience :)

[@randystrand908]

Agree.... Refreshing!!!

[@parallelpost]

I bought a Martin D10e last summer and tried watching all the videos from everyone, music theory etc. Its a pleasure to just watch Justin. I caught the virus, spent 4 days in the hospital at 53 yo and proclaimed to the staff that I had to get back to my guitar because the best part of my old age was about to happen. I did the mirror thing, twas kinda neat for 2 minutes. I trained my ears and fingers for 20 hours like Justin is sharing here, also learned to hold the pick(s) proper and close my eyes to enjoy what I was doing. I had to learn to strum proper, with emotion. Then I had to learn the diff between agressive play and relaxed play going up and down the fret with both hands and all fingers. At last, 5 months into learning I could make up my own arrangements by ear. I learned how to use the thumb from Flea and my finger style came from watch that flamenco style guy with the goatee. Kid you not, I used to lay to bed in the dark with my old Fender to learn how to not see the strings and hear what I was doing. Fender went in the garbage, Martin came home from Guitar Center.

[@bigbb420]

My dad has always been amazing and I was, lost, thinking I could never compare. Once I got the pentatonic scales and bends down, the guitar is an addiction now. You're an awesome teacher and I truly appreciate the great skills. I have and will be watching and playing along to all your videos. Thanks. Cheers. B

[@lindareese4579]

I'm seventy years old...I will buy my first guitar in three weeks....I just love this!!!!

[@dshizznitrb3]

what made you want to try it out?

[@wasanasaw]

You have made my day, Linda!!!! You are an inspiration.

[@formergod1873]

I’m 15 and I bought it too don’t give up❤️

[@kyerogers7838]

@@formergod1873 I'm 14, 15 next month. Been playing for about 1 year or 3quarters. Best thing I've ever done

[@ronlitz9055]

this man deserves lots of credit for taking the time. Just the process of learning will fill many hours of your time and hopefully give you some joy. I am 71 and still enjoy some of the tunes I learned as a youngster. Unfortunately I didn't progress but relish in the fact that I did learn something.

[@pickerdad8402]

I've always struggled to play smooth, fast arpeggios, but just emulating Justin, I've got them going already. Hand, arm, and finger positions come so naturally, I barely have to think about them. The Am got me going on the famous Animals' "House of the Rising Sun" lick and I realized that by playing a song I know, I can play arpeggios faster, smoother, and more naturally than just mechanical exercises. Brilliant!

[@patriciacarr3308]

Thank you so much for this information! You are an excellent teacher!😊👍

[@MsTinselTown]

Just discovered you and I think I'm in love with you!!! With this vid you have indirectly answered SO many of my questions and put other thoughts at ease that other instruction hasn't. Even better, it's like you intuitively knew what I haven't been able to get instructors to understand about my struggles. Just a GREAT BIG thanks to you, man!! I hope I get to see you play some day! With lot's of love and appreciation from Montreal, Canada.

[@growwithralph3658]

Thanks for this lesson. I played guitar back in the 80's and then set it aside for many years. Just now getting back to it. Your video just jump started my relearning process by a great degree!

[@DameDivaDan]

G'day Justin, as someone who teaches music (saxophone) this was a really lovely lesson. Nice, slow and helpful and not condescending at all. Well done man! Could watch and listen to you play for hours!

[@MozzyCV20]

I’m about 5 years late to this party but thanks for this, amazing player as well as instructor. Playing in the sun so we can see the shadows of the strings vibrating on the fretboard was genius.

[@adamelawamri2307]

holy crap, the intro alone has me dazzled !!!! so much to learn from such a legend-class guitarist

[@rosemarieblack7063]

Thank you Justin Johnson for your time and effort in creating this tutorial. I haven't played the guitar in years but you have inspired me to break old habits that were holding me back. Flourish and prosper everyone and keep music live. X

[@DC-ei9vl]

Seems a good dude to me. He doesn't have to make the effort to share his knowledge and experience.

[@MicMonEli]

love his laidback style. Superterrific!

[@BradleyLongenecker]

Ive been messin' with this guitar and watching videos on here for 6 months and this is BY FAR the best tutorial ive encountered. Thank you so very much.

[@manuelmartin4795]

Man, highly appreciated from a beginner, just about to start the journey at the ripe age of over 50's !

[@devingreco]

Thanks, back to the roots. This is EXACTLY what I needed to get more consistent. Without a good anchor point my hand was never at the same angle so it was impossible to play with consistency.

[@sue195423]

Wow, I simply LoVe everything Justin does❣❣❣...such an amazing, caring, genuine guy who values sharing his music with his fans. Not too many people out there in the world who are such lovely souls 😇 and not driven solely by the mighty dollar. You're a unique treasure 💜Justin. Thanks for caring and sharing your talents 👌❣

[@micheleparker112]

Thanks Justin. I have watched this before and found it invaluable but coming back to it again is even better. Relearning guitar at 58 has been a bit of a saviour during all the lockdowns we have had in Sydney. Thanks again, really appreciate your time

[@duncanglasson1550]

Quote from country legend 'learn all the fingerpicking patterns, then forget them' These add more 'finger yoga' to the patterns i already use and wouldn't be able to play through the lesson without learning these 'new' patterns. Learn 'em, forget 'em, then let the muscle memory do the rest. Thanks mate, I've put these in my drill book and you are subbed !

[@BibleStorm]

actually you are subbed

[@CayoticProphet]

Outstanding presentation in the sun to help show which strings are being picked. You must be a mind reader because right when I said to myself, "His strings look loose," you immediately explained the effect caused by the sun.

[@danielcole5204]

BRILLIANT I wish I had this video 50 years ago. a wonderful and complete lesson I have to say I agree with others comments as to Mr Johnsons gift to teach I will be sharing this with every student I come across thank you

[@stevenspikes5474]

Justin, I have been listening off and on to you play for several years. I have seen a couple of your recent videos and I must say that you have made a marked improvement in your picking and overall sound. Your persistence has paid off! It's really cool that you are taking time to share your techniques with others too!

[@shammilanka2185]

Wow, you are the most dedicated teacher I came across, paid attention to the most important techniques🤷‍♀️👑❤💯💪😚

[@neilchanmusic]

These tips are essential to starting out fingerpicking, and Justin delivered it in such a seamless and natural way :) And the wobbling strings sure help hahah

[@GabrielBuckley]

Having been playing for over a quarter century I often fall into the hubristic trap of thinking that "beginner/intermediate" lessons have nothing to offer me. Thanks for kicking my ass on that. Just following along for the duration of the video I felt my control, accuracy and endurance improve as well as hearing a real difference in the clarity of my playing. You can teach an old dog new tricks, sometimes you've just got to shake a few bad habits out of them first. I owe you one brother.

[@gdfggggg]

Gabriel Buckley True dat

[@hanawana]

Gabriel Buckley that’s beautiful.

[@teriakamoto]

Stay humble, and its cool you said that. Many Musicians,Athletes, Etc. fall in love with their own talent. You can always grow and improve and of course that makes you grow as a person. Open minds obviously tend to learn more.knowledge and practice equals improvement. Always be open to learn from all levels of players.Thats why I'm watching instructional videos's on KZbin at 2;00 am.

[@randystrand908]

@@teriakamoto So true. Well stated, friend.

[@alexanderbickert4467]

Thanx! You are the first ,who explain it, like you are my older brother. A lot of love from me, from cologne,germany, to you. All the best for you, Alexander Bickert.

[@noncorporeal1024]

That was an amazing twenty minutes, thank you so much. very encouraging and adding the sunlight to highlight the strings, just wonderful.

[@gavinames6188]

You are one of the reasons I have decided to pick up the guitar again! Thank you for the fantastic video, Im very excited for more of this kind ofcontent!

[@nards656]

The man is a freaking genius, yet seems incredibly nice, polite, and humble. So cool.

[@metebirik713]

Müzik siz canlılar yasiyamazlar.

[@Lisa-ec9qb]

I agree... you 'are' the perfect teacher. I'm a 62 yr old trying to pick up where I left off as a teenager (and finding that I really hadn't gone as far as I thought LOL)... this is the speed that you can actually learn something... and no pressure... which is exactly what my grandson needs as well. So, from the old (young at heart) and the younger generation...thanks for taking your time and teaching like we know nothing... I found that even what I knew wasn't really right this way. Keep up the good work... I'm subscribed but this is the first I've seen your teaching. I'll definitely be back!

[@EddieOakes]

Man Justin, I've been a fan of your music for a long time! I have to tell you that your instruction style is fantastic! I've had other lessons from other teachers and videos but your teaching style thus far has been the best! very clear and concise! Thank you for what you do!

[@julianescoaol.comnewbee2219]

Eddie Oakes got to remove hemorrhoids at home

[@GrayBlackProductions]

Eddie Oakes very good explained and performed bro! Thx this will help me

[@KaiMarcad]

Another talent: teaching.

[@shanefortin1]

Eddie Oakes s

[@Nomadahtous]

Eddie Oakes I totally agree, same here... awesome

[@stevenhensley7250]

Big fan Justin. And this is my first plucking lesson. Thank you so much for the lesson sir. I really love your style, especially those early albums, they are on permanent rotation. 😊

[@paulmaxson4218]

I'm 52 and starting up playing again. I can't wait to use these exercises for finger picking. I've got a Gretsch Resonator. I can no longer feel a pick between my fingers. I will say from watching you before this tutorial. I learned a lot. I've always had a feeling for some of it to begin with. THANK YOU BRO!

[@rr5837]

We bought a guitar for my son 5 and I’m 41. Trying to learn the basic. Thank you for sharing. It’s amazing to watch how you play 🙏

[@recentlives]

I've been play gutair since I was 15. I'm 20 now and I feel like I'm not learning new techniques, just playing what I know. I'm excited to expand my horizons and take on some new challenges!

[@Jimmie16]

You have as great teaching technique. Nice and simple for us idiots but without making us look dumb. Thanks a lot for your patience this old guy really appreciates it.

[@DeutschlandGuy]

If I might add one more comment to this video. That is, despite my not being in complete agreement with the desirability of "anchoring" with the right hand, I do agree with his other two major points. That is, do make sure your thumb strums out of the way of the other fingers. His suggestions are spot on with that. (Please scroll down to read more.) Likewise, I am in complete agreement about the benefits of spending at least some time practicing in front of a mirror. The benefits go beyond simply observing our right-hand technique, however. Also beneficial is to observe our overall posture while playing. It's all too easy to develop poor posture while playing, often slumping over the guitar. Not only does this look "goofy" but also is very bad for our backs. Another reason to observe ourselves in the mirror is to check our facial expressions. For example (although I know it comes from cultural differences) so many guitar player's faces on Asian players are "expressionless". They often play "poker faced". In Western cultures, this is interpreted as "not being into the music". (Not so in Asia where music is more often judged solely on the sound the instrument is putting out, not on how the performer looks). By the same token we don't want to have silly "tortured looks" on our faces like competitors in an air-guitar contest. At some point we all will be "performing in front of other people", so it's a good idea to occasionally look in a mirror while practicing, just to see ourselves from that third-person perspective. If you find yourself looking "silly" or playing with poor posture, you can work those things while playing in front of a mirror. After some time (just like any other aspect of our playing), your "desired expression and posture" will begin to feel natural. Let me rephrase that last sentence... It won't begin to "feel natural", it will "be natural".

[@tgroth2000]

All good advice. I would add, record yourself video and audio (your cellphone is your friend) just to see yourself and hear yourself after you stop paying attention to the recording. It helps.

[@berryj.greene7090]

Excellent tips. A very good lesson indeed. This is surely one of the best ways to play the guitar. Good for solo or in a mix. Thanks BjG

[@TheMrdhyde]

Dude!!!! I been screwing around with the guitar for 30 years and am just intermediate player. Justin is the best player I have heard but he teaches it very very well. If I had his lessens 20 years agoI would be pretty damn good by now. Justin you are the man. And I will be sending you a CBG that I built. Mine are very simple and basic but thats all you need at times.