A Bluegrass (Flatpicking) Guitar Workshop [actually two!] with BOB McCLOY

Saturday , February 17, 2007
01:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location: Elderly Instruments
workshop ($40)

Longtime popular Elderly instructor Bob McCloy is offering two bluegrass guitar (aka "flatpicking") workshops this winter, and there's a special discount if you register for both workshops: the "two-fer" price is just $70 for these two-hour hands-on workshops that are priced individually at $40.

Bob stresses, first, that these two workshops both incorporate right-hand flatpicking technique, not fingerstyle; second, that although Bluegrass 1 is recommended before taking Bluegrass 2, it isn't a prerequisite; and third, that in order to gain the most benefit from these workshops or either of them, students should be comfortable with the basic open chords G, C, D, A, F, Am, Dm, and Em.

Bluegrass 1 begins with accompaniment strumming patterns, followed by the addition of bass walks within chord progressions.
These skills will then be integrated in "Carter" style instrumentals. Multiple versions of each tune will be presented in order to illustrate arrangement concepts.

Tunes will include: Shady Grove, Wildwood Flower, Bury Me Beneath the Willow, Blue Moon of Kentucky, I am a Pilgrim, Wayfaring Stranger, and more.

Methods and exercises will be presented designed to build a relaxed, flowing, and accurate right hand. The goal is to develop the ability to play in better time while projecting with volume and tone. Additional topics will include fills, common licks, and tips on ensemble playing.

Tape recorders are welcome in the workshop, although all workshop material will be provided to students in the form of a course pack, which includes an instructional CD with recordings of all course material and sheet music in both standard notation and tablature, in order to help students practice more effectively at home.

Given the work that Bob puts into preparing workshops and lessons and the comprehensive course packs he provides his students, it's no wonder that Jim Bowes, one of Bob's longtime regular guitar students, had this to say about him: "I find him to be an excellent teacher who takes time to deal with each student individually. He is adept at understanding what the student needs in order to be a better player."

Check out recordings we carry featuring Bob McCloy