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Guitar - Fingerstyle

Instructor:   Tim Williams

Guitar - Fingerstyle

Instructor:   Tim Williams

Course Description:

Level: 2 – 4  (see Playing Experience Level descriptions at the bottom of the page)

We will be learning one or two of the classic finger picking pieces which lay the foundation for finger style, including The Buck Dancer’s Choice. Fairly advanced stuff, supported by tablature and a video on my YouTube channel.

PREREQUISITES:  Those at level 2 may have difficulty with some concepts.

Tim Williams

Tim is the producer/artist of four JUNO nominated recording projects; 2012 Calgary Blues Music Association 2012 Guitarist of the Year; 2014 International Blues Challenge double winner (guitar, best solo/duo act); and many others.

He has taught at camps and clinics across Canada and the U.S., Australia and Slovenia.

He has also recorded with Valdy, Guy Davis, Sonny Rhodes and Eric Bibb (among others). 

Website: Cayuse Music

Playing Experience Levels

These guidelines aim to ensure that all camp participants have an enjoyable experience. They represent what your playing capability should be before you take the class (prerequisites).

Classes are generally designed to pace themselves to match the participants' abilities. Level 1 classes aim to proceed at the pace of the slower students in the class. Level 2 and 3 classes aim to move at the pace of the majority of students in the class. Level 4 classes are designed to push the capabilities of all students and will target the pace of the more capable students  Class descriptions that show a range (Levels 2-3) means the material presented is broadly applicable across that range.

LEVEL 1: You are new or relatively new to your instrument. You may be able to play basic chords or scales slowly. You want to learn the basics of the instrument. You have very little experience playing with others.

LEVEL 2: You are competent with basic chords and/or basic scales. You can keep rhythm and/or play basic melodies and/or sing and play at the same time if the song is familiar. You generally need the chords or melody to be written out in order to play along. You have some experience playing with others.

LEVEL 3: You are reasonably comfortable with most chords, basic major and minor scales, and can play at an appropriate tempo for songs. You are aware of time signatures, song keys, and know that there are chords called 6th, 7th, 11th, etc even if you can’t play them all. You are comfortable maintaining good rhythm and are willing to taking breaks while jamming with others, even if the breaks don't always turn out the way you planned. You may be hoping to take your playing up to the next level of performing with a group or band (beyond jamming) and you want to further improve your technique and speed.

LEVEL 4: You are skilled on your instrument and have a good understanding of musical concepts including scales, arrangements, harmonies and some improvisation. You play lead and back-up with a steady rhythm and can play skillfully with others. You know there is life further up the neck on your instrument and have some capability in that world. You have performing experience, can hold a tune, and can harmonize.