Before going into anything technical or instructional, one does have to learn to listen to those who create such wonderful style in guitar playing as indicated. Through their recordings or at their performances.
Years ago it was Chet Atkins for me that created such a desire to even pick up the guitar as a choice in instruments. I couldn’t get enough of his records even before I had a guitar of my own. I loved the music he expressed through his mastery. And when I did get my first guitar, I played along with those records.
I didn’t realize at the time but it sort of fell together over time to achieve such a style. What helped was to first conquer cross-picking patterns, strokes, and rhythm techniques soon enough in my first years of learning. I dropped the pick, grew nails on my right hand and replaced that one pick, with three natural ones to do the work instead. (Oh, but I still use picks, but no longer ask for one in any music store.)
I wasn’t certain what style I had achieved until I saw Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary) play live and realized I have been using my fingers as he had, for years. More of a banjo technique. Which is how many of country music fame went from, to the guitar. ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ was one of the first songs I could play his style.
And this goes back to ol’ Merle Travis and his style, who inspired Chet Atkins to be so creative in his works when he use to listen to him over the radio in his past.
Not too long ago, when trying out one of my last favorite guitars at a music store (I bought the thing shortly after), the manager told me that I sounded like this Doyle Dykes fella and I should go see him at one of his concerts. And I did.
Doyle use to play backup with ol’ Mr. Guitar, Chet Atkins, on many of his recordings. Neat-O.
Fancy that. Just listen to the music, and eventually, you’ll get the hang of it too.
And to mention as well, Tommy Emmanuel was inspired by Chet Atkins too. Talk about a ‘Certified Guitar Picker’ indeed. Heard the man play.
Wow.
(Check him out on your local PBS television station line up sometime. He’s been part of their program lately and provide recordings for their ‘donations’ in support of public broadcasting.)
Enjoy the experience when you catch on.
