Players today have a wealth of instructional materials available that teach Bluegrass guitar methods and repertoire. These include books, CDs, videos (VHS and DVD formats) and Internet sites. We've organized this section by media and learning objective, as indicated in the navigation panel above and the notes below.

Bluegrass Guitar Method Books
Go to this section to see books and book/cd sets that teach you how to play Bluegrass guitar. Many of these start at the beginning level and teach the basics of the guitar. MORE

Bluegrass Guitar Method Videos
Go to this section to see VHS tapes and DVDs that teach you how to play Bluegrass guitar. All of these include TAB booklets. MORE

Special Techniques
This page lists books and videos that focus on teaching specialized techniques or skills such as rhythm, crosspicking, Carter-style playing and improving speed. MORE

Building Repertoire
This section contains books and videos that focus on teaching you tunes so that so that you can build up your repertoire. MORE

Virtual Jams
This page includes resources that will let you practice at home in a "virtual jam session." We've also included the "Ten Jammandments" here. MORE

Learning Links
This section contains links to other sites on the Internet where you can find other useful information to help you learn Bluegrass guitar. MORE

Learning Tips

1. Always practice with a metronome. Increase the speed as you learn the song (For tips on metronome use and selection, see our Other Gear page).
   
2. Start with a simple version of a tune. The more quarter notes (and fewer eighth notes), the faster you will be able to play it. Build up your speed on the simple arrangements to 200-240 bpm, then worry about adding more notes.
   
3. Learn your scales. This may not help your speed directly, but it will help your dexterity of your left and right hands.
   
4. Take some lessons to have someone knowledgeable observe your left and right hands for proper/improper positions, etc.
   
5. Balance practicing rhythm and lead playing.
   
6. Play with others. There is no substitute for jamming and playing in a group. If you prefer, try using a virtual jam session like those listed on our Jamming page.
   
7. Lighten your touch! To play faster, you must learn to lighten your touch with your left hand. Only use the minimum pressure needed to make the note ring out. Don't use a "death grip".
   
8. To play faster, you have to take shorter swings at the string with your right hand, yet still get out the volume. This means that you have to drive your pick through the string.