Unit 2: Folky Fingerstyle

Inversions

To get started in this unit, we need to introduce the concept of inversion, otherwise known as "Slash chords". That doesn't mean the chords that Slash likes to play... Sorry, couldn't resist that one! 😂 Let's look quickly at the theory of a slash chord. The idea is simply that you take the same chord triad (for example, D major has a D F# and A in the triad) and you start from one of the other notes in the chord, rather than the root. So, if we take D major as an example, the D major chord is this:

Now for the moment, we won't go too deep into the ins and outs of the order of the notes, the most important aspect is realising that the basic concept of an inversion is that you take the same chord and switch the first note to one of the other from that chord! Simple as that! Here are two slash chords that we will be using in this unit, and probably two of the most common slash chords you will come across!

Hammer-Ons

We'll also start to practice a cool new technique that you can use with a lot of open chord shapes. If you've never done a hammer-on before, the idea is simply to "throw" your finger down onto the fretboard rather than place it and pick it with your right hand. It's an awesome technique, and Thomas guides you through it very skilfully in the video using the D major and G major chords.

So, let's take a look at the exercise that we need to master before moving onto the next lesson. We are using the D major and G major chords here with the little hammer-ons! Take your time with it, and try to do it with a drum beat!

Folky Fingerstyle

In this lesson, we will be taking a look at our first full track! Be sure to listen to the track a good few times before starting, and when ready, we'll tackle the A section! This is a big step up from the previous unit, so we really need to take our time with this one. Let's look at the chord chart for section A.

So we have quite a lot going on in these two bars, which is why we need to take it nice and slow. We're starting with the chords highlighted in red.

In this lesson, we will be working with the first bar moving into the start of the second bar. So focus on that section first. You can reference the tab as well as you move through each section!

Section A Continued...

In this lesson, we will be taking a look at our first full track! Be sure to listen to the track a good few times before starting, and when ready, we'll tackle the A section! This is a big step up from the previous unit, so we really need to take our time with this one. Let's look at the chord chart for section A.

So we have quite a lot going on in these two bars, which is why we need to take it nice and slow. Let's draw out those chord shapes first:

Section B

Section B is potentially a little easier than the first section, but it will have challenges of course! The chord progression is:

Get these two chords on loop, following the exact fingering that Thomas describes and is written out on the tab. Here's a reminder of those specific fingers!

All Together

In this final lesson, let's put both sections together. Here is a recap of the full chord chart that you put together. The only final thing to note is that after section B we have a little break, which we can see clearly on the full tab and the chord chart.