a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Corporation – EIN 99-3474773
Instructor(s): John Kael
Traditional Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar
Rhythm guitar is a hugely important and often under-emphasized piece of the bluegrass puzzle. In this class we’ll nail down some fundamental techniques, but then take it much further to explore different rhythm patterns, feels and tempos, consider dynamics and variation to bring songs to life, use bass runs and accents to add drive and interest, look at specific techniques for different instrumental combinations, and how to best support a soloist or vocalist – all the skills you need to have more fun playing, and to make it more fun for other folks to play with you! Be prepared to play a lot!
To get the most from this class, you should already be able to comfortably play the typical chords (G, C, D, E, A, F) and be able to follow the chord progression of a simple bluegrass song at a modest tempo. We will focus on tips and techniques relevant to beginning through upper intermediate players, offering options that will fit various skills and experience throughout the course.
John Kael has been dedicated to bluegrass music for several decades, has performed at festivals throughout the United States, and has also toured in Ireland, the UK and Japan. He and his musical partner Annie Staninec have a vast repertoire of traditional bluegrass and old-time songs, and he is also an IBMA Award Winning songwriter.
In addition to teaching at Walker Creek Camp, John has been a favorite for several years running at the acclaimed Kaufman Kamp in Tennessee, Sorrento Music Camp (now Nimblefingers) in Canada, and Mandolin Camp North in Massachusetts, and has led workshops and classes at countless festivals both domestic and international. He has a methodical and clear teaching style, and can absolutely help you to bring your playing to the next level.