GUITAR LESSON #1:Since I am primarily a fingerpicking guitarist, I want to start with some listening suggestions. I think most fingerpicking guitarists end up in the same place, so I want to reference some of the greats in this style. But first lets define fingerpicking: style where the thumb generally keeps a steady, alternating bass in 4/4, while the fingers play melody notes either on or off the beat. In my opinion, the thumb is the most crucial element of the style. It should be strong and pronounced. So here is an incomplete list of my favorite fingerpicking guitarists. Keep in mind that there is a lot of genre overlapping. Folk/American Primitive: Elizabeth Cotten, John Fahey, Dave Van Ronk, Peter Lang, Jorma Kaukonen, John Renbourn, Bert Jansch, Leo Kottke, Martin Simpson,Pat Donahue, Stefan Grossman, Michael Hedges (although he's classified as new age). Country: Sam McGee, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Eddie Pennington, Doc Watson. Blues: Blind Blake, Rev. Gary Davis, John Hurt, Bill Broonzy, Larry Johnson, John Cephas, Blind Boy Fuller, Warner Williams. Jazz: Duck Baker and Lenny Breau. Rock:Ry Cooder, Richard Thompson, Steve Howe, Mark Knopfler, and Lindsey Buckingham.

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