How to Learn to Play the Folk Guitar

The folk guitar? It's way more than just a thing you play. It's like a storyteller, a friend, and a way to get into some seriously cool music. Maybe you love Bob Dylan's sad songs. Or Joni Mitchell's fancy finger work. Or even Woody Guthrie's rough and tumble vibe. Learning folk guitar opens up a whole new world.

Why Folk Guitar?

So, why pick up a folk guitar anyway? There are a few awesome reasons.

• Easy to Get Started: Folk music keeps it simple. Sure, becoming a pro takes time. But a lot of folk songs use easy chords. And simple strums. Great for beginners!
• You Can Do Anything With It: Solo gigs? Check. Backing up singers? Check. Playing with a band? Double check. Folk guitar sounds great in all sorts of situations.
• Old School Cool: Folk music has been around forever. It's about real people and their lives. When you play folk guitar, you're part of something big.
• Say What You Feel: It might seem simple, but a folk guitar can say a lot. Change up your strum. Try some fingerpicking. You can really make it your own.

First Steps: What You Need

Ready to start? Here's what you'll need.

• Acoustic Guitar: A regular acoustic guitar is perfect. Get one that's not too big. Good for beginners!
• Picks: Some folks use their fingers. But a pick is great for strumming. Try a few different ones. See what you like.
• Tuner: You gotta stay in tune! Get an electronic tuner. Or use an app.
• Strap: Want to stand up? You'll need a strap.
• Case: Keep your guitar safe. Get a case or a gig bag.

Good posture is also important. Sit up straight. Keep your wrists loose. No slouching!

Basic Skills: Chords and Strums

Most folk songs use basic chords. And simple strumming. Here are some things to learn.

Must-Know Chords

These chords open the door to tons of songs.

• G Major (G): Super common. A great place to start.
• C Major (C): Goes great with G and D.
• D Major (D): Happy and useful. You'll see it a lot.
• E Minor (Em): Adds a little sadness.
• A Minor (Am): Another sad one. For those feels.
• A Major (A): Bright and cheerful.
• F Major (F): Can be tough. But important!

Practice these chords. A lot. Make sure your fingers are in the right place. And the sound is clear. Use online charts and videos. They can help!

Easy Strumming

Strumming is the heartbeat of folk music. Here are a few basic patterns:

• Down, Down, Down, Down (4/4): Simple. Works for almost anything.
• Down, Up, Down, Up (4/4): A little more bounce.
• Down, Down, Up, Down, Up (4/4): Adds some rhythm.

Mess around with these patterns. Make them your own! Change how hard you strum. Put emphasis on certain beats.

Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking is cool too. You pluck the strings with your fingers. Creates a softer sound. Start with simple patterns. Like alternating the bass note.

Learn It: Where to Find Lessons

Lots of places to learn folk guitar. Both online and in person.

Online Help

• YouTube: Tons of free lessons. Just search "folk guitar lessons for beginners."
• Tab Sites: Sites like Ultimate-Guitar.com have chords and tabs for tons of songs.
• Online Courses: Fender Play and TrueFire offer classes with feedback.

Real World Help

• Guitar Teachers: A teacher can give you personalized help.
• Music Schools: Community schools often have cheap lessons.
• Workshops: Go to a guitar workshop! Learn from the pros.

Think about your style. And your budget. Try a few things. See what works best!

Start With Songs

The best way to learn? Play songs! Start with easy ones. Use the chords and strums you know. Here are a few ideas:

• "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan: A classic protest song. Easy chords.
• "House of the Rising Sun" (Traditional): A spooky song. Everyone knows it.
• "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by John Denver: A sad love song. Gentle strumming.
• "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen: Powerful and moving. Simple arrangement.
• "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel: Known for its fingerpicking.

As you learn, notice the chords. And the strums. Understand the song!

Find Your Voice

Once you know the basics, find your own style!

• Different Tunings: Mess with the tuning of your guitar. It can open up new sounds.
• Listen to the Greats: Listen to lots of folk guitarists. Try to copy them.
• Write Your Own: The best way to find your style? Write your own songs.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Keep playing. You'll get better!

Take It Further

Ready for more? Try these techniques:

Travis Picking

Named after Merle Travis. Your thumb plays the bass. Your fingers play the melody. Sounds full and rich. Great for playing solo.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Makes your playing smoother. A hammer-on is when you hit a string to make a sound. Without picking. A pull-off is the opposite. You pull your finger off the string.

Slide Guitar

Use a slide (metal or glass). Creates a gliding sound. Common in blues and folk.

Harmonics

Makes chime-like sounds. Lightly touch the string. While you pick it.

Listen Up!

Listen to legendary folk guitarists. Learn from them. Pay attention to how they play. And how they sing.

Some folks to check out:

• Bob Dylan
• Joni Mitchell
• Woody Guthrie
• Joan Baez
• Pete Seeger
• Elizabeth Cotten

More Than Just Music

Folk guitar is about more than just notes. It's about connecting with the past. Expressing yourself. And sharing your stories. So grab your guitar. And start playing!

Learning folk guitar? It's awesome. And rewarding. Get some lessons. Learn the techniques. And learn the songs. You'll be a pro in no time!