Beyond the Tab: Folk Guitar Day

This one-day workshop explores the rich, expressive world of folk fingerstyle guitar through open tunings, arrangement ideas, rhythm, accompaniment, and melodic playing. The day focuses on helping you to move beyond simply memorising tunes and towards a more connected, intuitive approach to the instrument. 

Using tunings such as DADGAD, Drop D and Open C, you'll look at how traditional melodies, drones, chord shapes and bass movement can be combined to create beautiful and practical solo guitar arrangements. You'll also explore techniques drawn from British and Celtic folk guitar traditions, fingerstyle blues, and contemporary acoustic playing. The atmosphere will be relaxed, supportive and musical, with plenty of opportunity for questions, exploration, and shared playing throughout the day.

Repertoire may include traditional tunes and songs associated with players like Martin Carthy, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Nick Drake, and contemporary folk fingerstyle guitarists, alongside David’s own arrangements and teaching material. 

By the end of the course, you will have: 

• explored the musical possibilities of open tunings such as DADGAD, Drop D and Open C within a folk fingerstyle context
• discussed practical approaches to arranging and accompanying traditional tunes and songs on solo guitar
• developped greater confidence in learning and adapting material beyond simply following tablature
• improved coordination, tone and rhythmic control in fingerstyle playing through hands-on musical exercises and repertoire
• gained a clearer understanding of how melody, bass movement and chord shapes connect across the fretboard 

You will leave the course with new repertoire, practice ideas, and creative approaches for continuing to develop your own folk guitar playing afterwards.

This is a relaxed and supportive course, encouraging exploration, participation, and shared music-making at all levels of experience of folk guitar. The day will combine practical group teaching, guided workshops, tutor demonstrations, and hands-on playing. Musical ideas and techniques will be introduced through accessible repertoire, with opportunities to learn by ear, work from tablature, and explore arrangements collaboratively as a group. There will be time for discussion, questions, and individual guidance, alongside short focused exercises designed to improve fluency, confidence, and understanding of open tunings and folk fingerstyle techniques. 

The workshop also includes practical fretboard ideas, right-hand technique, accompaniment approaches, and looks at ways of developing confidence when playing without relying entirely on tablature. 

The course is for confident beginners and intermediate guitarists looking to expand their musical understanding. We will also be able to accommodate one bass player (electric or acoustic).

Music will not be sent out in advance, but hard copies will be provided on the day.