Folk Blues For Fingerstyle Guitar with Stefan Grossman

In this double DVD set, Stefan Grossman teaches a wide array of folk blues arrangements. You will study playing in various tunings, i.e. Standard, Dropped D, DADGAD, Open D and Open C tunings.

The songs range from popular blues and rags to old-time mountain ballads. All are taught phrase by phrase and the movements of both the left and right hands are clearly illustrated on the split screens. A detailed tab/music booklet is included as PDF files on each DVD as well as printed format. As an extra bonus, original old recordings from the 1920s and 1930s are included so that you can hear the roots from where these tunes derived.
For the late beginner, and intermediate guitarist, there is much to glean from. Grossman begins with a terrific song, though not too challenging, and follows the tried and proven path of teaching: line upon line, precept upon precept. As one song is tackled, the next is introduced, with a subtle increase in complexity. After a bit of climbing, Grossman normally takes a step back…1, 2, 3, 2, 3, and on to step 4. Why? As the student progresses, he is “rewarded” with a confidence building song.
Where once a level 1 song was a challenge, by the time a more complex song is worked through slowly, the student steps back and confidently nails down the level 2 song. This continues throughout both DVDs with a marvellous collection of wonderful songs.
Another important aspect to Grossman’s teaching: His demeanor. He is a humble man, self-effacing, funny, and wonderfully enthusiastic for the blues. He plays country blues, folk blues, and teaches open tunings, some slide, and even that wondeful, get up a dance blues: rag music.
He does not sing on these DVDs, though he has a nice bluesy voice, and makes the student feel as if it he made to be welcome in the presence of something who has not been told that he is a master. His humility is refreshing, as he does not take himself too seriously.
It’s definitely for Intermediate players and it only really focuses on the included songs. He does not actually teach you note by note but it does include a tab booklet so it required a lot of DIY initiative to learn the songs but it was a great way to open the door to a new style of playing guitar.