Note Summary
Troubleshooting
- Remember to maintain correct left and right hand playing positions (see Right Arm Position).
- Count out loud as you play, and be particularly careful of dotted notes and ties. It may also help to tap your foot with the beat.
- Hold the pick correctly, between the thumb and index finger (see Using The Pick).
- Be sure to support your wrist and use correct pick technique (see Pick Technique).
Rickenbacker 12 String
Know your Guitars…
The electric guitar was invented by Adolf Rickenbacker in the 1930’s. Rickenbacker guitars are now commonly used in Rock and Pop music. The Rickenbacker 12 string was made famous by George Harrison of the Beatles. It is also used by Roger McGuinn of the Byrds and by Tom Petty. 12 string guitars contain six courses of two strings side by side, with the two strings tuned an octave apart. The 12 string has a singing quality and is great for both chords and picking melodies.
The Classical Guitar
Know your Guitars…
The classical guitar has nylon strings and is played with the fingers of the right hand rather than a pick. As the name suggests, this is the type of guitar used for classical music, but it is also commonly used for Flamenco, Folk, and World music. Some of the most famous classical guitarists are Andres Segovia, John Williams and Alirio Diaz. American fingerpicker Chet Atkins used an electric classical guitar.
