4/25/08: The Basics of String Thumping and Snapping

[Guest Gibson Lifestyle]

Lesson of the Day: The Basics of String Thumping and Snapping

 

04.25.2008

 

 

Fingerpicked blues guitar is one of the coolest forms of the blues, and Roy Book Binder is one of its greatest players and teachers. He's played with the likes of B.B. King, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, and Doc Watson, and still appears regularly on TNN's "Nashville Now." Not only can he teach you the basics of this classic style and technique, but he can also entertain you with humorous stories and fascinating insights into blues style and history.

 

Today's lesson introduces you to the instruction and style of Roy Book Binder, offering greats tips on the basics of string thumping and snapping—an integral part of playing fingerpicked blues guitar. This short lesson just scratches the surface, but the entire 80-minute DVD from Homespun, titled An Introduction to Open Tunings and Slide Guitar, covers the basics of open tunings and the use of the bottleneck, demonstrating the essential techniques of both in a very easy-to-follow manner. Binder covers them all, including open D and open G tunings, and shows us both the accompaniment and lead parts, as well as pointers on how to incorporate your own style and make the songs your own.

 

Click here for today's lesson on string thumping and snapping.

 

And don't forget to check back on Monday for another great lesson from Gibson Lifestyle!