https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/billy-in-the-lowground-basic-guitar
This is a popular fiddle tune based out of the C position. If you’re just getting into flatpicking, or you’re wanting to learn a new tune, this is a great version for you! Typically, bluegrass will be based out of the G position, so I like to learn songs in C to help expand our skills.
I’ve been playing guitar for about 20 years, but I’m starting at the beginning, hoping to unlearn bad habits and relearn new ones. Something I’m struggling with in these lessons is the urge to use “economy picking” to snag the next string on a down stroke rather than an upstroke. Is that bad practice in Bluegrass? Is the idea that you should always alternate picking?
In most of bluegrass flatpicking, alternate picking is strictly adhered to. This means eighth notes will be down up down up, quarter half or whole notes will be a down stroke, and sixteenth notes are typically hammer ons or pull offs
Yes, my opinion is to “always” go with alternate. However, the rules have been broken: https://youtu.be/9JFgC3Ub10E
That’s about 2 steps shy of witchcraft.
How do you make this song sound so smooth Ben? Mine always sounds so choppy no matter what!
Well, lots of hours @jenifersteffens, but there could be something more going on. I encourage you to record yourself playing and send it to me here on the forum.
Hey there Ben! I worked on the song a little more and I realized that my fingering was off. It sounds a lot better now! Thanks for another great lesson!
Ben. Maybe a dumb question but when I am working on this and trying to use the rhythm tracks I can follow the solo track but the others that include all of the strumming I have a hard time with as there is no pdf to go along with what you are doing. Am I supposed to just listen and figure that out or am I missing something.
No dumb questions! Yes, there is a pdf tab on the lesson page that you can download. It’s located just above the jam track mp3’s you’ve referenced. Let us know if you need more help/direction.
Ah. I figured it out. The rhythm track is to be used to pick along to I guess. I was trying to figure out the strumming you were doing and looking for something to aid me with that but I am guessing its more about the solo in this lesson.