This in-depth workshop will help you leap to the next step on your learning curve. You'll learn effective ways to improve your picking abilities, tone, and rhythm ... expand your knowledge of open tunings and slide guitar techniques ... explore the concept of finger substitutions ... and rediscover the joy of playing guitar.

Students will have opportunities (as individuals and in a group setting) for critique, comment, and direction. Students will be propelled into the next level and challenged to refine their techniques in order to release their hidden musicianship. The ability to have fun and laugh is required.

In each of three hours, you will focus on a select area, allowing you to concentrate on separate components, using printed exercises and pieces:

1. Exploration of the language of fingerpicking patterns and their effective use with multiple chords and attention to rhythmic qualities while using a metronome.

2. Simplification of open tunings, how to create a tune in this new landscape of the finger board, and an introduction to slide guitar technique with a study of damping, rattle, shimmer, glides, accents, adjustable speeds and grace notes.

3. The art of mapping a tune with finger substitution and position shifts for the picking hand using classical, folk, and ragtime pieces as examples.

The workshop is open to players at any level, from beginner through advanced. Requirements include a positive attitude, at least a minimum level of fingerpicking capabilities, some basic chord knowledge, and an open mind. Bring a guitar, notebook, capo, tuner, slide, and pencil.