Norman Blake's Guitar Techniques

HOMESPUN
Taught By Norman Blake.
Level 3
Two DVDs or VHSs, includes music and tab


On the first lesson, Norman teaches the flatpicking fundamentals and fretting techniques that give his songs, licks and instrumentals their soulful trademark sound. Norman also provides invaluable tips on the use of the capo, using open strings, special tunings, back-up technique and lots more. You’ll learn his unique rolling pick style, how he combines flatpicking with fingerpicking, and a variety of other techniques for creating a solid guitar arrangement.

On lesson 2, Norman teaches ten songs and instrumentals taken from his vast repertoire while going even more deeply into the details of his playing style and technique.

DVD One: Songs, Instrumentals and Styles
90-minute DVD or VHS, includes music and tab


This DVD is a boon to all players who want to explore country flatpicking and the smooth, uncluttered Norman Blake guitar style. In his clear and concise way, Norman covers the basics of his technique so that even near-beginners will gain the important skills necessary to play in this style. You’ll learn alternating strokes, rolls, crosspicking, single string/rhythm chord combinations and other aspects of his right-hand style, plus slides, pull-offs, hammer-ons, chord positions and melody notes. Nancy's back-up technique is highlighted, and Norman gives tips on use of the capo, open strings and special tunings.

Songs and instrumentals include "Whiskey Before Breakfast," "Gray Coat Soldiers," "Prettiest Little Girl In The Country," "The Wreck Of The Old '97," "Ginseng Sullivan," "Bonaparte Crossing The Rhine."

Review:

"Even in the velvet draped background of a video recording studio, the listener feels like they've been invited to a special one-on-one lesson on Blake's own back porch. Better role models for traditional music are hard to come by, and I highly recommend this to intermediate-level players." - Sing Out! Magazine

Student Review:

"I just wanted to let you know how much enjoyment and experience I have gained from both of your videos. In comparing your teaching style with what I have seen on other videos, I find yours to be among the best. I might also add that I am a faculty member (in Microbiology, believe it or not - wondering sometimes whether I missed my calling as an old-time guitar and mandolinist) here at the University of North Texas in Denton. As someone who plays (and learns) practically every day, it makes me wonder sometimes where my interests and talents will carry me." - Dan Kunz, Texas

DVD Two: Ten Stellar Songs and Instrumentals
90-minute DVD or VHS, includes music and tab


Norman Blake has long been an icon for lovers of great country-style guitar, a “musician’s musician” whose impeccable taste and sure touch have inspired countless folk, bluegrass and country players. Norman’s music combines a true old-time sound with just enough of a modern touch to make his playing both timeless and contemporary.

On this fascinating DVD, Norman expands the exploration of the guitar style that he so eloquently taught in his previous Homespun DVD, one of our most popular lessons. In an in-depth dialogue with guitarist Happy Traum, Norman demonstrates musical ideas, playing techniques and ten traditional and original songs and instrumentals taken from his vast repertoire.

You’ll see, up close, Norman’s unique rolling pick style, and how he combines flatpicking with fingerpicking to enhance a tune’s harmonic possibilities. His instrumentals and song accompaniments include a variety of important touches: crosspicking, string-hopping, drones, ornaments, bass lines, slides and other means of creating a solid arrangement. He demonstrates powerful back-up techniques, and discusses “how to do the most with the least,” which he masterfully brings to bear on these beautiful arrangements.

You’ll hear about Norman’s preference for 12-fret, short scale guitars (he plays a 1934 Martin 00-40H on this video), and ideas about practicing, adding syncopation to get “those notes in between the notes,” and many other insights into flatpick style.

Instrumentals: "Coming Down From Rising Fawn," "Caperton Ferry," "Uncle Joe" ("Miss McLeod’s Reel"), "Old Virginia Reel," "Coleman’s March," "New Century Hornpipe" and "Jimmy in the Swamp." Songs: "Church Street Blues," "Give Me Back My Fifteen Cents" and "Hobo’s Last Ride."

About Norman Blake
A true country music legend, Norman Blake has been in the forefront of traditional bluegrass and old-time music for nearly half a century. He’s a powerful multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter who has toured and/or recorded with Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, John Hartford, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kris Kristofferson, Tony Rice and numerous others. He played on the multi-platinum “O Brother Where Art Thou” soundtrack and was part of the popular follow-up “Down from the Mountain” tour. Aside from his years as a distinguished Nashville session musician, Norman has released more than two-dozen solo albums. He frequently performs and records with his wife, Nancy, a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist in her own right.