Workshop fee: £40
This workshop is a practical, hands-on introduction to folk guitar and fingerpicking, designed for beginners and those wishing to build confidence in their playing, while developing a solid understanding of how folk music works on the guitar. You’ll look at essential strumming and fingerstyle techniques, learn common chord shapes and explore how to accompany traditional tunes and songs. You’ll also look at the structure of folk melodies, how to play along with others in a session and how to adapt your playing to support different styles and rhythms.
The workshop will draw on the folk tradition with learning mostly ‘by ear’ without relying just on written music, helping you to recognise melodies and chord progressions. Participants will need to bring an acoustic guitar, be able to play basic C A G E and D ‘open’ chords and have some experience using a plectrum and fingerpicking basic patterns.
Tutor David Delarre is a musician, composer and music educator, leading workshops and courses for conservatoires, schools, folk festivals and for the English Folk Dance and Song Society at Cecil Sharp House. Through his work with the award-winning singer Eliza Carthy MBE and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, David has performed at a number of high profile venues and festivals across the UK and Europe. He has recently recorded sessions for BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 and has also performed on BBC 1 for Jools Holland and BBC 1 Breakfast TV. His theatre credits include The Globe’s production of The Two Noble Kinsman and the Tony Award winning Broadway musical Hadestown.
Refreshments:
Tea & coffee is provided.
Participants on a full day workshop or course should bring a packed lunch and other snacks.
