From Basic Chords To Beautiful Embellisments

Every song begins in its simplest form— basic chord structure.  As fingerstyle guitarists, we then have limitless options as to how we can embellish our chord sequences to create beautiful music.

Our goal as guitarists and songwriters is to elevate our pieces, transforming them from their basic state into more creative and intricate arrangements that resonate with our listeners.

In this course, we’ll explore eight popular chord progressions.  I’ll guide you through the process of taking each progression from a simple version to an embellished one, and finally to a more complex arrangement featuring sophisticated fingerstyle techniques.

We’ll dive into major and minor blues progressions, the I-V-vi-IV progression, a I-vi-ii-V, a I-IV-I-V, and a sequence that descends diatonically through the key. For each arrangement, I’ll first demonstrate my transformation, then break it down step-by-step for you.

All performances are be tabbed and notated, with TAB displayed on the screen, and breakdowns with exacting detail by Joe Robinson.

You’ll have the flexibility to slow down the videos, allowing you to work through the lessons at your own pace.

So, grab your guitar, and let’s unleash your creativity!

• We study 8 common chord progressions, in keys G, A, B, C, D, E, Em, Am - and learn a 'basic' fingerstyle version, plus two levels of embellisments
• Multiple camera angles are provided, with exacting detail regarding both the right hand and left hand
• We learn to use the Nashville number system to map song structure, a critical tool for songwriting and arranging
• We learn to build modulations in songs and re-harmonize melodies