THE FOLK GUITAR MASTERCLASS
GO FROM A PLATEAUED BEGINNER TO A HIGHLY STYLIZED FOLK GUITARIST
IN JUST 10 WEEKS
START PLAYING LIKE THE ARTISTS YOU LOVE
The Folk Guitar Masterclass is for guitarists who’ve owned their instrument for years but still feel like a beginner—stuck playing the same tired songs, chords, and strumming patterns...
And want to finally play fresh, expressive folk music like their heroes, but haven’t found a clear, step-by-step path to get there.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yesterday, I played with the band, and they said, ‘Man, you’ve gotten so much better at your rhythm guitar playing.'
Dave K.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's made me better in 10 weeks and I can tell. I can't even say how shocked I was at how good this was.
Jim V.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
From day one, I was like 'This is fantastic.' I wanted to get back into playing guitar for a while. This is exactly what I needed.
Mark M.
GO FROM FEELING LIKE A STUCK BEGINNER TO...
SOUNDING LIKE THE FOLK GUITARISTS YOU LOVE, PLAYING WITH CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, AND PERSONAL STYLE.
With this self-paced 10-week roadmap and live group mentorship calls, you’ll unlock expressive chords, captivating rhythms, and timeless picking techniques that make your playing feel fresh, polished, and unmistakably you.
BREAK OUT OF THE BEGINNER’S BOX AND PLAY LIKE YOUR SINGER-SONGWRITER HEROES...
BY MASTERING THE TECHNIQUES THAT MATTER MOST, WITHOUT ANY GUESSWORK.
THE FOLK GUITAR MASTERCLASS
THE INTERNET'S MOST INTUITIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE FOLK GUITAR COURSE
IF YOU'RE HERE, YOU'RE PROBABLY FEELING THIS DEEP DOWN:
You feel a pang of guilt when you see your guitar gathering dust and wonder if you’ve missed your chance.
You dream of playing like Dylan, Paul Simon, Steve Earle, or John Prine but don’t know what comes next.
You’ve tried apps, mega-sites, and YouTube, but you’re still stuck circling the same chords and strumming patterns.
You love folk music, but your playing still doesn’t feel like the songs that made you fall in love with guitar.
You’ve played on and off for years but still sound like a beginner—and it’s painful to think that may never change.
You fear that if you don’t figure this out soon, you’ll still be playing the same songs years from now.
WELL, YOUR LIFE'S ABOUT TO CHANGE...
"Thank you for this masterclass and community. It’s life-changing."
↠ Katie Lyn (student) ↞
JUST FOLLOW THE DAILY PATH OF 10-MINUTE MODULES TO
MASTER THE 5 PILLARS OF FOLK GUITAR
All it takes is a couple minutes a day… and soon you’ll be hearing a version of your playing you never thought possible.
PILLAR 1
EXPRESSIVE PICK STRUMMING
Break free from lifeless, robotic strumming and discover how to weave bass lines, top-line melodies, and subtle percussive elements into your rhythm—creating the feel of a full rhythm section with just one guitar.
Don’t be surprised when people start recording you on their phones!
PILLAR 2
FOLK ORNAMENTATIONS
Transform plain progressions into something unforgettable with subtle techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and drones.
These small flourishes add movement, depth, and emotion—giving your chords a melodic voice that echoes the style of Paul Simon, James Taylor, and your favorite folk heroes.
PILLAR 3
FOLK CHORD VOICINGS
Break out of the cowboy chord rut and unlock over 50 rich, expressive voicings across the neck—using just four open chord shapes you already know.
You’ll discover lush textures, folk-inspired colors, and the power of chord inversions to make even simple progressions sound deep, layered, and unmistakably your own.
PILLAR 4
TRAVIS PICKING
Master the heart of folk guitar with a step-by-step system that takes you from scratch to fluidly Travis picking melodies and chords at the same time—sounding like two guitars at once and finally unlocking that iconic, fingerpicked folk feel.
PILLAR 5
EXPRESSIVE FINGER STRUMMING
Add rhythm and nuance to your playing with subtle percussive techniques that blend kick, snare, and groove into your strumming hand.
These organic, feel-based moves give your songs depth and motion—just like your favorite folk records—without sounding showy or overdone.
THE FEATURES YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
65+ Video Trainings
500+ Tab/Video Sync'd Play-Along Examples
17+ Hours of Step-by-Step Content
THE FIVE PILLARS CURRICULUM & DAILY PRACTICE PLAN
Master every essential technique in just 10-minute modules—so you always know what to do and never feel overwhelmed.
SYNCHRONIZED TAB/VIDEO PLAY-ALONG FORMAT
Play along like you’re sitting right beside me—with synced video and tabs that keep you on track without ever getting lost.
CURRICULUM Q & A
SUPPORT
Get clear, personalized video/text answers to your questions—so you can keep making progress, without getting stuck.
PRIVATE FACEBOOK
COMMUNITY
Join the internet's most encouraging, inspiring group where real friendships, real accountability, and real progress happen.
YOU CAN FINALLY PLAY LIKE YOUR FOLK GUITAR HEROES
NO MATTER HOW LATE YOU'RE STARTING, NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN STUCK.
DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT... 153 STUDENTS HAVE ALREADY PROVEN IT WORKS.
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN.
BY FOLLOWING MY STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS, YOU'LL:
FINALLY TAKE YOUR PLAYING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH FRESH CHORDS AND STRUMMING
In 10 weeks, you’ll learn a simple two-part system to replace tired open chords with expressive folk alternatives and master strumming that weaves melody, percussion, and dynamics...
So your playing sounds layered, fresh, and like early Dylan or Simon & Garfunkel.
MASTER TRAVIS PICKING FROM SCRATCH
Follow a 10-module path from total beginner to confidently playing four Travis picking variations and fluidly combining melodies and chords to sound like two guitars at once...
Creating the rich, layered sound that makes people swear you’ve been playing for decades.
SOUND LIKE A ONE-PERSON BAND:
Learn to combine melody, bass, ornamentation, and subtle percussion into your rhythm guitar...
So your solo sets sound like a full band and actually move people when you perform, whether it's on stage or in your living room.
ESCAPE THE BOTTOM THREE FRET TRAP:
Use four familiar chord shapes to unlock 48 shimmering voicings across the neck...
Without bar chords, scale patterns, or complex memorization so you can finally play with the nuance and personality you’ve been chasing for years.
Sorry shredders, this is for chord-strumming folkies, only.
"[Enrolling] opened a whole new world for me... new friends, new connections, new paths, new ideas.
I feel like I am so much better now than I was Week 1, in so many ways.
I can't even say how shocked I was by how good it was. Honestly, I was blown away.
I shouldn't say this, but you could probably charge more for it."
↠ Jim Vickers (student) ↞
THE INVESTMENT
(Payment Plans Available)
BREAK OUT OF THE BEGINNER'S BOX AND PLAY LIKE YOUR SINGER-SONGWRITER HEROES FOR ONLY $498
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
INCLUDES:
Life-Time Access
Five Pillars Curriculum & Daily Practice Plan
Synchronized Tablature & Play-Along Videos
Curriculum Q&A Support
Private Facebook Community
BONUSES:
10 Weekly LIVE Group Mentorship Calls
$498
(One and done, baby)
TWO MONTHLY PAYMENTS
INCLUDES:
Life-Time Access
Five Pillars Curriculum & Daily Practice Plan
Synchronized Tablature & Play-Along Videos
Curriculum Q&A Support
Private Facebook Community
BONUSES:
10 Weekly LIVE Group Mentorship Calls
$249
(Paid in 2 monthly installments)
NEW PAYMENT PLAN ADDED: 5 MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF $99.60
CHOOSE AT CHECKOUT!
GUARANTEED
If you're not completely STOKED with the MasterClass,
then get in touch within 30 Days for a full refund, no questions asked.
HI, I'M JAMES
I’m James Downes, a professional singer-songwriter and folk guitarist.
I’ve shared stages with some of the biggest names in folk music—Beck, Graham Nash, Deertick, and The Jayhawks, to name a few.
I have over 20 years of experience performing across the U.S. and around the world. But like many of you, I started from scratch, learning on my own with no formal lessons. My journey into folk guitar began when albums like Freewheelin’ by Bob Dylan and Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young knocked me off my feet, and I became obsessed with capturing that raw, emotional folk sound.
After my Instagram page, Guitar Lessons with James, exploded to almost 29,000 followers in just a few weeks, I realized something important: beginner and intermediate-beginner singer-songwriter guitarists are hungry for folk guitar tips that make a real difference in bringing their songs to life.
I spent years struggling on my own without a guide to piece together the techniques that give folk guitar its heart and soul. I finally figured it out, but I certainly took the long way.
Since then, I've started teaching my methodology, and through more than a thousand private lessons and online course sales, I’ve distilled everything down into the Folk Guitar Masterclass—so you don’t have to go through the same slow, frustrating process.
"Noodler, hobbyist, intermediate/advanced beginner, don't just pass this course by!
Because that's me, and this course has nudged me out of my comfort spaces and given me new cool things to add to my playing."
↠ Jim M. (Trustee, Columbus Folk Music Society) ↞
THE DETAILED BREAKDOWN
YOUR 10-WEEK PATH TO FOLK GUITAR MASTERY
Each week brings one core module from each of the Five Pillars-stacking skills that transform your playing, one day at a time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS IS A SUGGESTED TIMELINE, BUT YOU HAVE LIFETIME ACCESS AND CAN ENJOY AT YOUR OWN PACE!
In Week 1, we’ll build the skills that will take your guitar playing from flat and basic to expressive and full of life. This week is all about giving you the tools to start sounding like the folk musicians you love:
Day 1 - Mastering Dynamics: Imagine your playing coming alive with emotion. You’ll learn how to control volume and intensity to make your strumming and picking feel powerful and engaging.
Day 2 - Exploring Drones: Discover the secret to creating that rich, full sound that makes folk music so timeless. Droning notes will add depth to your progressions, making your guitar resonate like never before.
Day 3 - Unlocking the CAGED System for Chord Shapes: Stop feeling stuck playing the same chords over and over. With the CAGED system, you’ll unlock the fretboard, giving you more variety and freedom in your playing.
Day 4 - Forward and Backward Rolls: Want your picking to flow effortlessly? Learn simple patterns that blend rhythm and melody seamlessly, laying the groundwork for beautiful fingerpicking.
Day 5 - Basic Hand Mechanics for Expressive Finger Strumming: Say goodbye to awkward hand movements when trying to strumming with your fingers. You’ll master positioning and coordination, making your figne strumming smoother and your playing more comfortable.
In Week 2, we’ll take things up a notch, introducing techniques that make your playing more dynamic and give it the character of true folk music:
Day 1 - Low/High Strumming: Part 1:
Add a new layer of interest to your strumming by alternating between low and high strings. You’ll create more texture and depth, making your rhythms truly stand out.
Day 2 - Mastering Hammer-Ons:
Learn how to use hammer-ons to add emotion and fluidity to your playing. This simple but powerful technique will bring life to your chord changes and progressions.
Day 3 - Harmonizing the Major Scale:
Bring melody to your music by learning to harmonize the major scale, an essential skill for choosing the best chords for your songs.
Day 4 - Learning the Classic Travis Picking Pattern (Part 1):
Start mastering the iconic Travis Picking pattern that forms the backbone of many beloved folk songs.
Day 5 - Isolating Bass Notes:
Focus on creating a strong foundation by isolating bass notes. This skill is essential for fingerpicking patterns that combine rhythm and melody.
Week 3 is all about adding layers to your playing. You’ll dive into more advanced rhythms and melodic techniques that will make your guitar truly sing:
Day 1 - 16th Note Pendulum Strumming: Part 1:
Discover how to bring energy and groove to your strumming with rhythmic 16th note patterns that make your playing stand out.
Day 2 - Mastering Pull-Offs:
Add flair to your progressions with pull-offs. This technique creates smooth, flowing sounds that make your music more expressive.
Day 3 - Sliding Shapes (E):
Learn chord shapes in the key of E that make it easy to replace boring cowboy chords, giving your playing a seamless and polished feel.
Day 4 - Learning the Classic Travis Picking Pattern: (Part 2)
Build on what you learned last week by adding complexity and variation to this timeless fingerpicking pattern.
Day 5 - 16th Note Finger Strumming:
Combine rhythm and melody with advanced finger strumming techniques that create a full and rich sound.
In Week 4, we’ll focus on smooth transitions and rhythmic techniques to make your playing more polished and professional:
Day 1 - Chord Change Anticipation:
Add a melodic flow to your progressions that your listeners will be drawn to. Learn how to anticipate chord changes with these simple melodic tricks.
Day 2 - Hammer-On/Pull-Off Combo:
Combine these two essential techniques to create dynamic, flowing embellishments that elevate your playing.
Day 3 - Sliding Shapes (A & D):
Explore sliding techniques with chord shapes in the keys of A & D, replacing boring cowboy chords, and unlocking smooth transitions and melodic movement on the fretboard, expanding your ability to create movement and emotion in your music.
Day 4 - Changing Chord Positions:
Learn how to move between different chord positions smoothly, giving your progressions variety and sophistication.
Day 5 - The Half-Time Groove:
Discover how to slow things down with a half-time rhythm that adds contrast and feel, making your playing more impactful.
Week 5 introduces advanced techniques to make your playing richer, more versatile, and more emotionally powerful:
Day 1 - Low/High Strumming (Part 2):
Build on what you’ve learned to create even more dynamic and textured rhythms that bring your songs to life.
Day 2 - Ornamentation Rhythms:
Add rhythmic variations to your ornamentations, making your progressions more interesting and expressive.
Day 3 - Sliding Shapes (C):
Learn how to slide effortlessly between shapes in the key of C, adding smoothness and emotion to your playing.
Day 4 - Travis Picking Variations:
Take your Travis picking to the next level with variations that add complexity and richness to your fingerpicking.
Day 5 - Bass Note Melodies (Fingers):
Combine bass notes and melody lines with your fingers, creating a full, layered sound that feels like an entire band.
In Week 6, we’ll focus on adding melodic movement and exploring chord inversions to give your playing even more depth. Also, this week, we'll start our journey of learning to fingerpick chords and play lead melodies at the same time:
Day 1 - Bass Note Melodies (Pick):
Use a pick to create clean, precise bass note melodies that anchor your progressions and give your chord changes a beautiful sense of melodicism.
Day 2 - Inversions Introduction:
Discover how chord inversions can transform your progressions, making them sound more dynamic and interesting. Move over, cowboy chords!
Day 3 - Inversions (Key of C):
Apply inversion techniques in the key of C, creating fresh and unique sounds in your music.
Day 4 - Adding Melodies (Accented Upstrokes):
Combine melodies with accented upstrokes to add flair and emphasis to your strumming.
Day 5 - Palm Muted Finger Strumming:
Master palm-muted finger strumming to create a rhythmic, percussive feel in your playing.
In Week 7, we’ll work on smoother transitions, anticipating melodies, and adding unique rhythmic touches to bring your music to life. We'll also add a crucial technique in helping you fingerpick chords and play lead melodies at the same time:
Day 1 - Strumming Transitions:
Draw your listeners in by creating strumming transitions between song sections.
Day 2 - Melodic Anticipation:
Learn how to add subtle sophistication to your progressions with a trick called Melodic Anticipation, making your transitions smoother and your music more cohesive.
Day 3 - Inversions (Key of G):
Explore inversions in the key of G, giving you even more tonal variety in your progressions.
Day 4 - Adding Melodies (Thumb/Finger Pinch):
Combine thumb and finger pinches with melodies to create intricate, layered picking patterns.
Day 5 - Adding the Fingernail Snare:
Incorporate the fingernail snare technique to add sharp, percussive accents to your strumming.
In Week 8, we’ll focus on techniques that bring depth, resonance, and percussive flair to your playing. And we'll continue our journey of learning how to finger pick chords and play melodies simultaneously. These skills will add polish and emotion to every note:
Day 1 - Palm Muting (for Resonance):
Learn how to use palm muting to control resonance, creating a warm, rhythmic tone that gives your playing a professional edge.
Day 2 - Diatonic Dyads:
Discover how to use diatonic dyads to add melodic harmony, enhancing your progressions with rich, layered sounds.
Day 3 - Inversions (Key of A):
Explore inversions in the key of A to bring fresh perspectives and tonal variety to your chord progressions.
Day 4 - Adding Melodies (Hammer-Ons / Pull-Offs):
Combine hammer-ons and pull-offs with Travis Picking melodies to create smooth, flowing phrases that captivate listeners.
Day 5 - Percussive Thumb Click:
Add rhythmic energy to your playing with the thumb click technique, giving your music a distinct percussive groove.
In Week 9, you’ll work on integrating rhythm and melody seamlessly while mastering techniques that enhance your control and expression:
Day 1 - Muting (for Dampening):
Master the art of dampening strings for a controlled, rhythmic feel that gets you that "chucking" sound, adding dynamic contrast to your playing.
Day 2 - Playing Melodies While Strumming:
Learn how to weave melodies into your strumming patterns, creating a full, layered sound that makes your guitar feel like a one-person band.
Day 3 - Inversions (Key of E):
Unlock new tonal options by mastering inversions in the key of E, adding more color and variety to your progressions.
Day 4 - Adding Melodies (High E Neighbor String):
Learn how to travis pick chords while playing melodies that incorporate notes on the high E string to add sparkle and depth to your arrangements.
Day 5 - Percussive Fingernail Mute:
Use your fingernails to create rhythmic mutes, adding sharp, "chucking" percussive accents that make your strumming stand out.
In Week 10, we’ll combine everything you’ve learned, focusing on techniques that integrate rhythm, melody, and harmony for a complete folk guitar sound:
Day 1 - Travis Sound with a Pick:
Learn how to achieve the signature Travis picking sound using a pick, blending rhythm and melody effortlessly.
Day 2 - Creating Lead Melodies in Progressions:
Discover how to craft lead melodies that flow naturally within your chord progressions, making your playing more dynamic and memorable.
Day 3 - Inversions (Key of D):
Explore chord inversions in the key of D, adding depth and sophistication to your arrangements.
Day 4 - Adding Extended Melodies:
Expand your melodic range by integrating extended melodies into your progressions, creating lush, expressive sounds.
Day 5 - Putting It All Together:
Tie everything from the Expressive Finger Strumming pillar of the course into one cohesive style.
EVERY GREAT FOLK GUITARIST STARTED WITH THE SAME HANDFUL OF CHORDS...
YOU JUST NEED TO LEARN WHAT THEY DID NEXT.
"I was playing the same 3 to 4 chords the same way over and over again. Now my band has said I’m much more confident in my guitar playing.
We've been playing for 15, 20 years. And all of a sudden they're they're noticing the difference."
↠ Dave Kohler (student) ↞
FAQ
When you sign up for the Folk Guitar Masterclass, you get instant access to the complete curriculum for life. To ensure your success, you’ll even get access to 10 weekly Live Group Mentorship Calls as a bonus.
YouTube, Instagram, Facebook... they're all incredible resources, packed with free guitar tutorials that could keep you busy for years.
There’s no shortage of videos on folk guitar techniques, from Travis picking to expressive strumming.
I've shared a lot of free tips and tricks on my Instagram page, which now has over 28,000 followers.
But here’s the catch: relying on something like YouTube alone often means wasting hours searching for the right tutorials, only to find incomplete answers or techniques taught out of context.
You’re left without a clear roadmap, and no precise exercises tailored to help you truly master the skills or understand how to sequence your progress.
If you want to see results FAST and play guitar with confidence, the Folk Guitar MasterClass is the solution.
So, what’s your time worth?
This program will save you months of trial and error, frustration, and second-guessing.
No more bouncing between random videos or feeling stuck in practice routines that go nowhere. Instead, you’ll follow a proven step-by-step system designed to get you from “stuck” to “strumming like a pro.”
For many students, that’s $498 well spent.
If your time isn’t worth that yet?
Stick with YouTube for now. The MasterClass will be here when you’re ready to take things to the next level.
Yes—you’re exactly who this course was made for. If you can play open chords and basic strumming patterns but still feel stuck, this program will finally show you how to break through.
Even if you've never fingerpicked, you'll start simple and build step-by-step. If your strumming or chord changes are still messy, the bonus Folk Guitar Breakthrough Bundle will smooth them out before you even begin.
You’ll get daily practice plans, beginner-friendly modules, live mentorship, and the option to send in a video for personal feedback—so you’ll never have to guess if you’re “good enough” to start.
As one student put it:
“If you can play some chords, you can take this class. It’s really accessible no matter what skill level you’re at.”
*If you've never picked up a guitar before, this course will be too advanced at this time.
That doesn't mean you can get in at this lower price now and let it sit on the shelf for a few months while you build your foundational skills, then come back to it when you're ready (after all, you get lifetime access to the curriculum). If you're curious about whether you're at the right level of experience for this course, I'd be happy to watch of video of your playing and give you my honest feedback as to whether or not I think this MasterClass will help you.
Just reach out at james@guitarlessonswithjames.com.
Nope! While this course is designed for beginners and intermediate-beginners who have a handle on open chords and basic strumming but want to go from unstylized to highly specialized in folk and singer-songwriter guitar, even experienced players will find valuable techniques and insights here to take their folk guitar playing to a deeper, more emotional level.
As one intermediate student said:
“I've been playing/ writing/recording for 20 years, and this course is PERFECT for filling in the blanks on things you know - or don't know - and taking you in new directions. Highly recommended.”
Michael Gaither (artist)
This isn’t just another pile of video lessons—it’s a proven, step-by-step system that’s helped hundreds of guitarists over 40, 50, and 60 finally break through years of frustration.
Most of my students came in thinking:
They were too old to get better.
They’d already tried YouTube or big mega-sites like Guitar Tricks and TrueFire.
They’d taken too long a break from guitar and would never get closer to sounding like their heroes.
They didn’t have the time to commit to something overwhelming.
But they’re now playing Travis picking, shimmering chord voicings, and layered folk progressions they thought were out of reach.
Jim Vickers came back to guitar after a 20-year break and now says he’s “so much better than when he started” and the Masterclass has given him the confidence to start playing live again and rebuild his audience in Ohio. He’s also made new friends, is writing new music, and says it’s been a total life turnaround for him.
Becca Roberts, a working mom, was thrilled to find out this wasn’t a course made for teenagers. She loved how the 10-minute lessons fit into her busy schedule and how the weekly live calls gave her accountability and direct support. She’s now recording her own music in a Chicago studio.
Dave Kohler said that after just a few weeks, his band instantly noticed the difference. His chords, strumming, and picking were cleaner and more expressive, even though his band had been playing together for 15-20 years.
Steve Schwartz, who’s been playing guitar for decades, said that within a few weeks, the Masterclass gave him the confidence and inspiration to finally start playing open mics and sharing his music publicly.
And here’s something else...
You’re learning from a professional touring musician with over 1.5 million Spotify streams, 1,000+ private lessons taught, an audience of over 28,000 Instagram followers, and someone who’s shared the stage with iconic artists like Beck, Graham Nash, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Deer Tick.
You’re not just getting guitar lessons—you’re learning a proven system from someone who’s done it at the highest level.
Good news—the course is designed with short, focused lessons that fit into your schedule.
It’s about quality, not quantity, so you’ll still make real progress without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, you’ll have lifetime access to the course so you can learn at your own pace.
That being said, learning an instrument can't be "mind-downloaded" like in The Matrix. The programs on social media that promise overnight results because of "new scientific approaches to learning" feel like bullshit to me.
It'll require dedication and practice. However, everyone's life looks different - so no judgment if you have less time to dedicate than someone else.
Although access to the Live Weekly Group Mentorship Calls is available for 10 weeks, I'm offering lifetime access to the curriculum so you can move at a pace that works for you.
Here’s exactly what you get when you join:
The full 10-week step-by-step roadmap (65+ Video Trainings, 500+ Tab/Video Sync'd Play-Along Examples, 17+ Hours of Step-by-Step Content)
Daily Practice Plans broken down into 10-minute modules so you always know what to work on.
Synchronized play-along videos and tabs that keep you on track.
Weekly live mentorship calls where you can get direct feedback and ask questions.
Text or Loom video feedback to send in your playing and get personalized responses.
Access to the Private Facebook Group for encouragement, accountability, and connection with other students.
The Folk Guitar Breakthrough Bundle bonus to brush up on any fundamentals before starting the Masterclass.
The Folk Artist Training Library with 36+ additional workshops to keep you growing.
You’ll know exactly where you’re going and exactly how to get there.
As Shane L. put it: "Your masterclass is honestly like five different courses, plus a sixth intro course if you’re a beginner. Lots of value there."
This MasterClass is perfect for those who have a basic grip on open chords and strumming but feel stuck in the beginner phase.
If you're brand new to guitar, it's important to build those foundational skills before taking this MasterClass.
However, this is the lowest price the MasterClass will ever be, so if you're serious about mastering that nostalgic folk sound, you can enroll now and dive in when you're ready.
You'll have lifelong access to the course!
Yes, this is perfect for you—because you don’t need bar chords at all.
In fact, the Folk Guitar Masterclass is 95% bar chord-free. And in the few places where barre chords come up, I give you options to play something different.
The Masterclass was built to help you get that iconic folk sound without barre chords.
You’ll use:
Familiar open chord shapes (like E, A, D, and C) that you already know.
A system that teaches you to slide these shapes up the neck to unlock beautiful, shimmering folk voicings—without ever having to barre across the fretboard.
Techniques that help you create a rich, layered folk sound using simple hand positions that feel natural.
If you’re unsure, send me a video of your current playing—I’ll personally watch it and let you know if this course is a good fit for you. I only want the right people in the program.
Absolutely. I’ve stripped out all the unnecessary theory.
Anytime there is a need for theory, I’ll teach it right when you only when you need it, in plain English, step-by-step, so you never feel overwhelmed or in the dark.
You won’t need to:
Memorize scales
Learn key signatures
Understand complex progressions
You’ll be playing with feel and sound first.
But by the end of the module you're working through, you'll realize you've naturally absorbed the theory you needed without even noticing.
I’m sneaky like that ;)
This course is built for guitarists who want to sound good—not get stuck in a theory maze.
As Almut Spaeth said:
"I’ve played all these complicated fingerstyle arrangements, but I could never connect them to theory. Your lessons fill in those gaps. Now I actually understand why I’m doing what I’m doing—and it finally all fits together."
While the course is self-paced with life-time access, your bonus access to 10 weeks of Live Mentorship Calls gives you all the support of a group program—without the overwhelm of a big, impersonal class.
The mentorship calls feel like small, personal coaching sessions.
You can send me videos privately and I’ll send you back Loom video feedback—it’s like having me in your pocket.
The play-along videos with synchronized tabs make it easy to stay on track without needing to remember long lessons.
You don’t have to keep up with anyone else. You can learn on your own time, and I’ll support you personally along the way.
As student Kevin Chan said:
"Having the live calls is really helpful—just being able to ask questions and get answers in real-time was fantastic. I loved the loose, supportive atmosphere."
Because each module in the Folk Guitar Masterclass is built around mastering one specific technique in each of the five pillars, you’ll start making noticeable progress within your first 15 minutes.
Here’s what people have said within their first 24 hours in the Masterclass:
"Good stuff! I can already hear that the chord progressions are more interesting to the ear."
Matt Santangelo
"Great first lesson—really helps make the playing pop."
Katie Lyn
The program is broken down into bite-sized, 10-minute modules that teach one technique at a time. That’s why the progress stacks quickly.
Imagine where you’ll be after one week. Now picture the momentum you’ll build after four weeks, eight weeks, and ten weeks.
The results will compound week after week.
By the end of the program, your playing will sound so different that you won’t even recognize yourself.
As student David Kohler said that his band noticed an increase in his rhythm guitar confidence immediately.
Weekly LIVE Group Q & A Sessions rotate every other week between:
Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30pm EST
Thursdays, 12pm-1pm EST
*Please note these times are subject to change.
Can’t make it? No problem—each call is recorded and saved in an easy-to-access archive, where you’ll find answers to common questions and insights that can apply to your own playing journey.
You’ll also be able to submit videos and questions in the private Facebook group to help you get unstuck and keep progressing.
One student got results even without being able to attend the calls live, saying:
“Having the recordings available was really helpful.”
Absolutely! The Folk Guitar MasterClass has a 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
With hundreds of enrollments, that hasn’t happened yet, not even one.
BUT! If you are not completely SATISFIED and STOKED with the MasterClass, then get in touch within 30 Days for a full refund, no questions asked.
YOU CAN CHANNEL YOUR INNER STEVE EARLE, BOB DYLAN, OR JOHN PRINE
AND PLAY THE KIND OF FOLK GUITAR THAT MAKES PEOPLE ACTUALLY FEEL SOMETHING.
"The way every step is broken down makes it seem like it's easier to do and I think it's given me a lot of confidence, everything just feels so simple."
↠ Becca Roberts (student) ↞
JUST FOLLOW THE DAILY PATH OF 10-MINUTE MODULES TO
MASTER THE 5 PILLARS OF FOLK GUITAR
All it takes is a couple minutes a day… and soon you’ll be hearing a version of your playing you never thought possible.
PILLAR 1
EXPRESSIVE PICK STRUMMING
Break free from lifeless, robotic strumming and discover how to weave bass lines, top-line melodies, and subtle percussive elements into your rhythm—creating the feel of a full rhythm section with just one guitar.
Don’t be surprised when people start recording you on their phones!
PILLAR 2
FOLK ORNAMENTATIONS
Transform plain progressions into something unforgettable with subtle techniques like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and drones.
These small flourishes add movement, depth, and emotion—giving your chords a melodic voice that echoes the style of Paul Simon, James Taylor, and your favorite folk heroes.
PILLAR 3
FOLK CHORD VOICINGS
Break out of the cowboy chord rut and unlock over 50 rich, expressive voicings across the neck—using just four open chord shapes you already know.
You’ll discover lush textures, folk-inspired colors, and the power of chord inversions to make even simple progressions sound deep, layered, and unmistakably your own.
PILLAR 4
TRAVIS PICKING
Master the heart of folk guitar with a step-by-step system that takes you from scratch to fluidly Travis picking melodies and chords at the same time—sounding like two guitars at once and finally unlocking that iconic, fingerpicked folk feel.
PILLAR 5
EXPRESSIVE FINGER STRUMMING
Add rhythm and nuance to your playing with subtle percussive techniques that blend kick, snare, and groove into your strumming hand.
These organic, feel-based moves give your songs depth and motion—just like your favorite folk records—without sounding showy or overdone.
THE FEATURES YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
65+ Video Trainings
500+ Tab/Video Sync'd Play-Along Examples
17+ Hours of Step-by-Step Content
THE FIVE PILLARS CURRICULUM & DAILY PRACTICE PLAN
Master every essential technique in just 10-minute modules—so you always know what to do and never feel overwhelmed.
SYNCHRONIZED TAB/VIDEO PLAY-ALONG FORMAT
Play along like you’re sitting right beside me—with synced video and tabs that keep you on track without ever getting lost.
CURRICULUM Q & A
SUPPORT
Get clear, personalized video/text answers to your questions—so you can keep making progress, without getting stuck.
PRIVATE FACEBOOK
COMMUNITY
Join the internet's most encouraging, inspiring group where real friendships, real accountability, and real progress happen.
I’ve tried to teach myself and looked online in a lot of places. What you're teaching is exactly what I’ve been looking for.
I’ve seen a lot of courses that target beginners or soloists, but yours is about making people feel something. That’s exactly what I wanted to learn.
I felt really lucky I found it.
↠ Kevin Chan (student) ↞
EVERY GREAT FOLK GUITARIST STARTED WITH THE SAME HANDFUL OF CHORDS...
YOU JUST NEED TO LEARN WHAT THEY DID NEXT.
"As a teacher myself, I am so impressed.
You are patient, supportive, positive energy, authentic and friendly, you differentiate for all the types of learners who may be watching.
You incorporate past lessons into current ones to keep us in practice on them, the learning comes in manageable 7 to 15-minute videos — so good!
Your course has been one of the highlights of my summer vacation. I cannot imagine all the work it must have taken to get this enterprise off the ground, but I'm so happy you did!"
↠ Michael Hiyashida (student) ↞
IF YOU’RE STILL READING THIS, I’M GUESSING IT’S BECAUSE YOU’VE FELT THAT DEEP FRUSTRATION OF KNOWING THERE’S SOMETHING MORE INSIDE OF YOU THAT WANTS TO BE EXPRESSED.
AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW — I CREATED THE FOLK GUITAR MASTERCLASS FOR YOU.
It’s for the person who’s tired of being tied down by their own limitations and wants to break free to create something truly unique and powerful.
It’s for the guitarist who’s got a solid grasp of basic chords and strumming but is stoked to zip beyond that early phase, or the one who's been uncommitted for years and finally wants to break out of the beginner’s box.
Either way, it's for those ready to create music that makes people stop and listen.
It’s for the person who dreams of hearing their songs echo through spaces, not just in their own living room.
I’ve spent the last decade crafting and refining my own style, writing music that’s been played on over 250 NPR stations, touring the world, and performing with some of my childhood heroes.
And I’ve spent months distilling the most essential techniques and principles into this step-by-step course. You don’t have to worry about piecing it all together on your own anymore — just follow the steps and let the music flow.
You’re just 10 weeks away from unlocking the folk sound that’s been inside you all along.
I can’t wait to hear how this transformation impacts not just your guitar playing, but your creative confidence and the way you share your music with the world.
Here’s to unlocking that voice that’s been waiting to come alive.
Disclaimer: your results may vary based on individual commitment and practice habits. You’ll get out of it what you put into it. The Folk Guitar Masterclass is designed for educational purposes, and progress is dependent on the time and effort you invest.
THE FOLK GUITAR MASTERCLASS