Go from an unspecialized beginner to a highly stylized folk/singer-songwriter guitarist in just 10 weeks.
The Folk Guitar MasterClass
New BONUS added!
The Home Recording Jumpstart Course
In this bonus course, you'll learn:
- What gear you actually need—skip the pricey extras.
- Top recording practices for a killer sound at home.
- Crucial Mixing/Editing tips to make your recordings polished and ready to share with the world!
Who The MasterClass is Right For
The Folk Guitar Masterclass is designed for beginner and intermediate-beginner singer-songwriter guitarists who feel stuck circling the same cowboy chords and strumming patterns, and want to become a highly-stylized folk/singer-songwriter guitarist.
You’re a perfect fit if you:
- Want to add that heart-wrenching, nostalgic folk sound to your playing
- Feel overwhelmed, confused, or stuck in a beginner rut
- Aspire to play like your folk heroes but don’t know the next step
- Want to create music that resonates with your listeners, fast (without it taking 10 years)
- Finally want to learn the iconic Travis picking technique and play lead melodies at the same time
- Want to bring your progressions to a whole new level of emotional depth with chord inversions
- Want to learn how to add a deeper level of expression to your playing with expressive strumming, folk ornamentations/chord voicings, and Travis picking—without shelling out thousands on private lessons
When you join The Folk Guitar Masterclass, you’ll get access to the exact techniques to master the 5 Pillars of Folk Guitar:
01
Expressive Pick
Strumming
Mastering expressive pick strumming adds the dynamics and emotion that make folk songs memorable.
You'll learn patterns and muting techniques to bring your strumming to life, giving your songs that timeless folk feel.
Ornamentations turn basic chords into something unforgettable.
You'll learn hammer-ons, pull-offs, and drones, adding subtle flourishes that give your playing a melodic voice, transforming simple progressions into something emotionally rich.
02
Folk
Ornamentations
03
Folk Chord
Voicings
The beauty of folk music lies in its chord voicings.
You'll learn the CAGED system (for songwriters), inversions, and miracle shapes to craft intricate progressions, perfect for adding rich textures and second guitar parts to your songs.
Travis picking is essential for any folk guitarist.
You’ll master the iconic picking pattern, add melodies while simultaneously playing chord progressions, and develop fluid, natural fingerstyle skills—just like the folk legends.
04
Travis
Picking
05
Expressive Finger
Strumming
If you want your strumming hand to work like a percussion section, this pillar is for you.
You’ll master bass note isolation, palm clicks, chop chords, and rasgueados, turning your strumming into a rhythm machine full of texture and groove.
The course material will be released gradually at a pace of five new modules (one module from each pillar) each week for 10 weeks.
In ten weeks, you’ll:
- Learn the "Pendulum Strumming" principle, so you'll never be out of sync with a strumming pattern ever again.
- Master forward and backward rolls in Travis picking so you can seamlessly create flowing, rhythmic melodies.
- Learn to finger-pick melodies and chords simultaneously so that you can sound like a one-person band, adding richness and depth to your playing.
- Master chord inversions to expand your chord vocabulary and achieve that distinctive folk “hurts-so-good” sound that captivates listeners.
- Add tasteful chord ornamentations and inter-chord melodies in popular folk keys so your progressions pop out of the speakers and grab attention immediately.
- Use hammer-ons and pull-offs to create smoother, more expressive transitions between chords, so your playing feels more fluid and dynamic.
- Learn the Capo/CAGED system to create unique, beautiful progressions without needing to learn complex chord shapes.
- Transform your strumming with percussive techniques like palm clicks and muting, so your guitar becomes a complete rhythm section.
- Learn to incorportate voice-leading and bass movement so your chord progressions feel more mature and emotionally resonant.
- Learn slow syncopated strumming patterns to add complexity and rhythmic interest, elevating even simple songs.
You’ll emerge as a transformed artist, able to play with the emotional depth your songs deserve and the immediacy your listeners crave.
You can learn folk guitar like your heroes without wasting years wandering aimlessly on YouTube.
You’ve Got (Worse) Options
The truth is…
There are countless ways to dive deeper into that nostalgic folk sound and elevate your playing beyond those days of punishing your acoustic with Oasis covers in your dorm room… but let’s be real: most of them are just surface-level hacks.
You’ve probably already:
- Spent countless late-night hours on random YouTube tutorials, hoping this time something would finally click.
- Tried to crack the code on fingerpicking or fancy strumming patterns, only to end up with your fingers tied in knots.
- Bought books that promised to 'revolutionize your playing,' but left you more confused and overwhelmed than ever.
And none of that actually brought you closer to playing like your folk heroes… that sound that just makes you wanna cry in your beer.
But that's not your fault — it's because no one ever showed you the complete picture, the roadmap that ties it all together.
You can channel that same hurts-so-good sound of your folk heroes and finally share your songs with the world -or become the life of the campfire.
So are you ready to…
- Ditch the robot vibe and start expressing your soul in every note?
- Channel your inner Paul Simon, Joan Baez, or Noah Kahan to become the life of the campfire?
- Turn your guitar into more than just an instrument — make it an extension of yourself, your voice, and your creativity?
…all without spending years in frustration, stuck in the same monotonous, mind-numbing loop.
What my students say
I'm all excited about the guitar again!
It's been feeling really bored and now I'm all excited about the guitar again soo thank you!
Ruth B.
Outstanding format!
"The picking lesson was great! Outstanding format with the visuals, your oration, and demonstrations! You are an exceptional teacher!"
Virginia C.
It just makes sense now!
"I feel like I’m more prepared, like I can actually do it. All the stuff you were talking about, having it explained in a very easy way... It just makes sense now."
Becca R.
Adds a unique sound to my songs!
This course helped to understand better how to use chord inversions and how to incorporate them into my playing. It really does make a difference and adds a unique sound to my songs. Thanks.
GV
Folk Guitar Masterclass
Stop feeling stuck in beginner mode, and unlock the "hurts-so-good" sound of folk guitar by mastering the five pillars of expressive pick strumming, folk ornamentations, chord voicings, Travis picking, and expressive finger strumming.
What You Get & Course Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll get when you join my Folk Masterclass
5 Pillars of Folk Guitar Curriculum (50+ Modules)
When you enroll, you’ll get access to the exact techniques to master the 5 Pillars of Folk Guitar:
01
Expressive Pick
Strumming
Mastering expressive pick strumming adds the dynamics and emotion that make folk songs memorable.
You'll learn patterns and muting techniques to bring your strumming to life, giving your songs that timeless folk feel.
Ornamentations turn basic chords into something unforgettable.
You'll learn hammer-ons, pull-offs, and drones, adding subtle flourishes that give your playing a melodic voice, transforming simple progressions into something emotionally rich.
02
Folk
Ornamentations
03
Folk Chord
Voicings
The beauty of folk music lies in its chord voicings.
You'll learn the CAGED system (for songwriters), inversions, and miracle shapes to craft intricate progressions, perfect for adding rich textures and second guitar parts to your songs.
Travis picking is essential for any folk guitarist.
You’ll master the iconic picking pattern, add melodies while simultaneously playing chord progressions, and develop fluid, natural fingerstyle skills—just like the folk legends.
04
Travis
Picking
05
Expressive Finger
Strumming
If you want your strumming hand to work like a percussion section, this pillar is for you.
You’ll master bass note isolation, palm clicks, chop chords, and rasgueados, turning your strumming into a rhythm machine full of texture and groove.
The course material will be released gradually at a pace of five new modules (one module from each pillar) each week for 10 weeks.
You'll also get 👇
Daily
Practice Plan
So you know exactly what to do every time you sit down to play guitar
Synchronized Tablature/Video Play Along Exercises
Practice with me at any speed, in a format that ensures you never get lost
Basement
Dwellers Club - Private FB Group
Meet other artists and get direct feedback from me through content reviews in an unlimited Q&A forum
Worried about getting stuck or overwhelmed?
I’ve got your back with this sweet bonus:
SWEET BONUS #1:
Weekly LIVE Group Lessons
Every week, you’ll join a community of like-minded guitarists for live group Q&A Zoom sessions where you’ll get personalized feedback, share your progress, and learn from each other. You’re never alone on this journey.
There will never be this level of direct access to me after this First launch. Take advantage of it!
Weekly LIVE Group Q & A Sessions
will be held
Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30pm EST
SWEET BONUS #2:
Home Recording Jumpstart Course
In this bonus course, you'll learn:
- What gear you actually need—skip the pricey extras.
- Top recording practices for a killer sound at home.
- Crucial Mixing/Editing tips to make your recordings polished and ready to share with the world!
After almost 3 decades of playing,
this is what I know...
After years of trial and error, I realized that unlocking that soulful, “hurts-so-good” folk sound isn’t about flashy techniques. It’s about mastering the foundational pillars that make both you and your listeners feel the music by bringing all the pieces together.
The problem with most “expert” advice? It lacks the larger framework that connects everything into a cohesive, beautiful whole. We’ll do that inside of The Folk Guitar Masterclass.
What my students say
You made me think in a new and different way!
“You made me think about strumming in a new and different way. In addition to being an accomplished musician, you are an excellent teacher and communicator.”
Richard N.
Super useful!
“[The material] was super helpful! I’ve learned a little finger picking in the past and I found the three different types of Travis Picking patterns super useful — I hadn’t had that explained to me before.”
Jackie K.
Easy to understand!
“You explain things in a way that makes my idiot brain understand. Haha.”
Jeff L.
Break out of the beginner’s box and play with the folk sound that pulls your listeners' heartstrings by mastering the techniques that matter most—without any guesswork.
Course Breakdown
Curious about what you’ll find inside Folk Guitar Masterclass?
The course material will be released gradually at a pace of five new modules per week for 10 weeks.
Each week features a module from one of the 5 Pillars of Folk Guitar, building off the previous week:
Learn the dynamics of expressive strumming and add emotion to your playing right away. You’ll dive into folk ornamentation with drones, explore E shape chord voicings, and start Travis picking with forward and backward rolls. By the end of the week, your guitar will feel more alive and expressive.
Master 16th note pendulum strumming and bring new energy to your playing with hammer-ons and the CAGED system. Refine your Travis picking skills, making your sound more dynamic and fluid as you blend rhythm and melody.
Level up your strumming with slow syncopated rhythms and add smoothness with pull-offs. You’ll unlock inversions and explore chord shapes across different positions, while learning how to mute unwanted strings like a pro.
Perfect your high/low strumming and add emotional depth with ornamentation rhythms and inversions. By mastering full Travis picking patterns and isolating bass notes, your sound will gain layers of richness.
Enhance your high/low strumming and learn how to apply ornamentations across multiple strings. You’ll master the most powerful inversions and switch Travis picking positions seamlessly, adding percussive palm clicks to make your playing truly stand out.
Explore palm muting for better control and resonance while creating lead melodies over chord progressions. You’ll deepen your understanding of inversions and add percussive elements like fingernail and palm clicks to elevate your playing.
Learn palm muting for dampening and continue building advanced lead melodies. You’ll unlock miracle chord shapes like G/B, blend hybrid picking and strumming, and add rhythmic percussive effects like the fingernail snare for a unique sound.
Master popular strumming patterns and add movement with voice-leading and bass motion. Fingerpick melodies while strumming simultaneously, and use techniques like fingertip kicks and fingernail snares to give your playing a rhythmic punch.
Develop your Travis picking sound with a pick and explore diatonic dyads for rich harmonies. The Capo/CAGED system will unlock new chord shapes, and you’ll finish the week by adding dynamic chop chords to your toolkit.
Finish with cross picking and thumb fretting techniques to create complex, layered sounds. Write second guitar parts, perfect your Travis picking with melodic lines, and add the bold, fiery rasgueados to round out your folk guitar mastery.
Even after the first module, you’ll already feel a shift in your playing. You’ll be playing with intention, adding emotion to each chord, and that much closer to unlocking the soul of folk guitar and get the "hurts so good" sound by following a proven path that ensures you’re never left wondering what to play next.
Become a Founding Member
Hey, I’m so excited that you’re considering joining me for the first-ever release of the Folk Guitar Masterclass — a project I’ve poured my heart and soul into.
As a founding member, you’re getting in on the ground floor and locking in the lowest price this course will ever be (by far), getting three extra live Q&A sessions per month, and exclusive perks that others won’t have access to, including lifetime access to any bonuses I ever add to the course.
Break free from monotony and get the nostalgic folk magic your songs deserve for only $299
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 over 27,000 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.
Whether you’re just starting or stuck at a plateau, this course will give you the exact tools and techniques you need to unlock the rich, “hurts-so-good” sound that defines folk guitar.
What my students say
This is the first iteration of the Folk Guitar Masterclass, and it brings together the very best lesson plans and insights from over 1,000 private lessons.
Here’s what some people have to say about the material that will be found in this course:
You made a huge impact in my life!
"You have made a freaking huge impact in my life. That is the truth. You're making it so I can actually do this. That's so freaking cool.”
J. Logan
You've made me more complete!
“You’re awesome! I thought I was pretty good but the things you’ve unlocked for me have made me so much more complete.”
Hugh H.
This takes the guesswork out of it!
“This takes the guesswork out of it. Before this, [strumming] was sort of a mystery.”
David H.
FAQs
To keep things manageable and ensure you’re mastering each step, the material is released over 10 weeks. You’ll get five new modules every week, one module from each of the 5 pillars, so you can build your skills gradually without feeling overwhelmed. The first content drop is on October 23rd.
After the last modules are released, you'll maintain access to the curriculum (and every subsequent upgrade) for life.
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.
Although, I must say that 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 the First Launch 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, as well as every upgrade that's ever introduced).
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.
I get it—random YouTube tutorials can leave you feeling stuck. The Folk Guitar Masterclass is different because it’s a structured, step-by-step roadmap that connects all the dots. You’ll have synchronized video/tablature play-along exercises, live support via Q&A Zoom calls or the private Facebook Group, and a clear path to progress, so there’s no more guessing what to practice next.
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 (and all its future iterations) 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. That's why I'm offering lifetime access to the curriculum so you can move at a pace that works for you.
Yes! I taught myself guitar without any formal lessons, and I designed this course with that in mind. It’s beginner-friendly and accessible (assuming you can play basic chords and strumming patterns), free of unnecessary theory, with clear, step-by-step guidance and play-along exercises that make it easy to follow along, no matter if you've taken a formal lesson before or not.
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 and all future updates!
As a founding member, you lock in the lowest price this course will ever be offered. You’ll also get exclusive perks like three extra live Q&A sessions each month and lifetime access to all future bonuses. In return, I ask for your feedback, suggestions for improvements, and stories about your breakthroughs.
I’ve yet to receive a request for a refund, but if happen to find that this isn’t the right program for you, I’ve got you covered. If you’ve completed at least four weeks' worth of modules and you don’t feel like the Folk Guitar Masterclass has improved your playing, just reach out for a full refund.
I want you to feel confident in your investment, knowing that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by joining my Masterclass.
When you enroll in this first launch of the Folk Guitar MasterClass, you'll get lifetime access to the curriculum and the 10 live Q&A calls happening between October and December 2024.
Plus, you’ll unlock access to every upgrade and bonus I add to the course in the future. Pretty sweet, right?
Weekly LIVE Group Q & A Sessions will be held Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30pm EST on Zoom. There will be 10 sessions in total.
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, where I’ll provide personalized feedback to help you get unstuck and keep progressing.
After enrolling in the Folk MasterClass and nailing that nostalgic folk sound, you’ll want to share it with the world, right? That’s exactly why I created the Home Recording Jumpstart Course. It’s designed to take you from zero recording experience to producing top-quality, solo singer-songwriter tracks.
The course is set to release mid to late January 2025 (just after the last set of modules from the MasterClass is released), which is when you’ll gain full access.
5 Pillars of Folk Guitar Curriculum (50+ Modules)
Get access to the exact techniques to master the 5 Pillars of Folk Guitar:
01
Expressive Pick
Strumming
Mastering expressive pick strumming adds the dynamics and emotion that make folk songs memorable.
You'll learn patterns and muting techniques to bring your strumming to life, giving your songs that timeless folk feel.
Ornamentations turn basic chords into something unforgettable.
You'll learn hammer-ons, pull-offs, and drones, adding subtle flourishes that give your playing a melodic voice, transforming simple progressions into something emotionally rich.
02
Folk
Ornamentations
03
Folk Chord
Voicings
The beauty of folk music lies in its chord voicings.
You'll learn the CAGED system (for songwriters), inversions, and miracle shapes to craft intricate progressions, perfect for adding rich textures and second guitar parts to your songs.
Travis picking is essential for any folk guitarist.
You’ll master the iconic picking pattern, add melodies while simultaneously playing chord progressions, and develop fluid, natural fingerstyle skills—just like the folk legends.
04
Travis
Picking
05
Expressive Finger
Strumming
If you want your strumming hand to work like a percussion section, this pillar is for you.
You’ll master bass note isolation, palm clicks, chop chords, and rasgueados, turning your strumming into a rhythm machine full of texture and groove.
The course material will be released gradually at a pace of five new modules (one module from each pillar) each week for 10 weeks.
You'll also get 👇
Daily
Practice Plan
So you know exactly what to do every time you sit down to play guitar
Synchronized Tablature/Video Play Along Exercises
Practice with me at any speed, in a format that ensures you never get lost
Basement
Dwellers Club - Private FB Group
Meet other artists and get direct feedback from me through content reviews in an unlimited Q&A forum
Worried about getting stuck or overwhelmed?
I’ve got your back with these sweet bonuses:
SWEET BONUS #1:
Weekly LIVE Group Lessons
Every week, you’ll join a community of like-minded guitarists for live group Q&A Zoom sessions where you’ll get personalized feedback, share your progress, and learn from each other. You’re never alone on this journey.
There will never be this level of direct access to me after this First launch. Take advantage of it!
Weekly LIVE Group Q & A Sessions
will be held
Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30pm EST
SWEET BONUS #2:
Home Recording Jumpstart Course
In this bonus course, you'll learn:
- What gear you actually need—skip the pricey extras.
- Top recording practices for a killer sound at home.
- Crucial Mixing/Editing tips to make your recordings polished and ready to share with the world!
Not sure? No worries
you’re covered by my 30-day money-back guarantee
If you’ve completed at least four weeks' worth of modules and you don’t feel like the Folk Guitar Masterclass has improved your playing, just reach out for a full refund.
I want you to feel confident in your investment, knowing that you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by joining my Masterclass.
You can stop sounding like everyone else by following the five pillars of folk guitar, becoming a true specialist in the style.
The Folk Guitar Masterclass is your guide to mastering the five pillars of folk guitar: expressive pick strumming, folk ornamentations, folk chord voicings, Travis picking, and expressive finger strumming.
In 10 weeks, you’ll go from a frustrated beginner to a highly stylized folk guitarist, playing with the emotional depth your songs deserve and your listeners demand.
If you’re still reading this, I’m guessing it’s because you’ve felt that deep frustration of playing with the same bland, un-specialized sound, 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