This workshop is designed for people who want to learn fingerpicking, but don’t know how to get started. While it is helpful to have some ability to play, know a few chords, and understand tablature, none, none of these skills are necessary to come and learn. All are welcome. No need to bring anything but your guitar — and your eyes and ears.
Peter is a self-taught fingerpicker. He began playing guitar at 14, and taught himself fingerpicking four years later. Back in the early 1970s, in San Francisco, he happened upon one of Oak Publications’ original fingerpicking books. Like so many others, he started with Mississippi John Hurt’s Spike Driver Blues. He was captivated by John’s melodious, lyrical style. Over time, he built his repertoire from many books and recordings. He considers himself to be a folkie, playing mostly piedmont style, but also ragtime and other styles, inspired by the likes of Leo Kottke and John Fahey, among others. He performs solo and in groups.