Play acoustic like John Fahey

In a time when guitarists' repertoires were mainly constructed from a catalogue of country and folk music, American guitarist John Fahey was determined to compose original work that broke new ground.

Although his recordings clearly demonstrate a background in traditional fingerstyle, his exploration of styles such as classical, folk and even Indian ragas gave him a clearly defined sound.

The tune in this tutorial uses open G tuning (DGDGBD), but is in the key of D. It uses characteristic drive mixed with reflective harmonics and chordal sections, as heard in such pieces as Night Train to Valhalla from Fahey's album, Days Have Gone By.

Gear

John Fahey played a 1930s Gibson Recording King during his heyday in the sixties and seventies.

Click 'see all pictures' in the picture box for full-sized tab.

Audio - Tutorial track