Playing the GuitarPlaying the Guitar

In this program, John James, one of Britain's top fingerstyle guitarists, shows viewers the basics of playing the six-string acoustic guitar. Subjects include types of guitars; the parts of the guitar; replacing strings; how to hold acoustic and electric guitars; tuning; strumming and fretting; left- and right-hand fingering; notes and intervals; bending notes and vibrato; chord diagrams, tablature, and keeping time; scales; the C, G7, D7, G Major, and C7 chords; triad arpeggios; how to improvise simple songs; and playing the blues. The program concludes with a performance by James.