This course will be taught live and you won't be able to buy a recording or access to the study materials once the course has started!
I've gotten this question so many times from my students.
After going to expensive guitar camps they come back unhappy that too much of bluegrass guitar instruction is focused on improvising and playing lead on fiddle tunes- that rhythm guitar is not getting taught in a methodical and straightforward way.
In fact, the message they are getting is that lead playing is most important and rhythm guitar is secondary.
To me this is not the right order of learning bluegrass guitar.
Actually, it's completely backwards!
And help you become known for your bluegrass rhythm guitar playing.
I created this course because I have a passion about teaching bluegrass rhythm guitar and I want to help you become a great rhythm player.
I believe that becoming an incredible bluegrass rhythm guitarist is something that is attainable for everyone if they have:
1) the right information, taught to them with care from an expert
2) a thoughtfully crafted practice plan to show them WHAT to practice and more importantly,
HOW TO PRACTICE
3) the willingness to improve
Here's what you gain access to by enrolling:
Three live and interactive 90 minute zoom workshops taught by Alex. Access to replay recording included.
14 Day daily practice planner going over all of the lesson material. Includes daily exercises, worksheets, examples and TAB.
Bonus lessons covering intermediate/advanced topics.
Live long-form Q+A session so you can get your questions answered by Alex directly.
Live Session I: March 1, 2025
Session I Replay Recording
Live Session II: March 8, 2025
Session II Replay Recording
Live Session III: Mrch 15, 2025
Session III Replay Recording
Welcome!
"Bluegrass Rhythm Guitar is BORING"
Day 1: Mastering the Boom-Chuck
Day 2: Boom-Chuck Across Different Chord Shapes
Day 3: Introducing the G Run
Day 4: G Run in Different Keys
Day 5: The Nashville Number System & Ear Training
Day 6: Using Categories to Unlock Relative Pitch
Day 7: Bass Walk-Ups Between Chords
Day 8: Expanding Bass Motion in C and D
“I've learned not only to become a better rhythm guitar player, but also approach music in a more organic, philosophical way. Mr. Graf's ability to teach has allowed me to improve as a musician, but also keep my guitar out of it's case and in my hands instead.”
Sean
“Through Alex’s Rhythm lessons I learned many aspects that make up Bluegrass Rhythm. These lessons not only developed my playing tremendously, but also my ear. He laid out what my beginner ear couldn’t pick up just by listening to a recording of the Rice Brothers. Now I feel like I have a better understanding of what’s going on in those intricate rhythm sections. You can’t find lessons like this anywhere else.”
Danny G
“Alex’s rhythm lessons have been a game-changer for me. His clear and engaging teaching style helped me improve my timing, groove, and syncopation while also adding more variability to my rhythm playing. I especially appreciate his unique approach. His lessons have given me fresh ideas to keep my rhythm playing dynamic and exciting. Absolutely recommend—his teaching is truly enlightening!”
Mark T
“Alex’s lessons have pushed me to experience more growth in my playing than I have experienced in decades of playing. Alex has a great ability to add depth to his teaching that can give students something to reach for without leaving them feeling lost or left behind. Alex’s rhythm lessons have helped me immensely in my ability to play with others and add color to the standard chords I’ve been playing. Looking forward to continuing my rhythm journey with Alex at the helm!”
Jake
“Alex's genuine curiosity about bluegrass guitar and music exploration in general is infectious. He is a master at blending traditional styles and techniques with novel/modern approaches, with an emphasis on creativity, personal freedom, and attention to detail while keeping it as fun as possible. Alex's rhythm lessons have taught me that rhythm guitar is AT LEAST as exciting as lead guitar, if not even more so, and I've measurably advanced my own rhythm playing as a result!”
Parker
This course is focused on building a "foundation," and so it is best suited for beginners and intermediate rhythm players. However, if you are a more advanced player looking to re-solidify your rhythm playing, this course will still be incredibly helpful.
Once you enroll you will have lifetime access to the course recording, practice guide and all associated materials.
All live sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled students to watch afterwards. You will have the ability to pre-submit questions if you cannot attend. Additionally, there is a "discussion" space on the practice guide where you can ask questions as you move through the guide. I answer those directly.
Yes! This is a huge part of the weekly study guide. The guide includes pre-recorded jam tracks that progressively get faster to help you work up to higher speeds.
Absolutely not!! This course will equip you with just enough theory to help you take-off. I don't like to go on and on about theory, I just pull out what's actually useful and then we put it to use. If you're not going to use the theory in your everyday rhythm playing there's no point in teaching it. I only focus on the must-know.
No. I will not offer this course again this year.