Yeah, Tunesmith, this is one of the reasons I spent a bit of time studying classic guitar; so my accompaniments wouldn't be just the same old thing. It's a matter of working out something interesting and different without making it too complicated and letting the classic guitar training show. Framing the song without distracting from it. If everyone comments on how great the accompaniment is, it has failed in its purpose--to accompany--the song and act as a setting.

I learned this from a picture framer I worked for one summer. Artists from all over used to get their work framed at his shop and he was considered to be an artist in his own right. He said, "A good frame borrows elements from within the painting--shape of the molding, color, and so on, to set the painting off in space. But if people say "Gee, what a great frame!" and don't particularly notice the painting, it's a failure!"

Same principles work for song accompaniment. You don't have to be a guitar virtuoso, you just have to use your head.

Don Firth