i love guitar magazines, music magazines, folk music ones occasionally....but they really are the land of the lost.

Once you start believing the shite, or trying to learn even basic facts ....you're on a walking holiday from which few return.

They are STRICTLY for entertainment.


You can always spot the lost ones...they're a bit like those guys who talk about footballers being architects of the modern game.

The reason folk music is called folk music is not because its in some dire museum. Its because its our music - living sentient folks - outside of the education system with all its structures, career opportunities and crap like that. Its one on one. I learned a lot from Stefan Grossman's first tuition album, because I'd seen him and 'got him'. Unfortunately I've got a wall full of his dvds that I've learned sod all from.

Once it gets impersonal - you're pretty much fucked.

Has anyone ever learned about a product from a review in a music paper?

The best guitars you buy are always the ones you've tried out.

The further the real folk recede. THe sooner the problems start.

I'm trying to spice up my blues playing at the moment with more exciting lead stuff. Even with over fifty years experience - its really hard looking for usable information.

So in conclusion Ake - from the sound of it tab is a way down the road. It will give you the notes for your tune. But you will need to learn first the tune from a player, so that you have the rhythm in your head.

I'd say
1) look through what you know. is there a tune that you like.
2) listen to several artists playing it - folk tunes always have differences in the way different folk playing them. sometimes huge differences in tempo - and even in the notes.

3) Get the tab from wherever you can, if you can't find someone to help you - that you are sympatico with. some teachers are arseholes - my way, or no way....

4) before you start check the tab. some have the bass strings on top, some have the bass strings at the bottom.