I understand just what you mean, Kaleea. When I was first learning backup guitar, I asked someone (it might have been Bruce Molsky, as a matter of fact) how I could learn to play all those fancy bass runs, passing chords, etc. The answer was simple: DON'T. As Susan said above, playing appropriate chords with good tone in a steady rhythm has very strong merits. I'll tell you, my internal metronome really got a workout when it was just me trying to hold together four energetic fiddlers playing Soldier's Joy and Liberty for a line of dancers!

Now, I also understand what M.Ted said: why play with someone who just wants you in the background? But frankly, at my level of competence, I'm comfortable in the background. Considering what else is in my life, I don't expect to find enough practice time to become a real "up front" player. So my goal is to create as good a background as I can, and just enjoy sharing the music.

There was a guitarist in Seattle, can't remember her name, her husband was a fiddler. All the fiddlers in camp wanted her playing next to them, because she played the right chords, very simply, nothing flashy, and her tone and timing were perfect. I think I'm going to focus on that.

Thanks to everyone for all these great suggestions.

Aloha,
Mark