And of course there ARE capos for the fifth string so you can get that last "bum" in on key. For now practice with both the open G tuning and the C tuning that Pete starts folks off in, until you get it down to something automatic, that you can almost do without thinking. From there, Pete gets you into double thumbing and even some clawhammer work.

While this works best if you have the record cut to go along with Pete's book, I don't think they are available any more. You could also get in touch with the McNeils in Riverside. They used to do a course in folks music for teachers that included learning simple acompanyments on the instrument of your choice. I've included their names and stuff below.

Dave

Keith (& Rusty) McNeil
16230 Van Buren Blvd
Riverside, CA 92504-5739
(909) 780-2322