[WI_Newbie]

Okay, so I'm totally new here and just fielding this in what I hope is the correct spot.

It's been about two years since I picked up an acoustic and started noodling. No lessons, learning by ear and tab. I have no ambition to be a famous guitarist so seems the right path for me.

Anyway, much to the surprise of everyone that knows me, I am now a big Prine fan. And his guitar style is something I am trying to tackle. I understand that he has based his career on some simple chords and a capo, again not the difficulty but the style is interesting. In my lack of understanding it sounds like he bases his playing on "travis picking." Correct me if I'm wrong there.

My question is has anyone on here spent anytime to tab out the picking rythms for any of his songs. Or are you familiar enough to throw out any suggestions? Or any links?

Thanx in advance.

[WI_Newbie]

Forgot to mention I just bought tix to see John in May....

[mcknett]

I'm a big John Prine fan myself - at least since Sweet Revenge. I haven't seen a lot out there in the tab world. One book with limited songs which one reviewer noted as strictly for beginners stating " If you imagined you were going to get some insight into John's fingerstyle approach you are very much mistaken."

I hope to see some posts here as well.

Enjoy the concert - I'm considering the 8 hour drive to see him myself in Norfolk VA or Roanoke VA.

[WI_Newbie]

I remember that quote, we must have been reading the same book,

Thought this sounded like a good place to ask, maybe someone can share something. I have played around and can do some things that sound close but would be great to see how it's really done.

Day is Done is a great example, I have stumble-thumbed my way around that one and not come to close.

[mcknett]

Have you checked out the "evening with John Prine" at the Library of Congress?

http://www.loc.gov/poetry/kooser-prine.html

[allthumbs]

JP sure has a way with words.

[WI_Newbie]

Originally Posted by mcknett

Have you checked out the "evening with John Prine" at the Library of Congress?

http://www.loc.gov/poetry/kooser-prine.html

Yeah, I had seen that. He plays my favorite song Souvenirs on that one doesn't he. Very cool.

[mcknett]

He did an interview on XM's Folk station where he spent forever talking about "Fair and Square" - what a fascinating session. He talked about every song on the CD and about other things...including singing with Steve Goodman and about "City of New Orleans".

For instance...the Mandolin you hear in "Safety Joe" was unplanned (in spite of the fact that he asks for it) One of the back-up guys noticed one on the wall...autographed by Johnny Cash...it obviously hadn't been played in a while. I love that last note in the tune...it's so off I can't help but laugh along with them.