Monthly Fingerstyle Workshop hosted by Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society

“Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan

Join us for a workshop exploring Bob Dylan's timeless folk classic Girl from the North Country. This fingerstyle ballad draws its musical and lyrical foundation from Martin Carthy's folk baroque arrangement of "Scarborough Fair.” We'll learn Carthy's finger patterns and Dylan's signature techniques including the percussive G-to-C/G bounce that creates rhythmic drive, the haunting Em9 chord that maintains the modal flavor of ancient ballads, and Travis picking with subtle ornamentations and gentle palm-muting. With its nostalgic and bittersweet lyrics, this song demonstrates how Dylan transformed an ancient ballad into something uniquely American while honoring its British roots. The session will be divided into three segments catering to different experience levels:

Beginners: We'll start with the basic chord progression and rhythm pattern

Intermediate: We'll add in the basic fingerstyle melody and accompaniment

Advanced: We'll learn the full melody, accompaniment, and ornamentations

The workshop will conclude with a group play-along where participants from each level can comfortably join in. For those seeking additional support, a follow-up Zoom session will be held one week later, offering a review and an opportunity to address any questions.

Don't miss this opportunity to grow as a guitarist, learn a timeless song, and connect with a community of fingerstyle players.

Prerequisites: You should know and be relatively comfortable switching between the chord shapes:

G, C, Em, C/G, Em9, D7/F# (Bring a capo if you have one.)

Cost: $10 Donation to the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society

Location: @ Pursell Lutherie 23430 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220