Want to stop "stepping on toes" during a jam session? When two guitarists play identical chords in the same register, it creates a muddy mess. To keep your sound clean and professional, try these three simple shifts: 1. Unlock Triads: Small chord shapes are your best friend. 2. Explore the Fretboard: Don't get stuck in one spot—move those shapes around! 3. Know Your Roots: Learn the names of what you're playing so you can adapt on the fly.

Do this workout to master strums. Here is the “scuff” approach I use with students to REALLY nail down and clear up rhythm issues. This one is for 3/4 time - like a waltz, or lazy country tune. This example is taken from the rhythm in the song “More Gun”. https://vimeo.com/1141667370/077c45fbc0

So, Andrew has me workling on an old Carolan tune, Planxty Irwin, in the key of D and using drop D tunning (on the 6th string). Initially, I had my doubts about whether it is worth it to learn the somewhat different chord fingering, but I'm going along. Now that I am working on the tune, I notice that having both the 6th and 4th strings tuned to D makes a very nice drone that works well with an Irish tune!