This video introduces the core idea behind our 15-minute flatpick workout: learning to divide time cleanly and build right-hand stamina without tension. We walk through: - Counting and subdividing with a metronome - Quarter notes, eighths, triplets, and sixteenths - How stamina is built by staying relaxed, not forcing speed If you’ve ever felt your timing fall apart as tempos go up, this is the work that fixes it. Watch the video, try the drill at 100 BPM, and post a comment if: - A certain subdivision feels harder than expected - You notice tension creeping in - You have a question about counting or pick motion This is foundational stuff. Everything else builds on it.

One thing I’ve learned the hard way is how important good teachers are. Bluegrass is an oral tradition. Most of us don’t figure this stuff out alone. We borrow phrasing, timing, and feel from people who can clearly explain what’s going on and show us how to practice it. For me, Music With Ryan and Ryan Kimm’s approach really clicked. I want to be very clear that I am not paid by him, I do not receive any benefits, and I have no affiliation beyond being a student. His method just worked for my brain, especially learning simple songs note-for-note before trying to improvise. That said, there is no single right teacher or path. I would love to hear from you all. Who has helped you make progress? What courses, YouTube channels, books, or teachers have really worked for you? Please share links and experiences. I’m genuinely excited to see what has helped other people succeed.

Quick check-in after the time & stamina video. When you’re playing a tune (or even just running an exercise), what are you actually counting in your head? Some honest possibilities: - “1 2 3 4” with the beat - “1 and 2 and…” or “1 e and a…” - The melody itself, without numbers - I’m not counting at all, just trying to keep up All of these are completely normal, especially at different stages of learning. There’s no right answer here. I’m curious where everyone is starting from, because how you count shapes everything that comes next: timing, feel, stamina, and confidence. Drop a quick comment with what’s true for you right now. One sentence is perfect.