Flatpick Academy
Free tablature & learning resources

Learn Classic Bluegrass Flatpicking Guitar

From Wildwood Flower to Beaumont Rag — master the tunes that define bluegrass guitar with downloadable tablature, practice tips, and a structured learning path.

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Downloadable Tab

PDF tablature for every tune, ready to print or view on your tablet at the music stand.

Practice Tips

Detailed practice guidance for each song — what to focus on, how to build speed, common mistakes to avoid.

Learning Path

A structured progression from beginner to advanced, so you always know what to work on next.

Featured Tunes

Essential bluegrass songs every flatpicker should know.

beginner

Wildwood Flower

Carter Family

One of the most iconic songs in country and bluegrass music. A perfect starting point for any flatpicker learning to play melody on guitar.

Key: C100 BPMMedium
beginner

Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Carter Family

A timeless gospel hymn and jam session staple. Uses the three most common chords in bluegrass (G, C, D) and teaches solid rhythm fundamentals.

Key: G110 BPMMedium
beginner

Cripple Creek

Traditional

A beloved old-time tune that crosses over into bluegrass. Features hammer-ons and pull-offs that build essential left-hand technique.

Key: A120 BPMMedium-Fast
intermediate

Salt Creek

Bill Monroe

A bluegrass instrumental standard that introduces cross-picking patterns and position shifting. A rite of passage for flatpickers moving beyond the basics.

Key: A140 BPMFast
advanced

Beaumont Rag

Doc Watson

A blazing rag that blends Western swing with bluegrass flatpicking. Complex chord progressions, jazz-influenced runs, and relentless speed make this an advanced showpiece.

Key: G160 BPMFast
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Ready to Pick?

Whether you're just learning your first melody or chasing speed on Beaumont Rag, there's a tune here for you.

See the Learning Path