The Acoustic Asylum

Dan Thorpe

If learning guitar leaves you feeling mad, frustrated, or like you want to tear your hair out, this podcast is for you. Dan Thorpe specialises in teaching beginner guitar lessons to older adults. If you want to discover Dan’s methods for the best way to learn guitar, to play easy guitar songs while having more fun, and to do so without feeling like you have a one-way ticket to the Acoustic Asylum, then listen closely and... Join us as Dan shares the best tips, tricks, and motivating stories from his 10,000+ hours of teaching beginner guitar songs and techniques... All of which will help you on your guitar-playing journey immediately. Get two free and exclusive eBooks and more unique lessons from fingerstyle101.com/free read less

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Ep82 – The Lego-Inspired Building Blocks of Guitar Playing

Ep82 – The Lego-Inspired Building Blocks of Guitar Playing

As a dad, I have spent a fair bit of time building Lego with my so Archie. Recently we went to the Legoland Discovery centre and had a great time… And the cool thing is, there are two strong comparisons between Lego and the guitar, and that is what we are talking about today. When it comes to Lego, there are two main ways to use it, I find. Number one is to follow the instructions precisely and build what is on the box. Number two is to just take random bricks and build your own ideas. On the guitar, we can do something very similar to help you improve your playing, make more progress, and have fun. Listen today for how. Don’t forget to keep enjoying the process of building the blocks of your guitar playing! If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Episodes

Ep82 – The Lego-Inspired Building Blocks of Guitar Playing

Ep82 – The Lego-Inspired Building Blocks of Guitar Playing

As a dad, I have spent a fair bit of time building Lego with my so Archie. Recently we went to the Legoland Discovery centre and had a great time… And the cool thing is, there are two strong comparisons between Lego and the guitar, and that is what we are talking about today. When it comes to Lego, there are two main ways to use it, I find. Number one is to follow the instructions precisely and build what is on the box. Number two is to just take random bricks and build your own ideas. On the guitar, we can do something very similar to help you improve your playing, make more progress, and have fun. Listen today for how. Don’t forget to keep enjoying the process of building the blocks of your guitar playing! If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep81 – 9 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Learning Guitar!

Ep81 – 9 Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Learning Guitar!

I’ve learnt a massive amount over the years about playing and teaching guitar. In this episode, I’m sharing some of those key lessons with you …And specifically, the 9 things I wish I knew when I started learning guitar! This includes the importance of strumming patterns, a story about how my best friend helped me massively in the early days (and why you shouldn’t learn on your own)… Plus, the power of the capo, why you need to be kind to yourself on your journey, and so much more! In short, these little tips cover many of the subtle things that make a big difference! If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep80 – Pushing Yourself Out of Your Guitar-Playing Comfort Zone!

Ep80 – Pushing Yourself Out of Your Guitar-Playing Comfort Zone!

I’ve just come home from an amazing family holiday in Cornwall. While there, me and my son, Archie (who is 8) were in the sea, at a waterpark, and we had an afternoon on a giant inflatable water slide. I was very much out of my comfort zone. One thing I urge guitarists to do is get out of their comfort zone every now and then. It’s not easy, but jamming with others, recording yourself, performing – it all makes such a difference to your long-term success. …But you do have to be careful. In this episode, I’m sharing plenty of tips on how to stay resilient, make improvements, and keep motivated when you do. It’s a must-listen if you want to make more progress on the guitar and have more fun. If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep79 – Key Lessons from a Student’s Crazy Experience of Taking Guitar Lessons

Ep79 – Key Lessons from a Student’s Crazy Experience of Taking Guitar Lessons

In this episode, we are talking about the crazy world of guitar tuition. In particular, I am sharing a little story from Katherine about her experience of learning guitar with an in-person tutor. Not only are we covering Katherine’s story but I talk about the problem with a lot of guitar tuition, why the “surface level” information many people teach is a waste of time and money, and how a good guitar teacher can help you fix your playing issues. In short, this is the good, the bad, and the ugly of guitar tuition. Of course, there are many great teachers out there but always remember, not all guitar teachers are made equal. I hope this is an eye-opening podcast and you enjoy it. If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners, intermediates and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep78 – Superhuman Strumming!

Ep78 – Superhuman Strumming!

Today we are talking about the two big issues that most people struggle with when it comes to strumming, the hurdles that many people face, and of course, solutions to help you have more fun strumming your guitar today! That’s because this week, I am releasing my brand-new course called, Superhuman Strumming – it’s a lot of fun and it’s all about giving you the tools and techniques to play real music, spice up your songs, and have a lot of strumming fun starting today. If you enjoyed this episode, you can find out more about the course and the limited-time discounts and bonuses here - https://fingerpickingfun.com/strumming Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep77 – A Legendary Olympian’s Inspiration in Mastering the Art and Craft of Guitar

Ep77 – A Legendary Olympian’s Inspiration in Mastering the Art and Craft of Guitar

As it’s the Olympics at the moment, I want to share with you a powerful little story from one of Great Britain’s greatest-ever Olympians – the legendary Daley Thompson. After struggling on his path to defending his gold medal in the 1984 Olympics, Daley had a pivotal moment during the discus event… and that moment is one that will live long in the memory of anyone watching. There are two key takeaways from that special moment that all of us guitarists can apply. Listen today, be inspired, and find out how to apply Daley’s lessons to your playing so you can be the best guitarist you can be! If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners, intermediates, and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep76 – The Art and Science of Writing Songs (How to Get Started)

Ep76 – The Art and Science of Writing Songs (How to Get Started)

Is songwriting an art? Is it a science? Well, you tell me. Personally, I see it as both. In this episode, I’m sharing a simple process with you on how to create some lovely music of your own. Everyone should write a song in their lifetime and anyone can do it! Big thanks to my student, Larry, for inspiring this episode with the brilliant song he wrote for his wife on their 50th wedding anniversary. If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners, intermediates, and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep75 – Mastering the Last 5% of a Song on the Guitar

Ep75 – Mastering the Last 5% of a Song on the Guitar

If you’ve ever got to the point where you can play a song on your guitar to near perfection, but you make frequent errors at various points… this episode is for you. Inside we are taking a look at the TWO key things that could be the cause of your issues. Not only that, I also give you some bits of advice to help you play your songs better. Plus, I even share one of the potentially most embarrassing moments in my musical life where I was on stage playing a gig with my band… and I forgot the parts! If you enjoyed this episode, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course which will help all beginners, intermediates, and those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep74 – How to Escape the Hell of Constantly Plucking the Wrong Strings!

Ep74 – How to Escape the Hell of Constantly Plucking the Wrong Strings!

A lot of guitarists find it extremely frustrating when they pluck the wrong strings! I know I used to. In this short episode, I’m giving you a few tips to help. One thing you must remember is that you need good technique and muscle memory. Without the technique, you’ll just build bad guitar playing habits… but if you use precise technique, you’ll find it far easier to end this frustrating feeling… and that’s exactly what we are talking about today! If you enjoyed this, don’t forget you can get my two exclusive free eBooks today... Including The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at - https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep73 – My Three Most Influential Guitar Books (And a Shocking Fact About Most Books)

Ep73 – My Three Most Influential Guitar Books (And a Shocking Fact About Most Books)

My studio room is full of books. Not all of them are great, but in each, there is something I’ve learnt, even from the books that aren’t that great! Well, today, I’m talking about three books I’ve used a lot over the years. They’re not perfect, but they are great and they’ve had a big influence on me. The books range from classical guitar to advanced guitar and songwriting! For more help from me, until the 1st of July 2024, you can join my Academy. Enrolment will close after that for a while and you can find out more about the academy here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep72 – Six of Your Most Common Guitar Questions Answered

Ep72 – Six of Your Most Common Guitar Questions Answered

I get asked a LOT of questions when it comes to learning guitar. I love to answer them but don’t always get the time to answer everyone’s questions. So today, I thought I’d share some of the most commonly asked questions I get and give you… my answers. We’re talking about how many scales you should learn on guitar, how to move around the fretboard, which guitar teachers I recommend, and if people like Justin Sandercoe and Jamie Andreas are good (honest answers inside)… Plus a whole lot more (including a reference to the awesome character The Riddler from the Batman movies, haha). If you enjoy this podcast and want more help from me, you’ll be pleased to know the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy is now open for enrolment for a short while. You get a whole lot of bonuses posted to you just for trying it out and you can find out more about it here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep71 – The Wildly Varying Sounds of the Blues

Ep71 – The Wildly Varying Sounds of the Blues

I quickly realised when I started teaching guitar that not many students would ask me to teach them to play the blues… but pretty much all of them would LOVE it when I would introduce them to blues guitar – especially the sounds of Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, and Stevie Ray Vaughan (and the first blues song I ever loved, which was by Led Zeppelin). In this episode, I’m playing a whole variety of blues styles and sounds for you, from a B.B. King minor blues to an Eric Clapton-style shuffle, and more. There’s so much you can do with the blues and if you want to learn it, then in the new Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy lessons coming on July 1st, you will learn a stunning blues piece. You can find out more about the Academy here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep70 – A Four-Step System to Skyrocket Your Motivation

Ep70 – A Four-Step System to Skyrocket Your Motivation

One of the most important things you can do on the guitar is to get absolute clarity on what it is you want to achieve. Well, in this episode I’m going over a four-step system to help you make massive progress on the guitar. These have been inspired by author Brian Tracy and adapted as well as simplified for you to use right away. It’s powerful stuff and I highly recommend you apply this today! For more help from me, you’ll be pleased to know the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy is now open for enrolment. One of the big perks of membership is that the “5-Star” Award inside the Academy and my coaching will both help you make big progress and get clarity with your guitar playing. You can find out more about it here - https://fingerstyle101.com/academy/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep69 – Why You Should Master the Ins and Outs of The C Chord (And Its Lovely Variations)

Ep69 – Why You Should Master the Ins and Outs of The C Chord (And Its Lovely Variations)

One piece of advice I like to share with students is this… beware of learning too many chords. Instead of using those old chord books that are full of 10,000s of guitar chords, you can get a lot more mileage instead from playing just one chord such as C Major… And then learning all the variations of this chord. This is fun and a lot of the time you only need to add or remove a finger to get lots of different flavours from a chord! If you enjoyed this, don’t forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes the Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep68 – The Instant Secret to More Interesting Rhythm

Ep68 – The Instant Secret to More Interesting Rhythm

Most people play guitar with a very mechanical straight feel. Well, today I want to tell you why that isn’t always the best thing to do. In fact, if you want to add instant excitement to your music and play with more life, soul, and vibrancy, then the little tips I’m sharing in this episode will help you right away! If you enjoyed this, don’t forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep67 – My Embarrassing Bad Rhythm Skills (And How I Quickly Fixed Them)

Ep67 – My Embarrassing Bad Rhythm Skills (And How I Quickly Fixed Them)

Back when I was learning guitar, I had no rhythm. I wasn’t born with no rhythm, I just hadn’t developed my rhythm skills. This meant when I played guitar, I was all over the place. It also meant that I had a few slightly embarrassing moments. In this episode, I’m sharing with you a key story that helped awaken me to my bad rhythm, and exactly what I did to fix it. These simple little tips will help you too, so listen today and apply these tips for better rhythm! If you enjoyed this, don’t forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep66 – How to Beat the “I Don’t Have Enough Time to Practise” Issue

Ep66 – How to Beat the “I Don’t Have Enough Time to Practise” Issue

One of the biggest problems a lot of people say is that they simply “do not have enough time to practise” their guitar playing. While that is true for some extremely busy folk, we often all have a few pockets of time where we can pick up the guitar and play something… …So in this episode, I’m going to give you some key tips on making more time to practise, why motivation is possibly more important than time, and the silly game on my phone that once threatened to ruin my practice time (but what I did to beat that). If you enjoyed this, don’t forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at -https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep65 – The One Technique That Can Sky-Rocket Your Progress (and Some Fingerpicking Magic)

Ep65 – The One Technique That Can Sky-Rocket Your Progress (and Some Fingerpicking Magic)

Today, I want to share with you my #1 method for helping you to make more progress on the guitar every single day. This will help you practise more effectively, and it’s a super simple technique that all guitarists can benefit from – no matter if you’re a beginner or intermediate guitarist… And this is especially powerful if you’re an adult learning guitar and lacking confidence or you are unsure how to make progress on the songs, scales, and chord progressions you are learning. Listen today, enjoy, and let’s get you making more progress! If you enjoyed this, you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at – https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep64 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #12 - The Pygmalion Effect

Ep64 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #12 - The Pygmalion Effect

Today, I want to share a fascinating story from the 1960s that can help you change your guitar playing forever. It’s a simple and sneaky study that shows doing this one thing can blow up your progress massively – meaning you’ll have so much more fun on the guitar. Plus, we are breaking some annoying myths that people believe in when it comes to learning guitar as an adult or if you feel you have no “natural talent”. Listen today and enjoy, because if you apply what you learn here, you will be more likely to make better progress from this day forth! If you enjoyed this, don’t forget you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at - https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

Ep63 – The Devil on Your Shoulder

Ep63 – The Devil on Your Shoulder

Today, let’s talk about the devil on your guitar-playing shoulder. It’s dangerous, most of us are plagued by it, and if you put too much pressure on yourself, it’s likely this devil is screaming down your ear. The good news is, with one simple shift, you can change all that and you can turn the negativity into something much more positive. That will ensure you truly enjoy your guitar playing forever – and you beat the Gatekeeper of the Acoustic Asylum and his devilish henchman… for good! If you enjoyed this, you can get my two exclusive and free eBooks today... Includes The Guitar Doctor (which will help you fix 35 terrible habits) and The Super Mini Songbook (teaching you stunning songs in unique ways). Get them both for free at –https://fingerstyle101.com/free/ Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!