John Denver style!!

    How to play acoustic guitar like John Denver

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[Bar 1] This sort of simple fingerpicking pattern should be in every player's repertoire; pay attention to timing, rhythm and clarity of notes…

[Bars 2, 10] The use of add9 and sus chords is very common in this kind of music; such subtle embellishments always add a different colour to proceedings, making things softer and not quite as predictable as straight major chords…

[Bar 9] When going from basic fingerpicking into strumming, keep the pick curled up in your hand. It's a good skill to work on and also means that you don't have to stand like a chump with a pick sticking out of your mouth!

[Bar 14] This is just a simple C chord but notice how the G on the third fret, first string subtly changes the sound…

[Bar 17] Back into strumming - how are you doing with shifting from fingerstyle to pick playing?

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[Bar 24] Sometimes rather than play a chord, guitarists will create a short fill like this one using sixth intervals (very sweet sounding) that 'spells out' the sound of the chord but also adds a bit of variety. It's worth having a number of these worked out in all your favourite keys.

[Bar 29] Here is an ending worth having in your arsenal - look out for the sliding chords on beat two, as it's a great effect to be able to pull off.