Independent Review of "Fingerstyle Blues" By Dave Rubin - PLAYBLUESGUITAR.COM

"This 48-page book from England’s Rick Payne is one of the best learning tools on the subject this blues guitar author has had the pleasure of reviewing. Fingerstyle blues specialist Rick Payne (See Payne’s article on blues scales in Bluesville) has wisely created a method that will appeal to beginning and intermediate pickers. The 68 examples, each with accompanying audio track, start quite basic with a steady quarter note bass pulse and simple treble licks on the beat. Gradually and logically, syncopation is introduced along with incrementally advanced bass patterns. Payne’s greatest strength as a teacher is that he makes it look and sound easy (of course, it’s not), and then leaves you convinced that it is!

All of the examples are in standard tuning. Within this parameter Payne manages to suggest the music of the giants of the genre, including Charley Patton, Skip James, Son House, Honeyboy Edwards, Mississippi John Hurt, Lightnin’ Hopkins and many others. In addition, Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Blind Lemon Jefferson and even Doc Watson are singled out for special attention. Delta stomps and shuffles, ragtime and boogie woogie are covered as well as specific elements of blues guitar technique such as turnarounds, string bending and slides (glissandos). Bonus tracks 69-74 feature Payne singing and playing with authority on a selection of excellent original blues numbers, including two sporting bottleneck guitar.

The mastery of fingerstyle blues is a lifelong journey that takes dedication and perseverance. With Rick Payne as your companion and mentor, the trip will be made that much more enjoyable." Dave Rubin -

Review from AKUSTIK GITARRE. (July/August edition 2005)
Translated from the original German text written by Thomas Rothenberger

Rick Payne's "Fingerstyle Blues" is presented in two languages: mirror German and English text stand in two columns, side by side, on the pages. Before he gets down to business, the author gives a brief and interesting account of Blues history and the role that the acoustic guitar plays in it.

Right from the opening exercises the emphasis is firmly placed on finger independence and correct thumb technique for the all-important basslines. Throughout the course of the book the exercises and pieces are carefully graduated in order of difficulty. Fingerstyle Blues is, within a framework, an improvisational art and so Payne guides the student on an exploration of Blues scales, showing by example how they can be incorporated for effective fingerstyle blues picking.

"Fingerstyle Blues" is all about teaching how to play authentic acoustic blues as developed and popularised by such legends as Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Blind Blake and Big Bill Broonzy. The accompanying CD contains 75 tracks, covering every example and piece in the book. The playing is professional, polished and well produced. In places the playing strays slightly from the actual notation, but perhaps this is done on purpose to highlight the strong improvisational element that occurs in fingerstyle blues. The intelligent student should have no difficulty following what's going on. A chord table that shows all the chord shapes used in the book is a useful conclusion.

Rick Payne's "Fingerstyle Blues" is a well conceived and thought out workshop, which is not only a great introduction for the newcomer to this style, but also an excellent stylistic reference for more advanced players and teachers who want to brush up their Fingerstyle and Ragtime Blues skills. Thorough and very good.

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