Master the Carter Style: Learn 'Are You Washed in The Blood' on Guitar

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Carter Style?
3. Learning Carter Style
4. Arrangement Breakdown
   1. Key of G
   2. Beginner Arrangement
   3. Melody within Chords
5. Understanding the Tablature
   1. Pick Directions
   2. Left Hand Fingering
6. Playing the First Four Measures
   1. Quarter Notes and Eighth Notes
   2. Strumming Technique
   3. Accentuating Melody Notes
7. Practicing Measure Two
   1. Emphasizing the G Note
   2. Developing the Carter Style Feel
   3. Utilizing Similar Concepts in Other Pieces
8. Playing the Third Measure
   1. Executing Quarter Notes
   2. Moving Finger Positions
9. Exploring Measure Four
   1. Repetition of the G Note
   2. Emphasizing Melody Over Strums
10. Contextualizing the First Four Measures
    1. Reinforcing the Importance of Melody Notes
    2. Striking a Balance Between Melody and Strums

🎸 Carter Style: Learning the Gospel Tune "Are You Washed in the Blood"

In this week's feature lesson on "Music with Ryan," we'll be diving into the beautiful gospel tune "Are You Washed in the Blood" in the key of G. This arrangement follows the iconic Carter style, which is a fantastic introduction to those interested in learning how to pick in this style. This beginner arrangement stays true to the original melody while incorporating the elements that make gospel tunes so captivating.

What is Carter Style?

Carter style is a unique fingerpicking technique popularized by legendary country music artist, Maybelle Carter. It involves playing the melody notes within the chords, creating a harmonious blend of rhythm and melody. For those new to this style, it can be a great way to explore the foundations of fingerpicking and develop a solid understanding of rhythm and timing.

Learning Carter Style

To master the Carter style, it's important to grasp the fundamentals of fingerpicking. The primary goal is to keep the melody notes prominent while strumming the chords. This balance between strums and melody creates a distinct sound that characterizes the Carter style. By staying within the chord shapes throughout the arrangement, you'll be able to maintain consistency and capture the essence of this timeless technique.

Arrangement Breakdown

Let's now break down the arrangement of "Are You Washed in the Blood" in the key of G. This beginner-friendly arrangement focuses on keeping the melody within the chords, making it easier for those new to Carter style to follow along. The tablature notations include pick directions at the bottom of the staff and left-hand fingerings at the top.

Playing the First Four Measures

We'll start by exploring the first four measures of the song. These measures consist of both quarter notes and eighth notes. The piece begins with the open D string followed by the second fret of the D string, played with the second finger. In this G chord shape, the melody notes are played within the chord structure. The second measure introduces a strumming technique, where two eighth notes connected by a beam are strummed. Throughout these measures, it's essential to emphasize the melody notes by giving them slightly more weight.

Practicing Measure Two

Measure two is crucial for understanding the essence of Carter style. It highlights the repeated use of the G note, creating a distinct sound. Focusing on this measure and playing it repeatedly will help you develop a feel for the Carter style and grasp the techniques involved. Spend time perfecting this measure before moving on to the rest of the arrangement.

Playing the Third Measure

The third measure comprises all quarter notes and involves moving the second finger to the second fret of the D string. It is relatively straightforward compared to the previous measures. Be sure to maintain the rhythm and play each note crisply.

Exploring Measure Four

Measure four is similar to measure two, emphasizing the G note once again. This repetition is a common feature in Carter style arrangements, creating a consistent and melodic flow. Remember to bring out the melody notes over the strums by accentuating them slightly.

Contextualizing the First Four Measures

To fully understand the dynamics of playing in the Carter style, it's essential to play the first four measures in context. By doing so, you'll reinforce the importance of bringing the melody notes forward and striking the right balance between strums and melody. As you progress through the arrangement, you'll encounter similar themes and concepts that contribute to the distinct sound of the Carter style.

Continue learning and perfecting the techniques discussed above to master the beautiful gospel tune "Are You Washed in the Blood" in the Carter style. Remember to keep practicing and exploring new pieces within this genre to further enhance your skills.

Highlights

• Learn the fundamentals of the Carter style fingerpicking technique
• Master the balance between strumming and emphasizing melody notes
• Develop a solid foundation in rhythm and timing
• Practice measure two for a better understanding of the Carter style feel
• Emphasize the repetition of the G note in measures two and four
• Strive to bring out the melody notes over the strums for a more captivating sound

FAQ

Q: Is the Carter style suitable for beginner guitarists? A: Yes, the Carter style is an excellent choice for beginners as it introduces fundamental fingerpicking techniques and helps develop a sense of rhythm.

Q: Can I apply the Carter style to other genres of music? A: Absolutely! While the Carter style is commonly associated with country and gospel music, its techniques can be adapted to various genres, adding a unique flair to your playing.

Q: Which fingerpicking techniques should I focus on when learning the Carter style? A: While mastering the balance between strumming and emphasizing melody notes is crucial, also pay attention to finger control, alternating bass patterns, and maintaining consistency within chord shapes.

Q: Are there any recommended songs to practice in the Carter style? A: Apart from "Are You Washed in the Blood," other popular Carter style songs include "Wildwood Flower" and "Cannon Ball Blues." These tunes offer great opportunities to hone your fingerpicking skills.

Q: Are there any online resources available for learning more about the Carter style? A: Yes, you can find additional lessons and resources on websites such as musicwithryan.com and guitarlessons.com. Check them out for more in-depth guidance on mastering the Carter style.