Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild

Written by John Lieberman Thursday, 08 April 2010 19:15

March 2010

Pushing the limits of Guitar... It seems like only yesterday, we would gather in a friends’ dorm room, sitting cross-legged on the floor amidst a collage of vinyl LP’s.  Spread around us like a dropped deck of cards, we’d take turns jockeying each album onto the turntable, listening to one guitar “phenom” after another.....Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Richie Blackmore, Jimmy Page, Carlos Santana, Duane Allman and so on.  Each of us would argue in great detail over the most subtle nuances of each players’ technique, composition, style and sound, at times nearly coming to blows while championing our heroes.  Without question, the guitar icons of the 60’s and 70’s have left an indelible mark across several generations and, for better or worse, have lead to a very generalized definition of what constitutes “great guitar music” in the public eye. 

But this has not always been the case in the past and it appears the future has just arrived.  The pinnacle of guitar playing is being heralded by a host of new (and not so new) Fingerstyle Guitarists, thanks in large part to the Internet.  A subtle transition is underway from aging “rock legends” to new “fingerstyle icons” and nowhere is this more self evident than in the sheer volume of You-Tube videos (viewed) and Facebook links (shared).  Yes, against all medical odds, rock superstar Keith Richards is still with us, but a host of “fingerstyle” guitarists are lined up eager to take his place.  Without question, the bar of musicianship has been raised.  But first we need a definition.

What exactly is Fingerstyle Guitar?

Fingerstyle Guitar is both a longstanding classification as well as an evolving genre, continually advancing along with the virtuosity and imagination of its’ players.  Tracing its’ roots back to Classical Music, Fingerstyle Guitar is best understood as both a technique and a methodology which allows a performer to play several musical elements simultaneously.  Physically speaking, Fingerstyle refers to using each of the right hand fingers independently in order to play multiple parts of a musical arrangement, parts that would normally be played by several band members.  Melody, bass lines, harmonic accompaniment and percussion can all be played simultaneously.  Musical genres span the gamut including: Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Folk, Flamenco, Nuevo Flamenco, New Age-Percussive, World, Chet & Travis Styles, Celtic, Early Americana, Slack Key, Ragtime and more. 

The best way to understand Fingerstyle Guitar, aside from watching it performed live, is to begin your search with You-Tube and sample a few artists.  Many of the top fingerstyle players will typically cross over several genres at once, playing Classical in one moment, Blues, Jazz or Flamenco in the next.  For example start your search with: Tommy Emmanuel, an Australian guitarist who frankly defies description.  Other advanced players include Phil Keaggy, Laurence Juber, Pete Huttlinger, Doyle Dykes and Muriel Anderson, all of which span several musical genres in their repertoires.  Interested in the new direction of Fingerstyle Guitar?  Check out Percussive-New Age players; Andy McKee, Adam Rafferty, Don Ross, Thomas Leeb and Wesley Chapel’s own guitar prodigy Shaun Hopper (www.shaunhopper.com).  Curious about the forerunners of fingerstyle.....Search for: Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, Tuck Andress, Martin Taylor and Paco DeLucia, just to name a few.  And finally, to sample the latest face of fingerstyle guitar genius, check out child prodigy, Sungha Jung....a 12 year old South Korean guitarist who has topped the You-Tube counts on numerous occasions.  To see fingerstyle performed “live” at a local venue come check out the Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild.  For performance dates visit us at www.tbfgg.com.

About The Guild

The Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild (TBFGG) was formed in the Spring of 2005 by four founding members seeking to share their passion for fingerstyle guitar.  The mission was straightforward; to increase public awareness of this high art form, to enhance our culture by offering the public a higher standard of guitar musicianship, to build a fellowship of fingerpickers who encourage and inspire fellow musicians to grow and, last but not least, have a good time together while doing all of this.  The Guild is active in four major areas; (1) Informal Meetings and Workshops, where we discuss favorite artists, guitar models, playing unplugged and sharing our knowledge of theory, technique, composition, etc., (2) Exclusive TBFGG Showcases, designed for practicing in performance mode and introducing fingerstyle guitar to new guitar players & students, (3) Membership, getting experienced/professional guitar musicians involved in the art of fingerstyle playing, and bringing forth the various sounds and styles for the enjoyment and education of the general public, (4) Paid Performances, where select members of the Guild are hired to play at your events.  This could mean three or more members, depending on availability and desired format.

The TBFGG always places the “best fit” of players to meet the specific needs of any performance setting or special event.   Each member on the TBFGG performance roster has achieved a level of expertise ranging from Advanced-Intermediate players to Seasoned Professionals.  All equipment used is state-of-the-art and is set up specifically to meet the nuances of your room or event setting.  Most Guild members have years of business acumen and marketing experience both in and out of the music scene.  Independent of their association with the Guild, each performer is self-networked throughout the Bay Area drawing both from a personal and collective fan base.  Working closely with clients, most public performances are prefaced in advance with email blasts, text messaging and a full implementation of social networking tools.


Venues & Clientele

Members of the TBFGG have played everything from Bar Gigs & Happy Hours to Fine Restaurants & Coffee Shops, from Religious Celebrations & Beach Weddings to Country Clubs, Gallery Openings & Charity Events.  Individual members of the Tampa Bay Fingerstyle Guitar Guild have performed nationally and internationally from the former Soviet Union, Europe and the Vatican to New York City, Chicago and throughout the Southeast & Midwest.  Locally, Guild members have played for numerous clients throughout the Tampa Bay Area, incl., The Don Caesar, Tropicana Field, The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, The Florida Aquarium, Centro Ybor, The Clearwater Wine Company, The Ritz Carlton and many other venues.  Media appearances include “Daytime”on WFLA-TV News Channel 8, WTSP’s “Studio 10”, WMNF - Tampa and WSLR - Sarasota. 

Regardless of venue, instrumental-fingerstyle guitar is suitable to nearly every event setting.  Several of our members are also Singer/Songwriters as well and may be hired individually for solo performances and gigs. 

Mark your Calendar

In Trinity, The TBFGG will be playing a workshop at Ramblin’ Rhodes Music on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 7:00pm.  Members will be showcasing a variety of different styles and techniques, with Q & A following the performance.  Ramblin’ Rhodes Music is located in the Trinity Village Center at 1027 State Road 54.   Call Joe Rhodes at (727) 375-0123 to reserve a seat.

In Lutz, Guild Member & Singer/Songwriter Ted Wray will be performing at the International Beer Garten on March 13th, 9:00 pm.  The IBG is located at 16540 S.R. 54.  For more information visit the IBG website at (www.ibgtampa.com).

For the 3rd season running, the TBFGG will be performing at the Whistle Stop Bar & Grill located at 915 Main Street in Safety Harbor.  Currently scheduled are the 2nd Saturday of every month 7:00–10:00pm and the first & third Tuesdays from 7:00 -10:30pm.  Tuesday evenings feature a Showcase format, with “open mic” players by invitation only.  Saturday evenings are TBFGG member performances.   Since the Whistle Stop is an outdoor, covered venue, the weather is always a consideration.   On very cold evenings or if the skies are threatening, it is always a good idea to call ahead (727-726-1956).

For more specifics on the Guild or to read about some of our players, visit us at www.TBFGG.com .  To hire the TBFGG for a performance or, if you have any questions about our organization either email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Jim Holesha @ (727) 647-4504.