Introduction Guitar Lesson
Introduction
Taught by Mark Kroos in Extreme Folk Guitar seriesLength: 7:47Difficulty: 0.0 of 5
Supplemental Learning Material
Extreme Folk Guitar
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsExtreme folk guitarist, Mark Kroos guides you step by step on the setup and technique aspect of playing in the style he deems "Extreme Folk." This style is also referred to by some as lap tapping.
Lesson 1
Introduction
Mark Kroos introduces himself and the lesson series he is starting. In this lesson, Mark talks about what he'll be covering in the lessons to come.
Length: 7:47 Difficulty: 0.0 Members Only
Guitar Setup and Preparation
In the second lesson of his extreme folk guitar series, Mark explains the ideal guitar setup for this style of playing. He talks about, strings, accessories and some things to watch out for in your setup.
Length: 7:43 Difficulty: 0.0 Members Only
DADGAD Tuning
In lesson three of his extreme folk guitar series, Mark talks about the advantages of using DADGAD tuning in this style. He also demonstrates how to get in to DADGAD from standard tuning using your ear.
Length: 13:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Basic Fingerstyle Technique
In lesson four of his extreme folk guitar series, Mark discusses basic fingerstyle technique. Although this isn't the main technique that will be utilized in this style, it does come in to play, so covering...
Length: 13:14 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Basic Chords in DADGAD
Before jumping too far into the world of "extreme folk guitar," it's helpful to have a road map. In lesson five of his series, Mark Kroos covers some of the basic chords you'll utilize in this tuning.
Length: 7:51 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Left Hand Tapping
In the sixth lesson of his extreme folk guitar series, Mark Kroos discusses the left hand tapping techniques used in this style.
Length: 11:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Right Hand Tapping
Now that you've learned the basic approach to left hand tapping, Mark Kroos demonstrates the basic approach to right hand tapping.
Length: 11:42 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Using a Capo
In his eighth lesson with JamPlay, Mark Kroos discusses the primary function of a capo - to change keys. He will discuss more creative and conceptual ideas for capo use in a future lesson.
Length: 6:24 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Power Chords
In this lesson, Mark Kroos discusses power chords and how they apply to DADGAD tuning. This tuning enables you to use one finger to make your power chords, allowing you to project the chords and stay out...
Length: 12:58 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Combining Hands
Now that Mark has demonstrated tapping techniques for the left and right hands, it's time to combine them. In his ninth lesson, Mark provides a few exercises that help with this process.
Length: 9:41 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Parallel Fifths
In his 11th extreme folk lesson, Mark Kroos discusses parallel fifths and how they can be used to create melody. DADGAD tuning is extremely conducive to this compositional technique.
Length: 12:14 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
DADGAD D Major Playing
In this lesson, Mark Kroos demonstrates the movable chord shapes necessary to play in a major key within DADGAD tuning.
Length: 16:22 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
DADGAD D Minor Playing
Now that you understand the basics of playing in D major, Mark discusses playing in D minor.
Length: 11:34 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Percussive Techniques
In his fourteenth lesson, Mark Kroos demonstrates how to turn your guitar into a drum kit.
Length: 19:37 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Chords in D Minor
In lesson 15, Mark demonstrates some chord chord grips for the diatonic chords in D minor. He also discusses how relative minor keys relate to their major counterparts.
Length: 12:34 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Cascading
In his sixteenth lesson in extreme folk guitar, Mark discusses a technique he calls "cascading." Cascading is a quick hammer-on and pull-off technique that allows notes within a melodic figure to run together...
Length: 12:47 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
More Cascading
Now that you've got the basic cascading technique under your belt, Mark is back with a look at what else you can do with this technique. In this lesson, he adds chords as well as picking into the mix.
Length: 18:44 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Open D Tuning
In his 18th lesson with JamPlay, Mark Kroos discusses the advantages of working in Open D Tuning. Additionally, he teaches some fundamental chords in this tuning as well as how to get to it from DADGAD.
Length: 28:27 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Natural Harmonics
Mark Kroos is back with a lesson on natural harmonics. You may be familiar with the concept, but Mark takes it to the next level and demonstrates how to include these harmonics in the songwriting process.
Length: 27:50 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
Creating Altered Tunings
In this lesson, Mark Kroos discusses why you may want to create your own altered tuning. He also provides some tuning tips and what to avoid.
Length: 20:55 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
6th Intervals
In this lesson, Mark Kroos takes a look at diatonic 6th intervals in both DADGAD and open D tuning.
Length: 33:51 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Slap Harmonics
Mark is back with a lesson on slap harmonics. In this lesson, he covers when and how you might use this technique.
Length: 18:24 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Harp Harmonics
Now that Mark has covered natural and slap harmonics, he provides a lesson on what are commonly referred to as "harp harmonics." This technique will allow you to add some flair to your playing and can...
Length: 16:31 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
CGDGGD Tuning
Mark Kroos covers a new tuning that you may want to try in your extreme folk playing. He covers the advantages of CGDGGD tuning, common chord shapes, and how to tune to it from DADGAD tuning.
Length: 25:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Practice Strategies
To conclude the first part of his Extreme Folk Guitar teachings, Mark Kroos provides a lesson on practice strategies. He discusses the differences between playing and practicing, time management and using...
Length: 16:49 Difficulty: 1.0 Members Only
Octaves
Returning to his Extreme Folk Guitar series, Mark Kroos offers up a lesson on octaves. Just like in the movable fifths lesson, Mark discusses how and why you might utilize octaves in your playing. He demonstrates...
Length: 33:33 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Thumb Percussion
In this lesson, Mark Kroos demonstrates how to use your thumb to create percussive rhythms on the guitar. This is beneficial as a backing if you're singing, or have a lull in the music you're playing.
Length: 12:55 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Explosive Pull-offs
In the lesson, Mark Kroos demonstrates an easy, yet unique technique that can transform your playing and add some pop to your arrangements. Called an "explosive pull-off," this technique involves doing...
Length: 5:39 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Partial Capos
In this lesson Mark discusses the use of a partial capo. He demonstrates how to utilize a partial capo and how this benefits your playing. Lastly, he discusses how to modify and create other partial...
Length: 18:02 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Slap Pop Technique
In this lesson, Mark Kroos demonstrates the slap and pop techniques. Similar to slap bass, you can use this technique to add percussion and a unique sounding attack to your playing.
Length: 25:49 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Clawhammer Technique
In this lesson, Mark builds on the slap pop technique taught in his last. This quasi "clawhammer" technique is something most commonly found in banjo playing. Mark discusses its uses and demonstrates...
Length: 15:17 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Open G Tuning
Mark Kroos returns to his "Extreme Folk Guitar" series with a lesson on Open G tuning. He discusses and demonstrates the basic chords in the key as well as some of the advantages of playing in Open G versus...
Length: 28:48 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Muting With A Bandana
In this short lesson, Mark demonstrates how to utilize a bandana or handkerchief to accomplish a slight mute on your string. This helps to create a staccato rhythm effect that improves the groove.
Length: 12:35 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
About Mark Kroos
View Full Biography
Mark Kroos plays 2 guitar necks at the same time. Originally from Lansing, MI but currently based in Williamsburg, VA he is one of the only people in the world touring his trade.
Mark Kroos plays 2 guitar necks at the same time. Originally from Lansing, MI but currently based in Williamsburg, VA he is one of the only people in the world touring his trade. His primarily instrumental style is characterized by open harmonies, polyphonic textures, incredible tapping technique, and is as entertaining to watch as it is to listen to. Live performances burst with energy and magnetism not typical of solo guitar music. Drawing influence from folk, Celtic, indie, and even punk rock artists as well as other great guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Phil Keaggy, Tommy Emmanuel and Leo Kottke, Mark Kroos has developed his own edge to the acoustic guitar.
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.would you please do a tutorial for intro ?
Awesome!! What are some of the underground punk bands you dig?
Awesome tapping Mark! Love this unique creative style
I first became aware of this style of playing after reading an article and watching a Youtube by Antoine Dufour, and said "I gotta learn how to do that" and that's why I'm here - looking forward to the lessons. A great place to check out other players in this genre is candy rat records.
WTF ?my mind has been blown!!!!!!!1
Mark, that piece you played is a masterpiece!
Thank you!!!!
see!? it's guys like this that make me think I suck, how long did it take you to learn that song mark?
Hey guys, thanks for checking out the video! I'll try to stop by sometimes and answer any questions about future videos, which might be more difficult as tour picks up in January, and I don't know if I get email notifications if somebody messages me on here, but feel free to connect with me at www.facebook.com/markkroos-I'm usually pretty good at getting back to people there. Thanks guys and merry Christmas!
Awesome love this style want your double neck Ovation :)
i was about to beg for more Trace Bundy and than jamplay finds this guy.....I am looking forward to more lessons Mark, What you already show as an intro is a joy.....Hope they trick you in doing some Q&As aswell. (Isnt Kroos a dutch name?)
Why thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it, I really had a great time filming these and breaking down this style in an (somewhat :) organized fashion! And yes, Kroos is certainly a Dutch name. I was told once that it means "Duckweed." So that's flattering...Thanks for checking out the video!
Awesome stuff! I love DADGAD....and Michael Hedges and Leo Kottke are both huge favorites of mine. Might have to give this a look!
gulp..
Wow!
This looks awesome, but one thing: When I go to the menu of this Phase 2 lesson series (http://members.jamplay.com/guitar/phase-2/series/137-open-melodies-and-tapping) it says that Mark has 91 years experience lol!
Mark is so good, he accrues multiple years of experience every year! Actually, we're still building his bios and profile. This will be updated as soon as I get a date of birth from him.
Thanks Jason, you're too kind. Hope you're well man, and merry Christmas. My birthday is March 3rd, 1986. And now I will be expecting presents.
Awesome!
this will be a fun series to look at, awesome playing too, and welcome to jp ;)
Intense playing dude! Im starting to get into that tapping jazz...looking forward to more lessons! :P