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Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming

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Home > Teachers > Jim Deeming
Jim Deeming got his first guitar when he was only six years old. His Dad was taking fingerpicking lessons, and Jim wanted to be just like him. The Mel Bay books didn't last very long before he strapped on a thumb pick and added the Chet part to Red River Valley so it sounded better.

Most of Jim's early learning was by ear. With unlimited access to his Dad's collection of Chet Atkins albums, he spent countless hours decoding his favorite songs. They were never "right" until they sounded just like Chet. Around the age of 12, Jim heard Jerry Reed for the first time and just knew he had to be able to make that "Alabama Wild Man" sound. The styles of Chet & Jerry always have been a big influence on his playing.

More recently he has pursued arrangements by Tommy Emmanuel and Doyle Dykes, in addition to creating some of his own and writing originals.

Jim has performed in front of a variety of audiences, including concerts, competitions, weddings and the like, but playing at church has always been a mainstay. Whether playing in worship bands or guitar solos, gospel music is deep in his roots and is also the driving theme behind his debut CD release, titled "First Fruits".

Jim has been playing for about 38 years. He also has taught private lessons in the past but believes JamPlay.com is an exciting and better venue with many advantages over the traditional method of weekly 30 minute sessions.

Jim lives in Berthoud, Colorado with his wife, Linda, and their four children. Although he still has a "day job", he is actively performing and is already back in the studio working on the next CD. If you wonder how he finds time, look no further than the back seat of his truck where he keeps a "travel guitar" to take advantage of any practice or song-writing opportunities he can get.

The opening song you hear in Jim's introductory JamPlay video is called, "A Pick In My Pocket". It's an original tune, written in memory of Jim's father who told him early on he should always keep a pick in his pocket in case he ever met Chet Atkins and got the chance to play for him. That song is slated to be the title track for his next CD, which will feature several more originals plus some of his favorite covers of Chet and Jerry arrangements. (Less)

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Jim's Contributions to JamPlay.com

Jim Deeming has 117 videos at JamPlay, with 25 beginner lessons, 34 intermediate lessons, 26 song lessons, 10 lessons in our Artist Series, 8 Lick & Riff Library entries and 14 entertainment videos. Use the tabs below to learn more.

Subscribing to JamPlay gives you unlimited access to all of Jim's lessons,
as well as all lessons from our roster of instructors.

  • Beginner
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  • Artist Series
  • Songs
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  • Entertainment
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Basic Guitar with Jim

Fingerstyle master Jim Deeming teaches you the basics of guitar playing. With over 30 years of experience teaching and playing, Jim will definitely start you in the right direction. This is a great series for beginners and guitarists looking to refresh their knowledge.

Lesson 1

Introduction Lesson

In this short lesson, Jim Deeming will introduce himself and talk about his upcoming lessons....

Length: 6:12
Lesson 2

Choosing a Guitar

Jim gives his thoughts on purchasing your first guitar.

Length: 7:09
Lesson 3

Goal Setting

Jim discusses the importance of setting goals. He provides some tips that will help steer...

Length: 11:00
Lesson 4

Changing the Strings

Jim Deeming walks you through the process of changing your strings. He gives some excellent...

Length: 41:09
Lesson 5

Meet Your New Guitar

Jim introduces proper playing technique. Then, he explains how to play your first chord.

Length: 52:24
Lesson 6

Learning More Chords

Jim teaches you the 3 primary chords in G major. He also explains how chords relate to...

Length: 39:15
Lesson 7

Right Hand Revisited

Jim discusses a plethora of right hand techniques that are essential to guitar playing.

Length: 35:19
Lesson 8

New Chords and Keys

This lesson provides additional information about chords and keys.

Length: 19:08
Lesson 9

Let's Play

This lesson is all about playing. Jim will start you off playing a song. You will have...

Length: 20:10
Lesson 10

Alternating Bass and...

Jim teaches you a few more commonly used chords. Then, he discusses a technique known...

Length: 40:54
Lesson 11

A Shape Chords

Jim covers all possible fingering options pertaining to the basic open A chord shape....

Length: 17:42
Lesson 12

Basic Guitar Checkup

Jim talks about the future of his Phase 1 guitar series and where to go from here.

Length: 4:18
Lesson 13

Notes, Scales and Theory

Jim delves into basic music theory. He starts from square one in this lesson.

Length: 29:00
Lesson 14

Chord Fiesta

Jim Deeming invites you to a veritable chord fiesta. He demonstrates common dominant...

Length: 43:00
Lesson 15

Movable Chords

This lesson is all about movable chords. Learn the importance of barre chords and other...

Length: 40:00
Lesson 16

Proper Practicing

Jim Deeming explains how to create a productive practice routine. Make sure you aren't...

Length: 30:00
Lesson 17

The Pinky Anchor

Many guitarists use their pinky as an anchor. Jim explains the pros and cons of this...

Length: 9:00
Lesson 18

Palm Muting

Jim discusses an important technique--palm muting. He explains how palm muting is used...

Length: 7:00
Lesson 19

Reading Tablature

Jim Deeming covers the basics of reading guitar tablature. Knowledge of tablature will...

Length: 21:12
Lesson 20

Tuning Extravaganza

Jim explains various tuning methods. He provides useful tips and tricks that will ensure...

Length: 31:45
Lesson 21

Let's Play : Red River...

Jim is back with another "let's play" style lesson. He teaches the classic song "Red...

Length: 52:38
Lesson 22

Drop D Tuning

Jim Deeming introduces drop D tuning. Drop D is a popular alternate tuning used in many...

Length: 25:25
Lesson 23

Let's Play: Wayfaring...

Jim Deeming breaks down the song sections to the classic tune Wayfaring Stranger.

Length: 29:20
Lesson 24

More On Drop D

Jim Deeming takes another, more focused look at drop D tuning.

Length: 6:27
Lesson 25

Your Friend, the Metronome

Jim Deeming discusses how to use a metronome for practice, skill building, and speed building.

View This Full Lesson!

Fingerstyle Guitar

Fingerstyle

Fingerstyle guitar allows you to play the bass, harmony, and melody of a song all within the context of a single guitar part.

Lesson 1

Intro to Fingerstyle

This lesson serves as an introduction for Fingerstyle Guitar with Jim Deeming. Come on...

Length: 24:32
Lesson 2

Basic Fingerstyle

Jim demonstrates a basic fingerstyle exercise that you can use with any of the chords...

Length: 16:05
Lesson 3

More Picking Patterns

Jim expands on lesson 2 and teaches several different picking patterns. He also covers...

Length: 14:23
Lesson 4

Using Syncopation

Jim Deeming explains how to integrate basic syncopation into your rhythm playing.

Length: 17:00
Lesson 5

Picking Melody Notes

This lesson is all about picking melody notes. Fingerstyle guitar really gets interesting...

Length: 33:00
Lesson 6

Aura Lee

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle version of the classic Civil War era song "Aura Lee."

Length: 43:23
Lesson 7

Chet Atkins Style

Jim explains key components of Chet Atkins' guitar style.

Length: 18:12
Lesson 8

3/4 Time and a Song

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "Bicycle Built for Two." He uses this...

Length: 37:34
Lesson 9

Two Songs at Once

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie." Both songs...

Length: 30:03
Lesson 10

Open G Tuning

Jim Deeming teaches the basics of open G tuning. He also teaches a song entitled "Spanish...

Length: 39:58
Lesson 11

Carter Family Style

Jim Deeming introduces a playing style called "Carter Family Style." The technique is...

Length: 13:07
Lesson 12

DADGAD Tuning

Jim Deeming teaches the many wonders of DADGAD tuning.

Length: 32:25
Lesson 13

Thumb Independence

Jim Deeming tackles the topic of thumb independence.

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Lesson 14

The JamPlay Song

Jim Deeming teaches a more advanced version of the aptly named "JamPlay Song."

Length: 7:24
Lesson 15

The Wayfaring Stranger

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle version of the classic song "The Wayfaring Stranger."

Length: 31:27
Lesson 16

The Official Thumbpick...

Jim Deeming answers one of the most common fingerstyle questions, "which thumbpick should...

Length: 13:03
Lesson 17

Fingernail Guide

Jim Deeming presents his thoughts on how to properly grow and groom your fingernails.

Length: 7:07
Lesson 18

The Entertainer

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "The Entertainer," a classic piano song...

Length: 20:40
Lesson 19

Arranging Fingerstyle...

Jim Deeming teaches the skills necessary to transform any song into a solo fingerstyle...

Length: 37:04
Lesson 20

Arranging Fingerstyle...

Jim talks more about arranging fingerstyle songs. This time around he discusses harmonization...

Length: 13:35
Lesson 21

Arranging Fingerstyle...

Jim Deeming demonstrates alternate ways to play the CAGED chords that can be very useful...

Length: 30:38
Lesson 22

Arranging Fingerstyle...

In this lesson Jim Deeming talks about a simple way to add harmony notes to the melody...

Length: 5:51

Music Reading

Reading Music and Rhythms

Reading music and rhythm is the foundation for anyone serious about music. In order to understand the theory necessary to progress as a player, a basic understanding of how to read music and how to read rhythms is necessary.

Lesson 1

Basic Notes and Theory

Understanding notes, intervals, and scales is key to music reading. Jim proves a beginner...

Length: 18:53
Lesson 2

Basic Music Reading

Jim covers basic music concepts such as the staff, time signatures, clefs, measures,...

Length: 16:25
Lesson 3

The First Two Strings

Jim covers the first two strings in this lesson. He explains where the natural notes...

Length: 17:12
Lesson 4

The Third and Fourth...

Jim covers the third and fourth strings. He explains where the natural notes are located...

Length: 11:43
Lesson 5

The Fifth and Sixth...

Jim covers the fifth and sixth strings. He explains where the natural notes are located...

Length: 11:34
Lesson 6

Symbols, Timing, and...

Jim Deeming explains more music symbols in this lesson. He also introduces 3/4 time and...

Length: 10:25
Lesson 7

Twinkle, Twinkle Little...

In this lesson Jim Deeming uses the classic song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" as a music...

Length: 11:06
Lesson 8

The Low Strings

In this lesson Jim takes the song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and plays it on the lower...

Length: 5:39
Lesson 9

Echo

Jim Deeming teaches a music reading exercise entitled "Echo." This fun, play-along lesson...

Length: 18:03

Jim's Bag of Tricks

Tips & Tricks

In this lesson series, Jim covers frequently asked questions and tips of the trade.

Lesson 1

Performing With Guitar

In his first "bag of tricks" lesson, Jim discusses pitfalls of performing with your guitar...

Length: 30:51
Lesson 2

Strumming Harmonics

In this lesson, Jim demonstrates how you can go about getting harmonics out of a strummed...

Length: 7:08
Lesson 3

Barre Chord Helper

Do you struggle with barre chords and tend to shy away from them? In this lesson, Jim...

Length: 20:58

Style of Merle Travis

Merle Travis is one of the biggest names in the world of Fingerstyle guitar. In this series Jim Deeming will walk you through the tricks Merle employed to give his music that unique "Travis Picking" sound.

Lesson 1

Introduction and Right...

Jim Deeming talks a bit about the history of Merle Travis and his guitar playing. He...

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Lesson 2

Left Hand Technique

In this lesson, Jim Deeming talks about Merle Travis' left hand technique.

Length: 10:52
Lesson 3

Merle Travis Turnaround

Jim Deeming teaches a turnaround in the style of Merle Travis. Get your thumbpicks ready!

Length: 15:44
Lesson 4

Travis Style Chords

Jim Deeming teaches several chord shapes that Merle Travis used extensively.

Length: 15:54
Lesson 5

Travis Style Banjo Roll

Jim Deeming demonstrates how Merle Travis played a banjo-style roll.

Length: 4:38

Style of Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel is one of the most prolific, talented and loved solo guitarists of all time. Drawing inspiration from Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and a host of other great musicians Tommy has created a style that is uniquely his own.

Lesson 1

Tommy Emmanuel Interview

JamPlay was lucky enough to catch up with Tommy Emmanuel in Copper Mountain, Colorado...

View This Full Lesson!
Lesson 2

Series Introduction

In this lesson, Jim Deeming introduces the series and talks about his personal experiences...

Length: 7:15
Lesson 3

The Basics

Jim covers the basics of Tommy's playing. He talks about the collective influence that...

Length: 11:32
Lesson 4

Sample Intro and Melody

Jim showcases and examines a sample introduction and melody in the style of Tommy Emmanuel....

Length: 16:59
Lesson 5

Key Change and Lick

Jim shows how Tommy uses key changes to add drama to a song and demonstrates a classic...

Length: 16:07

Songs with Jim Deeming

Learning songs is a great way to put your guitar knowledge to use and expand your horizons.

"Christmas Medley Part 1"Jim Deeming

Jim teaches the first part of a beautiful Christmas medley. This installment features "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

Length: 31:00

"Christmas Medley Part 2"Jim Deeming

In this second part of the Christmas medley, Jim Deeming adds the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

Length: 15:30

"Christmas Medley Part 3"Jim Deeming

In the 3rd part of the Christmas medley, Jim Deeming adds "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer."

Length: 28:00

"Alice's Restaurant"Arlo Guthrie

Jim Deeming covers the classic song "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie.

Length: 18:00

"On Jordan's Stormy Banks"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches "On Jordan's Stormy Banks", a gospel tune from his CD First Fruits.

Length: 30:00

"Take Me Out to the Ballgame"Jack Norworth

In this lesson Jim Deeming teaches a beautiful fingerstyle version of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

Length: 22:29

"Windy and Warm"Chet Atkins

In this lesson Jim covers his version of "Windy and Warm," a song written by John Loudermilk and performed by Chet Atkins.

Length: 23:43

"Waltzing Matilda"Banjo Paterson

Jim teaches an arrangement of "Waltzing Matilda," a popular Australian folk song. He teaches the song in the style of Tommy Emmanuel.

Length: 38:28

"Yankee Doodle Dixie"Chet Atkins

In this lesson Jim Deeming teaches a performance version of "Yankee Doodle Dixie." This version features both the verse and chorus of "Dixie" on top of "Yankee Doodle."

Length: 30:21

"Red Wing"Kerry Mills

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle version of the classic folk song "Red Wing."

Length: 15:34

"Wildwood Flower"Carter Family

Jim teaches "Wildwood Flower," a well-known bluegrass folk song. While it was made popular by the Carter Family, this song originated in the 1860s. Jim teaches you his own...

Length: 30:04

"Stephen Foster Medley"Chet Atkins

Jim teaches Chet Atkins' arrangement of the "Stephen Foster Medley." He adds his personal touch to this three song medley.

Length: 40:17

"Last Steam Engine Train"John Fahey

Jim Deeming teaches the song "Last Steam Engine Train" by John Fahey.

Length: 15:47

"The Claw"Jerry Reed

Jim Deeming teaches "The Claw" by Jerry Reed.

Length: 39:51

"Away In A Manger"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches a simple version and an advanced fingerstyle version of "Away In A Manger."

Length: 19:38

"Silent Night"Franz Gruber

Jim Deeming teaches a beginner version and a more advanced fingerstyle version of "Silent Night."

Length: 20:05

"The Little Drummer Boy"Katherine K. Davis

Jim Deeming teaches a warmed over arrangement of "The Little Drummer Boy."

Length: 36:19

"Freight Train"Elizabeth Cotten

Jim Deeming teaches "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotten.

Length: 13:02

"Amazing Grace"John Newton

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "Amazing Grace."

Length: 12:27

"Auld Lang Syne"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle interpretation of the classic "Auld Lang Syne."

Length: 28:18

"Red River Valley"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of the traditional folk song "Red River Valley."

Length: 11:09

"Armed Forces Medley"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches a medley of songs from the five main branches of the United States Armed Forces.

Length: 40:37

"Good King Wenceslas"John Neale

Jim Deeming teaches the Christmas song "Good King Wenceslas."

Length: 27:05

"The Water Is Wide"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches both a fingerstyle and flatpicking version of the classic tune "The Water Is Wide."

Length: 31:59

"A Pick in My Pocket"Jim Deeming

Jim Deeming teaches his original fingerstyle masterpiece, "A Pick in My Pocket."

Length: 51:07

"Farewell My Bluebell"Edward Madden & Theodore F. Morse

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of the classic tune "Farewell My Bluebell." Originally written by Edward Madden and Theodore F. Morse, the tune has been popularized...

Length: 20:44

Lick & Riff Library Entries

Our Lick & Riff Video Library can help you break out of your standard techniques, and can inspire your creativity to move your playing forward.

Title Detail Genre Runtime Skill
FingerStyle Rhythm A fingerstyle rhythm technique that can be used in... Country Rhythm 5:03 minutes
Cascading Lick Jim Deeming teaches a cascading lick in the style of... Bluegrass Lead 10:32 minutes
Jerry Reed Style in A A lick in the style of Jerry Reed's song "The Claw."... Country Lead 3:49 minutes
Descending Lick in A A descending lead lick over an A7 chord to a D. Country Lead 3:21 minutes
First Position Lick in A A lick built around a modified A7 chord played in the... Country Lead 3:49 minutes
Versatile Bluegrass Lick Jim deeming teaches a smoking bluegrass lick. This... Bluegrass Lead 8:25 minutes
Claw Lick in A A Chet Atkins style lick in the key of A Country Lead 3:32 minutes
A Chord Riff A riff in the key of A from Jim Deeming's song "Picking... Country Lead 4:02 minutes


Entertainment - Concerts and Events

Check out some concerts and events filmed by the JamPlay staff.

Jim Deeming Live Part 1

Deeming shows his picking skills in a local concert, drawing over 500 Deeming fanatics.

Length: 56:06

Jim Deeming Live Part 2

This is the 2nd part of Jim Deeming live in concert. If you enjoyed part 1, you are in for a treat!

Length: 48:13

Jim Deeming at Avogadro's Number

Jim Deeming's set, live from Avogadro's Number in Ft. Collins Colorado.

Length: 21:40

Entertainment - Licks and Riffs

Random licks and riffs contributed by the JamPlay instructors.

Tanya's Coming Home

In this video Jim Deeming debuts his new fingerstyle song "Tanya's Coming Home." This song is inspired by a child Jim is adopting from the Ukraine.

Length: 2:39

Wild Turkey Demonstration

Jim Deeming demonstrates his interpretation of the song "Wild Turkey."

Length: 0:00

The Twirling Dress

In this entertainment video Jim Deeming demonstrates his original song entitled "The Twirling Dress."

Length: 2:13

Auld Lang Syne

Jim Deeming demonstrates his version of the classic new years song, "Auld Lang Syne."

Length: 2:02

Entertainment - Interviews

Artist interviews from JamPlay.com

Sol Philcox Interview

Jim Deeming interviews Sol Philcox live at Guitar Town, Copper Mountain.

Length: 20:11

"Smokin" Joe Robinson

Fingerstyle instructor, Jim Deeming sits down for an interview with Australia's Got Talent winner "Smokin" Joe Robinson.

Length: 35:17

Laurence Juber Interview

Jim Deeming takes a few moments with Laurence Juber to get a little more information about the man and his guitar. His style of playing, and his history of how he became to be.

Length: 35:55

Preston Reed Interview

At the Guitar Town Festival, Located in Copper Mtn, CO. Jim Deeming had the great opportunity to sit down with Preston Reed and ask him a few questions. Preston reveals his History, his Techniques, and his philosophy's.

Length: 23:50

Tommy Emmanuel Interview

Guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel took time out of his busy schedule to sit down with JamPlay for a candid interview.

Length: 60:27

John Jorgenson Interview

DMac Interviews John Jorgenson as he enlightens us to his specific style of playing including Gypsy.

Length: 52:09

Ben Owens Interview

Jim Deeming interviews fingerstyle prodigy Ben Owens. Find out about how Ben learned to play, his style and what his plans for the future are.

Length: 12:52

Live Schedule for Jim Deeming

You can now interact directly with JamPlay's teachers. You can ask a question in the chat and receive a video response via webcam. All you need to do is launch the JamChat when a session is scheduled.

Select Time Zone:
When Starts In Duration Topic
Tue, May 28th 9:00 PM 2 days, 18 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
Tue, Jun 4th 9:00 PM 9 days, 18 hours 2 hours Open Discussion
* All times are shown in GMT-5: New York City (EST).
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