Jim Deeming

Jim is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com

ADAPTED FROM JIM'S PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY FOUND AT JIMSGUITAR.COM Jim Deeming got his first guitar - the one pictured on the right - 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 C... (more)

Jim currently offers 146 guitar lessons at JamPlay, with 25 beginner lessons, 34 intermediate lessons, 29 song lessons, 10 lessons in our Artist Series, 34 Lick & Riff Library entries and 14 entertainment videos.

Jim Deeming's contribution to JamPlay

Use the tabs below to learn more or subscribe for unlimited access to all artists and courses.

Beginner 25 Lessons

Intermediate 34 Lessons

Artist Series 10 Lessons

Songs 29 Lessons

Licks & Riffs 34 Licks

Entertain 14 Videos

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.

Introduction Lesson

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

6:12 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Choosing a Guitar

Jim gives his thoughts on purchasing your first guitar.

7:09 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Goal Setting

Jim discusses the importance of setting goals. He provides some tips that will help steer your practicing in the right direction.

11:00 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

Changing the Strings

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

41:09 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Meet Your New Guitar

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

52:24 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Learning More Chords

Jim teaches you the 3 primary chords in G major. He also explains how chords relate to specific keys. A great lesson!

39:15 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Right Hand Revisited

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

35:19 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

New Chords and Keys

This lesson provides additional information about chords and keys.

19:08 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Let's Play

This lesson is all about playing. Jim will start you off playing a song. You will have the opportunity to play along with him.

20:10 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Alternating Bass and Chords

Jim teaches you a few more commonly used chords. Then, he discusses a technique known as the alternating bass line.

40:54 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

A Shape Chords

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

17:42 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Basic Guitar Checkup

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

4:18 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Notes, Scales and Theory

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

29:00 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Chord Fiesta

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

43:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Movable Chords

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

40:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Proper Practicing

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

30:00 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

The Pinky Anchor

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

9:00 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Palm Muting

Jim discusses an important technique--palm muting. He explains how palm muting is used by flatpickers and fingerstyle players.

7:00 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Reading Tablature

Jim Deeming covers the basics of reading guitar tablature. Knowledge of tablature will help with JamPlay lessons as well as learning your favorite songs.

21:12 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Tuning Extravaganza

Jim explains various tuning methods. He provides useful tips and tricks that will ensure that your guitar is sounding its best.

31:45 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Let's Play: "Red River Valley"

Jim is back with another "let's play" style lesson. He teaches the classic song "Red River Valley" and encourages you to play along.

52:38 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Drop D Tuning

Jim Deeming introduces drop D tuning. Drop D is a popular alternate tuning used in many styles of music including rock, fingerstyle and blues.

25:25 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Let's Play: "Wayfaring Stranger"

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

29:20 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

More On Drop D

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

6:27 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Your Friend, the Metronome

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

24:02 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Fingerstyle Guitar

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

Intro to Fingerstyle

This lesson serves as an introduction for Fingerstyle Guitar with Jim Deeming. Come on in and get started!

24:32 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

Basic Fingerstyle

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

16:05 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

More Picking Patterns

Jim expands on lesson 2 and teaches several different picking patterns. He also covers the basics of muting.

14:23 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Using Syncopation

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

17:00 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Picking Melody Notes

This lesson is all about picking melody notes. Fingerstyle guitar really gets interesting when you combine bass, harmony, and melody.

33:00 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Aura Lee

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

43:23 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Chet Atkins Style

Jim explains key components of Chet Atkins' guitar style.

18:12 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

3/4 Time and a Song

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "Bicycle Built for Two." He uses this piece as an example of 3/4 or waltz timing.

37:34 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Two Songs at Once

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie." Both songs are played simultaneously!

30:03 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Open G Tuning

Jim Deeming teaches the basics of open G tuning. He also teaches a song entitled "Spanish Fandango" to show how the tuning can be used.

39:58 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Carter Family Style

Jim Deeming introduces a playing style called "Carter Family Style." The technique is also referred to as "Frailing" or "Clawhammer" style.

13:07 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

DADGAD Tuning

Jim Deeming teaches the many wonders of DADGAD tuning.

32:25 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Thumb Independence

Jim Deeming tackles the topic of thumb independence.

31:51 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

The JamPlay Song

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

7:24 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Wayfaring Stranger

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

31:27 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

The Official Thumbpick Guide

Jim Deeming answers one of the most common fingerstyle questions, "which thumbpick should I use?"

13:03 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Fingernail Guide

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

7:07 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

The Entertainer

Jim Deeming teaches a fingerstyle arrangement of "The Entertainer," a classic piano song ported over to the guitar.

20:40 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs

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

37:04 Runtime

4.0 Difficulty

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs Pt. 2

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

13:35 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs Pt. 3

Jim Deeming demonstrates alternate ways to play the CAGED chords that can be very useful when playing melody and accompaniment simultaneously.

30:38 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs Pt. 4

In this lesson Jim Deeming talks about a simple way to add harmony notes to the melody section of fingerstyle songs. This technique is quite simple and can add a whole new dimension to your playing.

5:51 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Music Reading

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.

Basic Notes and Theory

Understanding notes, intervals, and scales is key to music reading. Jim proves a beginner crash course on these subjects.

18:53 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Basic Music Reading

Jim covers basic music concepts such as the staff, time signatures, clefs, measures, note duration, and note representation.

16:25 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

The First Two Strings

Jim covers the first two strings in this lesson. He explains where the natural notes are located on the fretboard and how they appear on the staff.

17:12 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

The Third and Fourth Strings

Jim covers the third and fourth strings. He explains where the natural notes are located on the fretboard and how they appear on the staff.

11:43 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

The Fifth and Sixth Strings

Jim covers the fifth and sixth strings. He explains where the natural notes are located on the fretboard and how they appear on the staff.

11:34 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Symbols, Timing, and Notes

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

10:25 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

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

11:06 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

The Low Strings

In this lesson Jim takes the song "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" and plays it on the lower strings. This is an excellent exercise for reading and memorizing these notes.

5:39 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Echo

Jim Deeming teaches a music reading exercise entitled "Echo." This fun, play-along lesson is a perfect way to hone your reading and counting skills.

18:03 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Jim's Bag of Tricks

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

Performing With Guitar

In his first "bag of tricks" lesson, Jim discusses pitfalls of performing with your guitar and how to get past stage fright and adrenalin rush.

30:51 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

Strumming Harmonics

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

7:08 Runtime

2.0 Difficulty

Barre Chord Helper

Do you struggle with barre chords and tend to shy away from them? In this lesson, Jim demonstrates and discusses some ways to perfect barre chords as quickly as possible.

20:58 Runtime

1.5 Difficulty

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.

Introduction and Right Hand Technique

Jim Deeming talks a bit about the history of Merle Travis and his guitar playing. He also explains the basics of his right hand technique.

10:59 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

Left Hand Technique

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

10:52 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Merle Travis Turnaround

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

15:44 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Travis Style Chords

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

15:54 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

Travis Style Banjo Roll

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

4:38 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

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.

Tommy Emmanuel Interview

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

59:41 Runtime

2.5 Difficulty

View this Lesson

Series Introduction

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

7:15 Runtime

0.5 Difficulty

The Basics

Jim covers the basics of Tommy's playing. He talks about the collective influence that Chet Atkins and Merle Travis have had on his playing as well as his guitar, fingernails, and choice of strings.

11:32 Runtime

1.0 Difficulty

Sample Intro and Melody

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

16:59 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

Key Change and Lick

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

16:07 Runtime

3.0 Difficulty

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."

31:00 Runtime

"Christmas Medley Part 2"

Jim Deeming

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

15:30 Runtime

"Christmas Medley Part 3"

Jim Deeming

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

28:00 Runtime

"Alice's Restaurant"

Arlo Guthrie

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

18:00 Runtime

"On Jordan's Stormy Banks"

Jim Deeming

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

30:00 Runtime

"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."

22:29 Runtime

"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.

23:43 Runtime

"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.

38:28 Runtime

"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."

30:21 Runtime

"Red Wing"

Kerry Mills

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

15:34 Runtime

"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 version which blends the familiar Carter Family frailing technique and some Chet Atkins style finger picking.

30:04 Runtime

"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.

40:17 Runtime

"Last Steam Engine Train"

John Fahey

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

15:47 Runtime

"The Claw"

Jerry Reed

Jim Deeming teaches "The Claw" by Jerry Reed.

39:51 Runtime

"Away In A Manger"

Jim Deeming

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

19:38 Runtime

"Silent Night"

Franz Gruber

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

20:05 Runtime

"The Little Drummer Boy"

Katherine K. Davis

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

36:19 Runtime

"Freight Train"

Elizabeth Cotten

Jim Deeming teaches "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotten.

13:02 Runtime

"Amazing Grace"

John Newton

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

12:27 Runtime

"Auld Lang Syne"

Jim Deeming

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

28:18 Runtime

"Red River Valley"

Jim Deeming

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

11:09 Runtime

"Armed Forces Medley"

Jim Deeming

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

40:37 Runtime

"Good King Wenceslas"

John Neale

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

27:05 Runtime

"The Water Is Wide"

Jim Deeming

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

31:59 Runtime

"A Pick in My Pocket"

Jim Deeming

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

51:07 Runtime

"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 by artists such as Merle Travis.

20:44 Runtime

"Taps"

Daniel Butterfield

Jim Deeming teaches a simple rendition of the military trumpet tune "Taps."

5:56 Runtime

"My Country Tis of Thee"

Thomas Arne

Jim Deeming teaches both a simple and advanced version of the classic American tune "My Country Tis of Thee."

12:02 Runtime

"The Caissons Song"

Harold W. Arberg

Jim teaches the traditional Army song, which is typically also called "The Army Song" or "Caissons Go Rolling."

9:32 Runtime

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
Fingerstyle Rhythm	Here's a fingerstyle pattern that can be applied to...	Country Rhythm	5:03
Cascading Lick	Jim Deeming teaches a cascading lick in the style of...	Bluegrass Lead	10:32
Jerry Reed Style in A	Here's the classic intro lick from Jerry Reed's song...	Country Lead	3:49
A Mixolydian Descending Lick	This lick implies an A dominant sound. Consequently,...	Country Lead	3:21
First Position Lick in A Mixolydian	This A Mixolydian lick implies an A dominant sound....	Country Lead	3:49
Banjo Style Lick	Jim Deeming teaches a banjo style roll based on an...	Bluegrass Lead	6:04
Fingerstyle Turnaround in E	Jim Deeming looks at a great little turnaround in the...	Country Lead	7:15
Thumb Independence Fingerstyle Lick	Jim Deeming teaches a great fingerstyle pattern used...	Country Rhythm	8:49
Fingerstyle Double Stop Rhythm Pattern	Jim Deeming teaches a fun, fingerstyle double stop...	Country Rhythm	7:51
Using Open Strings in Dominant Chords	Jim Deeming takes a look at some pretty dominant chord...	Country Rhythm	6:44
Fun with Harmonics	Jim Deeming teaches a fun harmonic lick in the key...	Country Lead	5:43
Hammer-on / Pull-off Lick	Jim Deeming takes a look at a lick involving numerous...	Country Lead	5:08
Cascading Pull-off Lick	Jim Deeming looks at a fun cascading pull-off lick...	Country Lead	5:02
Banjo Style Roll Ending	Jim Deeming looks at a banjo style roll that works...	Country Lead	5:00
Circle of Fifths Ending	Jim Deeming takes a look at a circle of fifths ending...	Country Lead	5:28
Cascading Banjo Roll Lick	Jim Deeming takes a look at a cascading banjo roll...	Country Lead	5:53
DADGAD Lick #8	This lick is a cascading-style DAGAD lick that has...	Blues Lead	5:46
DADGAD Lick #11	This lick is all about playing a funky blues run in...	Blues Lead	2:11
Versatile Bluegrass Lick	Jim deeming teaches a smoking bluegrass lick. This...	Bluegrass Lead	8:25
Chet Atkins Lick from "The Claw"	Here's an A Mixolydian idea from Chet Atkin's cover...	Country Lead	3:32
Bluesy Lick	This bluesy lick combines notes from A major pentatonic,...	Country Lead	4:02
Key of C Fingerstyle Ending	Jim Deeming teaches a fun fingerstyle ending in the...	Country Lead	5:32
DADGAD Lick #1	In this lick pack Jim will cover some smoking acoustic...	Bluegrass Lead	5:50
DADGAD Lick #3	This lick shows how chords and hammer-ons can be used...	Bluegrass Rhythm	6:39
DADGAD Lick #4	This is a veritable explosion of octaves! Jim demonstrates...	Bluegrass Lead	5:06
DADGAD Lick #5	This lick demonstrates how walking bass lines can be...	Bluegrass Rhythm	6:30
DADGAD Lick #6	This lick is all about exploring the interesting chord...	Bluegrass Rhythm	8:59
DADGAD Lick #9	In this lick Jim demonstrates how to play harmonics...	Bluegrass Lead	8:14
DAGAD Lick #10	This time around Jim teaches a lick that is reminiscent...	Bluegrass Lead	9:27
DADGAD Lick #12	This DADGAD based lick has an "old timey" Blues feel.	Blues Lead	7:09
DADGAD Lick #13	This melodic DADGAD lick makes heavy use of chord melody...	Folk Lead	6:18
DADGAD Lick #2	This lick features a Celtic sound combined with a ringing...	Bluegrass Lead	4:41
DADGAD Lick #7	Jim demonstrates an original cascading-style lick that...	Bluegrass Lead	7:27
Cascading Speed in A	Jim teaches a blazing fingerpicking lick in the key...	Bluegrass Lead	13:03

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.

56:06 Runtime

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!

48:13 Runtime

Jim Deeming at Avogadro's Number

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

21:40 Runtime

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.

2:39 Runtime

Wild Turkey Demonstration

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

0:00 Runtime

The Twirling Dress

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

2:13 Runtime

Auld Lang Syne

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

2:02 Runtime

Entertainment - Interviews

Artist interviews from JamPlay.com

Sol Philcox Interview

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

20:11 Runtime

"Smokin" Joe Robinson

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

35:17 Runtime

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.

35:55 Runtime

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.

23:50 Runtime

Tommy Emmanuel Interview

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

60:27 Runtime

John Jorgenson Interview

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

52:09 Runtime

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.

12:52 Runtime

Learn more about 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.

ADAPTED FROM JIM'S PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY FOUND AT JIMSGUITAR.COM

Jim Deeming got his first guitar - the one pictured on the right - 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.

Jim continues to perform live and make guest appearances at various radio stations. He currently has one full release, and is developing another, available via his website and at CDBaby.com.

Unlock All Courses

Get Started

Get access to all guitar lessons from Jim Deeming along with our full roster of guitar teachers.

Guitar Lessons and Courses

For Beginners

Learn Genres

Refine Skills

Learn Songs

Master Classes

Acoustic Guitar Teachers

Electric Guitar Teachers

Recent Courses & Releases

Jim Deeming

Jim is a Guitar instructor at JamPlay.com

Jim Deeming's contribution to JamPlay

Beginner 25 Lessons

Intermediate 34 Lessons

Artist Series 10 Lessons

Songs 29 Lessons

Licks & Riffs 34 Licks

Entertain 14 Videos

Basic Guitar with Jim

Introduction Lesson

Choosing a Guitar

Goal Setting

Changing the Strings

Meet Your New Guitar

Learning More Chords

Right Hand Revisited

New Chords and Keys

Let's Play

Alternating Bass and Chords

A Shape Chords

Basic Guitar Checkup

Notes, Scales and Theory

Chord Fiesta

Movable Chords

Proper Practicing

The Pinky Anchor

Palm Muting

Reading Tablature

Tuning Extravaganza

Let's Play: "Red River Valley"

Drop D Tuning

Let's Play: "Wayfaring Stranger"

More On Drop D

Your Friend, the Metronome

Fingerstyle Guitar

Intro to Fingerstyle

Basic Fingerstyle

More Picking Patterns

Using Syncopation

Picking Melody Notes

Aura Lee

Chet Atkins Style

3/4 Time and a Song

Two Songs at Once

Open G Tuning

Carter Family Style

DADGAD Tuning

Thumb Independence

The JamPlay Song

The Wayfaring Stranger

The Official Thumbpick Guide

Fingernail Guide

The Entertainer

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs Pt. 2

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs Pt. 3

Arranging Fingerstyle Songs Pt. 4

Music Reading

Basic Notes and Theory

Basic Music Reading

The First Two Strings

The Third and Fourth Strings

The Fifth and Sixth Strings

Symbols, Timing, and Notes

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

The Low Strings

Echo

Jim's Bag of Tricks

Performing With Guitar

Strumming Harmonics