The Acoustic Asylum

By Dan ThorpeMusic

The Acoustic Asylum episodes

October 20 Ep147 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #30 – Celebrate Your Guitar Heroes (Paul Simon at 85)
In today’s episode, I talk about the legend that is Paul Simon, and I’ll share some tips on how to play in his Travis-picking style. A lot of us know his famous hits, and most of us celebrate him for his incredible songwriting, but he’s an incredible guitarist as well.
Paul Simon is famous for his Travis picking. Many students don’t know where to start with Travis picking. In the episode, I break down the different parts of this style so you can see how to Travis pick. Take a listen and give it a go!
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free, special one-finger arrangement of Amazing Grace – ideal for those who are new, stuck, or just want a beautiful song to play. Get it at - fingerstyle101.com/amazing
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
11 min
September 14 Ep146 – The Lunacy of Scales (And a Better Way to Use Them)

In today’s episode, I talk about scales and how to use them. Often students are taught scales, but aren’t actually taught how to use them. Using scales doesn’t have to be complicated.
I’ll take you through some scales and how to have fun using them to make music. It’s simple, fun, and sounds interesting. Take a listen and discover the secret to making the most of the scales you learn.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free, special one-finger arrangement of Amazing Grace – ideal for those who are new, stuck, or just want a beautiful song to play. Get it at - fingerstyle101.com/amazing
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!

10 min
August 03 Ep145 – Wax On, Play On: The Karate Kid Approach To Learning Guitar
In today’s episode, I talk about how the story of Karate Kid relates to guitar learning. Often, students ignore the importance of repeating good habits, but being consistent and precise when learning makes all the difference.
A lot of people assume they know the fundamentals, but few have mastered them. It’s key to learn these basics of guitar, as having full knowledge of them allows you to really enjoy the guitar and make progress.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free, special one-finger arrangement of Amazing Grace – ideal for those who are new, stuck, or just want a beautiful song to play. Get it at - fingerstyle101.com/amazing
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
10 min
July 11 Ep144 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #29 – Stop Torturing Yourself With the Way You Learn Guitar
In today’s episode, we’re talking about a new rule of the Asylum: stop torturing yourself with the way you learn. Most guitarists quit because they think they’re not good enough, but often it’s cause the way they’re learning is actually torturing them. There is a better way.

I take you through the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Listen to discover the best ways you can approach your learning that will help you feel better about your playing and enjoy the journey.

If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free, special one-finger arrangement of Amazing Grace - ideal for those who are new, stuck, or just want a beautiful song to play. Get it at - fingerstyle101.com/amazing

Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
12 min
June 22 Ep143 – A Strange Memory Trick Hidden Inside This Beautiful Guitar Piece
Today, we’re going to talk about one of the Gatekeeper’s favourite pastimes, which is making you remember less. We’re going to flip it on its head so you can remember more and easier. I’m going to give you a test and a fun piece to play that will help your memory.
A lot of students are frustrated about having poor memory, but there’s a method and technique to remembering. Take a listen to the episode to learn all about this memory trick that will help your guitar playing.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
11 min
May 28 Ep142 – Why It’s Essential to End the Death Grip for Your Guitar Playing
Today, I’m going to talk about fixing the death grip. Most people might tell you to press harder, try harder, get more calluses, but this isn’t the case. The death grip is the main cause of buzzing, frustration, and in the episode, I take you through practical tips on how to conquer it, once and for all.
The death grip is like your fingers being stuck in the mud, it will affect your chord changes, it will cause tension, and it will prevent you from having clear playing. Take a listen to the episode and start fixing your death grip today.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
11 min
April 10 Ep141 – The One Phrase in Guitar Teaching That Drives Me Mad
In today’s episode, I talk about the one phrase in the world of guitar teaching that I detest. This phrase is incredibly frustrating, and students really hate it, and I can see why. It’s the kind of phrase that sounds innocent, but when you think about it on a deeper level, it’s awful.
For people who are serious about learning, this phrase is at the crux of frustration when learning through YouTube and private tutors. You have to have a plan when learning guitar. Different people want different elements for their plan, and it’s all about balancing fun and structure. Take a listen to hear all about the best plan and how to fight against this crushing phrase.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
10 min
March 25 Ep140 – The Rules of the Asylum: Rule #28 – Don’t Fear the Recording
Today, I want to talk to you about a rule of the asylum – don’t fear the recording. Something I encourage people to do is to record themselves playing on a fairly regular basis. I want to give you some clear advice on doing this, so it doesn’t put you off recording yourself.
Recordings are brutal because they often show you things you can’t see yourself. But one thing that’s important is to record yourself playing something you know how to play, even if it’s just two bars, rather than something you’re still learning. Listen to discover more tips I have, so recording yourself is a pleasant experience and not a horror show.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
11 min
March 05 Ep139 – The 6 Villains Ruining Guitar Progress Everywhere
In today’s episode, I want to talk about the six villains that are ruining guitar progress everywhere and how to defeat them. These villains include notorious figures such as the Time Thief, the Overwhelm Monster, the Coordination Chaos, the Musicality Void, and more!
Take a listen to this fun, character-driven take on issues that plague most guitarists, how to face them head-on, and beat them once and for all. I’ll take you through each issue and discuss ways to avoid getting bogged down by these villains and achieve progress with your playing.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/
Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
12 min
February 14 Ep138 – The Critical 3Ps of Guitar Playing That Make Or Break Your Music (Especially After 50)
Today, we’re talking about one of the most important things in guitar playing – the 3 Ps of guitar playing. Ignore them at your peril, they’re the key to staying relaxed, having fun, and playing well. These are the core essentials of playing guitar.
If you get one wrong, you’ll struggle to a certain degree, if you get two wrong, things are going to be harder, and if you get three wrong, you’ve probably already smashed up your guitar. Take a listen to discover the 3Ps of guitar to learn how to improve your playing with ease and simplicity.
If you enjoyed this podcast, you can get my free “guitar secrets” video course, which will help all beginners or those who are “stuck”. Get the course for free, exclusively at - https://fingerstyle101.com/secrets/

Like this episode? Your reviews for this podcast mean the world to me, so please let us know what you thought about the Acoustic Asylum!
11 min