Hal Leonard Folk Guitar Method

The Hal Leonard Folk Guitar Method is a complete, hands‑on guide to learning authentic folk guitar, using classic songs to teach essential rhythm and lead techniques. Designed for beginners through developing players, this method immerses you in the traditions of folk legends such as Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Simon & Garfunkel, the Carter Family, Peter, Paul & Mary, John Denver, and more. Each concept is presented clearly and musically, helping you build real‑world playing skills while learning songs you recognize and love.

Through progressive, step‑by‑step lessons, you’ll learn a wide range of techniques including basic and advanced strumming, Carter‑style flatpicking, bass runs, fingerstyle patterns, alternating thumb technique, flatpicking and fingerpicking solos, hammer‑ons and pull‑offs, capo usage, I‑IV‑V chord families, and more. The book includes 20 classic folk songs and comes with 31 online audio tracks, featuring demonstrations performed by author Fred Sokolow. The included PLAYBACK+ audio player allows you to slow down tracks without changing pitch, loop difficult sections, adjust keys, and pan audio—making practice more effective and enjoyable.

Songs Included

Blowin' In The Wind
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Freight Train
Greenfields
Guantanamera
The House of the Rising Sun
I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow
If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)
Leaving on a Jet Plane
Little Boxes
Michael Row the Boat Ashore
Puff the Magic Dragon
Scarborough Fair
Sloop John B.
Suzanne
Teach Your Children
This Land Is Your Land
Tom Dooley
Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?