Learn to Play the Songs of Dan Fogelberg

During the late 20th century, one rite of passage for burgeoning acoustic guitar players was to learn a song by Dan Fogelberg (1951-2007), who combined both folk and rock sensibilities in an approach that often offered new (but not too complex) chord voicings and strum patterns. This instructional DVD taught by Nashville-based performer, composer, recording artist, and instructor Pete Huttlinger focuses on selections from Fogelberg's second album Souvenirs, while covering techniques that will interest players at all levels. Huttlinger leads off with a tune suitable for most beginners, “There's a Place in the World for a Gambler,” which employs alternate voicing for the C and F chords. Heavy downstrokes and right-hand rhythm strumming are given their due on “As the Raven Flies,” while “Morning Sky”—with its flat-picking run—carries a flavor of West Coast bluegrass. Other entries (“Part of the Plan” and “Song From Half Mountain”) are done in the alternate tuning of double dropped D, while “Souvenirs” finds the guitar being tuned down a whole step, making for an ultra-rich tone. DVD extras include a printable booklet. Recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)