Slide guitar and open tuning

In this intermediate-level guitar course, Simon Kafka invites you to dive into the rich and expressive world of open tunings and slide playing. Through the study of iconic songs and legendary blues artists, you’ll develop your own personal style by exploring new sounds and techniques.

The course guides you step by step through the main open tunings, showing you how to use them to enhance your blues interpretations. You’ll also be introduced to the art of slide guitar—a signature technique that brings a unique expressiveness to your playing. With the included backing tracks and sheet music, you’ll practice in realistic conditions and gradually absorb key concepts such as fingerpicking, interpretive nuance, and tone control.

This course is designed for guitarists with solid fundamentals who want to expand their musical vocabulary, experiment with new techniques, and deepen their stylistic approach. A technical and sensory experience to enjoy at your own pace.

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The main concepts taught

Open tuning

Slide

Fingerpicking

Interpretation

Blues

Sound control

The lesson plan proposed by Simon Kafka

Dive into the world of open-tuned blues and learn to master the slide with a progressive program packed with iconic tunes and essential techniques.

Chapters	Topics
Open tuning	Introduction
Open D tuning	Concept Standard blues Additional licks on D chord Licks on G and A chords Adding bass lines and fills Sitting on the Top of the World – Doc Watson
Open G tuning	Concept Standard blues Franky and Albert – Mississippi John Hurt
Slide technique	How to use it? Building a song
Songs in Open D tuning	You Gotta Move – Mississippi Fred McDowell Good Morning School Girl – Mississippi Fred McDowell Your turn to play!
Songs in Open G tuning	I Can’t Be Satisfied – Muddy Waters Country Blues No. 1 – Muddy Waters Your turn to play!

Lesson plan

Chapters	Topics
Open tuning	Introduction
Open D tuning	Concept Standard blues Additional licks on D chord Licks on G and A chords Adding bass lines and fills Sitting on the Top of the World – Doc Watson
Open G tuning	Concept Standard blues Franky and Albert – Mississippi John Hurt
Slide technique	How to use it? Building a song
Songs in Open D tuning	You Gotta Move – Mississippi Fred McDowell Good Morning School Girl – Mississippi Fred McDowell Your turn to play!
Songs in Open G tuning	I Can’t Be Satisfied – Muddy Waters Country Blues No. 1 – Muddy Waters Your turn to play!

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A word from your teacher

Simon Kafka’s course is a true invitation to step off the beaten path. By exploring open tunings and slide playing, students not only improve their technique but also develop a freer, more personal approach to the guitar. An excellent way to evolve your playing while drawing inspiration from blues legends.