[Beginners] Honky-Tonk Roots: Learning Classic Country Guitar 5/6

### Honky-Tonk Roots: Beginners

You’ve got open chords down and maybe a few songs under your belt—but you want to sound like you're really playing country. This series will show you how.

We’ll dig into the rhythm and feel that define classic country guitar. Think of this as your gateway to playing with others, holding down the groove, and sounding like you belong in a honky-tonk band.

You’ll:
Lock into boom-chuck strumming with bass-note movement
Explore 2/4 and 4/4 country time
Use a capo to play in singer-friendly keys
‍♂️ Learn simple walk-ups, walk-downs, and turnarounds
‍‍ Get comfortable playing in time with others

Songs we’ll be working on:
Mama Tried – Merle Haggard
Big River – Johnny Cash
Workin’ Man Blues – Merle Haggard
Guitars, Cadillacs – Dwight Yoakam
Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares) – Travis Tritt
Luckenbach, Texas – Waylon Jennings
Don’t Rock the Jukebox – Alan Jackson

These tunes are fun, groove-heavy, and perfect for jamming. You’ll leave with a setlist you can pull out anywhere—and the rhythm skills to carry a song confidently.

Dates: Saturdays – January 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14 & 21
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Highland Park Community Centre (3716 2 St NW, Calgary, AB T2K 0Y4)
Fee: $20 per session
‍ Instructor: Bob Dunn
Bob is a musician who has been playing guitar since 1977 when his grandma gave him first guitar. Since then he has continued learning technique, theory, teaching and performance.He has performed in Canada, USA, Taiwan and Malaysia.He is a graduate of the Douglas College Music Program with an emphasis in Classical Guitar and interests in piano and voice/choir. However, he enjoys playing many different styles and genres of music. You can find him occasionally performing around town as Busker Bob or on social media.