Here's my basic arrangement of the classic Elizabeth Cotten finger picking tune, "Freight Train". Hope you enjoy!

I've included a link to a sound sample of the arrangement. It should be noted that this sound sample
is an electronically generated interpretation of the tablature and will not likely bring any aesthetic pleasure
to the listener...but, it makes a good reference if you're having trouble coaxing the tune from the tablature.

If you would like an audio sample of me playing this Freight Train arrangement on an actual guitar,just email me or
comment on this blog. I'm more than happy to help you out and anwer questions, etc...it's just good to know someone
might be out there giving a durn!

Freight Train - tablature

Freight Train - sound sample

 Here's a simple arrangement one of my favorite folk/blues fingerpickin' tunes: 
   Got the Blues
If you're at a loss as to the fingering of the right hand, here are some tips to get you through the tune nice and smoothly:
 Use the thumb for every note played on the sixth, fifth, and fourth strings.
 Use the middle finger for every note played on the first string.
 The index will take care of the notes on the second and  third string unless there are two notes being sounded simultaneously;
in which case you'll want to play the note on the third string with your thumb while the middle finger takes the first string note.

 Hope that makes sense.  I'll go ahead and post an electronic sample of the tablature that you can reference for accuracy in your
performance. I find it useful to practice along with this electronic version in as far as it is quite metronomic and will help you to
improve your timing. 
 That being said, you shouldn't assume that this tune should be performed so rigidly. To get an idea of the feel and nuance of this style of playing, check out any of Mississippi John Hurt's numerous recordings...you can find them easily on the web.

 NOTE: This is an "alternate thumb" style of playing. This means that throughout the whole piece, the thumb of the right hand is thumping out a nice simple alternating bass line akin to what the left hand of a piano might do on a simple tune. This is a great technique that a fingerpicker can get a lot of mileage out of.  After you feel comfortable with this tune, try applying this alternating thumb technique to other chords and/or songs and see what you come up with.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or requests...I'd be glad to anwer them.
     Good Luck,
               Ryan

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