If you want to play the acoustic guitar effectively, then it's worth adding some extra basic techniques and approaches to how you would play your electric guitar. The following open tuning, picking and strumming exercises are aimed at beginners and improvers alike who are keen to explore the extra dynamic and tonal opportunities offered by the acoustic instrument.

The examples that we've put together should act as a springboard for all kinds of styles and ideas – even the simple act of playing an open D shape with the capo at the seventh fret should remind you of a Sunny Beatles song! It's a whole new world.