With its unique ability to be both dynamic and energetic, while at the same time being intimate and easy to listen to, the popularity of Solo Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar is expanding rapidly as a musical escape from the often harsh and obnoxious bombardment of modern life.
Through the sponsorship of performances by virtuoso players and the presentation of workshops designed to educate both listeners and hobby players, the Toronto Fingerstyle Guitar Association is proud to be at the forefront of this movement.
What is Fingerstyle Guitar?
Physically, “Fingerstyle” refers to using each of the righthand fingers independently in order to play the multiple parts of a musical arrangement that would normally be played by several band members. Bass, harmonic accompaniment, melody, and percussion can all be played simultaneously when playing Fingerstyle.
The most influential fingerstyle guitarist is the late Chet Atkins. Many people, hearing Chet for the first time on the radio, thought that there were either two guitar players playing or that it was a multitrack recording trick. It wasn’t until seeing Chet perform live that they were finally convinced it was all Chet!
The last 30 years has seen an explosion in the number of players who have taken this style of playing to incredible virtuosic heights. The wonderfully diverse and eclectic musical visions of these players have caused the term “fingerstyle guitar” to refer less to a physical style, and more to a musical genre of its own. It integrates elements of Ragtime, Gospel, Folk, Traditional Roots, Country, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Rock, Pop, Celtic and New Age music.
What is the TFGA?
The Toronto Fingerstyle Guitar Association is a non profit association dedicated to the promotion and education of Fingerstyle Guitar in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
We believe that Fingerstyle Guitar is inherently therapeutic and relaxing, and that introducing it to new listeners makes the GTA a better place in which to live.
Our main activities are:
to promote Fingerstyle Guitar to a wider audience;
to be a resource center for fans of Fingerstyle Guitar;
to organize and promote Concerts and Master Classes in Toronto featuring virtuoso guitarists from around the world;
to organize and promote performance opportunities for local artists;
to further promote local artists by advertising their performance schedules and by encouraging the use of solo guitar at weddings, corporate functions, or other special occasions within the community;
to organize educational opportunities for local hobby players and to help them connect with quality local teachers.
