The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar
Turn your love of bluegrass into real playing skill.
Ever feel stuck trying to play bluegrass guitar?
“I can play chords, but my rhythm falls apart.”
“Where do I even begin without feeling overwhelmed?”
“I love bluegrass but have no idea where to start on guitar.”
You’re not alone. Most guitar players who love bluegrass struggle to take that first real step into playing it with confidence.
That’s exactly why I wrote
The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar.
Listen just below to the first chapter...
Get The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar E-book and get immediate access for just $9.99 (Normally $23).
Your journey starts now
You don’t need years of practice or advanced music theory. You just need the right map.
The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar
gives you that map — and it will change how you experience music forever.
Where to start?
where to go?
All you need is a map
Your destination awaits you
And so does FUN.
Your guitar is a lifelong friend.
Let the adventure begin!
The thrill of playing — not just listening
Imagine sitting in a circle with others, locking into the rhythm, and actually playing along instead of watching from the sidelines. That moment when you feel the groove, hear and know you’re holding your own.
That’s the Complete Bluegrass Journey — and it starts right here.
Introducing
The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar BOOK
✅
From Fan to Starter
Chapter 1-9
✅
From Starter to Beginner
Chapter 10-18
✅
From Beginner to Player
Chapter 19-24
✅
From Player to Jam Circle
Chapter 25-33
What this book will give you:
✅ A step-by-step path from total beginner to confident player
✅ The Boom-Chuck rhythm foundation that makes bluegrass drive
✅ The core progressions, runs, and fills you’ll hear at any jam
✅ A clear, no-overwhelm learning plan designed for busy adults
✅ Practical tips on jam etiquette so you feel welcome in the circle
This isn’t just another guitar method book. It’s a roadmap. A way to go from being a fan of bluegrass to becoming part of the music.
"Ian's passion and love for bluegrass music was instantly contagious for me. He coached me with patience, and precision."
- Gord O..
"After meeting Ian and witnessing his obsession, and depth of knowledge in this form of music, he had me hooked."
- Lenny G..
"Ian's enthusiasm is infectious... and I now have a deeper understanding of old time and bluegrass music."
- Brenda O.
Table of contents for The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar
Part I: From Fan to Starter (Ch. 1–10)
The Bluegrass Circle – Discover the culture, etiquette, and heartbeat of bluegrass music.
The Guitar’s Role in Bluegrass – Learn why the guitar is the engine that drives the band.
Tuning Up & Gearing Up – Essential tools, strings, and how to tune like a pro.
The Boom-Chuck Foundation – Master the rhythm that makes bluegrass instantly recognizable.
First Chords in G – Play your first progressions in the key of bluegrass.
Time, Feel, and Groove – How to strum with steady rhythm that locks into the circle.
Switching Chords Smoothly – Build muscle memory for clean transitions without hesitation.
Your First Songs – Simple bluegrass standards to play right away without overwhelm.
The I-IV-V Progression – Understand the backbone of bluegrass songs in any key.
Practice That Works – Step-by-step strategies to build habits that stick.
Part II: From Starter to Beginner (Ch. 11–18)
Playing in C and D – Expand into new keys that open the bluegrass repertoire.
Bass Runs Between Chords – Connect your rhythm with classic walk-ups and walk-downs.
Bluegrass Song Structures – Learn verses, choruses, and common jam forms.
The G-Run – Unlock the signature lick that ends countless bluegrass phrases.
Alternating Bass Notes – Add drive and texture to your rhythm playing.
Building Speed Without Tension – Proven methods for smooth, relaxed tempo growth.
Simple Carter-Style Leads – Turn chords into melodies with pick-and-strum technique.
Jam Survival Skills – How to follow along even when you don’t know the song.
Part III: From Beginner to Player (Ch. 19–24)
The Nashville Number System – Decode chord progressions so you can play in any key.
Capos and Transposing – Use the capo to unlock new keys without new shapes.
Pick Direction & Efficiency – Refine your right-hand mechanics for clarity and speed.
Backup Guitar Skills – Support singers and soloists with tasteful rhythm playing.
Flatpicking Foundations – Learn your first single-note leads the bluegrass way.
Dynamics and Tone – Play with volume, texture, and expression to sound professional.
Part IV: From Player to Jam Circle (Ch. 25–33)
Classic Bluegrass Repertoire – Build a starter setlist of essential jam songs.
Kickoffs & Endings – Start and finish songs confidently in the circle.
Breaks & Solos – Step into the spotlight with simple, melodic lead breaks.
Harmony Singing Basics – Add your voice to the circle, even if you’re new to singing.
Band Dynamics – How to listen, blend, and contribute as part of a group.
Improvisation Mindset – Move from memorizing licks to creating your own.
Jam Etiquette & Leadership – The unspoken rules that make jams welcoming and fun.
Stacking Your Practice – Balance rhythm, leads, songs, and ear training in one plan.
Arriving in the Circle – Step in with confidence and enjoy the thrill of playing, not just listening.
My name is Ian Porteous, and like you, I started as a fan of bluegrass with no idea where to begin on guitar. I wasn’t a “natural” — I even thought I was tone deaf — but my love of this music pushed me to take the leap.
Over the last 30 years, I’ve gone from overwhelmed beginner to leading bands on major festival stages, meeting my heroes in Nashville, and teaching hundreds of players through camps and workshops.
What I’ve learned is this: you don’t need to start young, be gifted, or spend years figuring it out. You just need the right step-by-step path. That’s why I wrote The Complete Bluegrass Journey for Guitar — to help you turn your love of bluegrass into the thrill of playing it with confidence.
Who Is This Book For?
If you’ve ever thought…
“I want to enjoy the thrill of playing bluegrass,
not just listening to it.”
“I’m tired of feeling like I’ll never catch up.” “I wish I could join a jam and not feel lost.”
…then this is for you.
What Categories Do We Focus On?
Pouring the right foundation from the beginning
Turning your guitar into a friend
Building foundations step-by-step
Getting you into that jam circle!
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this book for?
This book is written for very beginners, for beginners, or players who want to pour the bluegrass foundation, and get into a jam circle.
Can't I learn all of this on Youtube?
Maybe yes. Maybe no. There is a difference between finding a mentor who stands in a lineage and wants to initiate you into bluegrass, and piecing together some advice.
Do I need to have a guitar and other accessories before starting?
No. You can get this book and decide on your guitar and accessories later.
If you already have a guitar, you'll need just a few accessories to be completely prepared.