Flatpicking Firepower: More Than Rhythm: The Hidden Power of Bluegrass Guitar  

For decades, fans have heard the guitar in bluegrass as the dependable boom-chuck rhythm that powers the music of Bill Monroe. But anyone who has stood next to a great bluegrass guitarist knows there’s far more going on than just chords. This special presentation brings together four masters of the instrument:

• Jack Lawrence – legendary sideman and keeper of the tradition

• Trey Hensley – modern flatpicking powerhouse

• Dan Miller – educator and historian of the flatpick tradition

• Robert Bowlin – former Blue Grass Boy with deep Monroe lineage

Together they’ll explore what bluegrass guitar really does inside a band:

🎵 The rhythmic drive that locks in with bass and mandolin
🎵 The art of bass runs and transitions between chords
🎵 Crosspicking, flatpicking, and melodic lead playing
🎵 Tone, timing, and the subtle craft of supporting a singer
🎵 How guitarists shape the groove in Monroe-style bluegrass

But the session doesn’t stop at talk.

🎻 Instrument Tasting with the Masters

Students will also take part in an “instrument tasting.” Participants can hand their own guitar to one of these masters and hear it played by some of the finest flatpickers alive. It’s a chance to discover the hidden voice of your instrument—and learn what tone, touch, and right-hand attack can really do.

Expect laughs, deep musical insights, and plenty of blazing flatpick runs.  Because in bluegrass, the guitar isn’t just keeping time.  Rhythm. Runs. Drive. Tone. Tradition. Welcome to the engine room of bluegrass.