Doc Watson Guitar Anthology Hal Leonard - 2016 Styles Taught: Flatpicking and Fingerstyle
This book features note-by-note transcriptions of some of the most popular of Doc's tunes and songs. The tabs are very thorough and have abundant notes on how to play them. About half of the titles feature tabs for both lead and rhythm guitars. The majority of the tabs (10) are flatpicking arrangements; the balance (4) are fingerstyle arrangements. The authors are to be commended for the effort they put in to create these tabs. While most of these pieces have been covered in other books, there are two that have never been published before: "Blackberry Blossom" and "Walk On Boy." Recommended for serious students who want to study and learn Doc's guitar styles. View Full Details and Availability
Play Like A Legend: Doc Watson Mel Bay - 2013 Style Taught: Flatpicking
This book/CD set features transcriptions of Doc's great guitar flatpicking recordings from the early 1960s until the 1990s. In addition, the book offers detailed explanations of special techniques such as Carter Plus soloing, using three note patterns (3NPs) and numerous crosspicking patterns. Exercises are designed to isolate specific licks and patterns, making them easier to learn. Moveable phrases and licks are identified so that players can introduce Doc's unique sound into their own playing. This book offers a unique and detailed look at Doc's picking and will be a welcome addition to the library of aspiring pickers everywhere. View Full Details and Availability
Doc Watson & Clarence Ashley: The Original Folkways Recordings Mel Bay - 1999 Styles Taught: Flatpicking and Fingerstyle
This collection contains transcriptions of all 48 selections from the two-CD Folkways set including melodies, chord progressions, lyrics, Doc's leads, and several examples of his backup playing. These tunes are derived from Doc's first commercial recordings. This book is out of print but is available in used condition. View Full Details and Availability
The Legacy of Doc Watson Mel Bay - 1999 Styles Taught: Flatpicking and Fingerstyle
This book is a unique compilation. It serves not only as an instruction book, but also as a biographical commentary. There is an introductory biography of Doc written by Dan Miller as well as an introduction from Steve Kaufman. A running dialog with Doc reveals stories behind each tune, while Steve Kaufman provides additional performance tips. Contains two transcriptions for some tunes that appear on different recordings. View Full Details and Availability
The Guitar of Doc Watson CPP Baldwin - 1993 Styles Taught: Flatpicking and Fingerstyle
This book was written by well-known teacher Fred Sokolow. It includes note-by-note transcriptions of 15 songs, including most of Doc's signature tunes as well as Merle's classic piece, 'Thoughts of Never'. The book includes an introduction covering Doc's flatpicking and fingerpicking techniques. There is also a section with performance notes on each song, with details on instruments used on the recorded version, song history and performance techniques used by Doc. View Full Details and Availability
Fingerpicking, Flatpicking and Slide Homespun Tapes - 1979 Styles Taught: Flatpicking and Fingerstyle
This book/CD set looks mainly at Merle's playing, but also includes some of Doc's breaks. The CD includes comments by Merle and Doc. It has three parts: fingerstyle, slide guitar and flatpicking. The book contains several duet arrangements of Merle and Doc. Edited and digitally enhanced from the original three-cassette series, "Country Guitar Styles" taught by Merle Watson. View Full Details and Availability
The Songs of Doc Watson Oak Publications - 1971 Styles Taught: Flatpicking and Fingerstyle
The earliest book on Doc's playing style. Contains 30 songs as sung and played by Doc, including notes on the songs written by Doc plus great photos. Also includes a foreword by Ralph Rinzler, who "discovered" Doc, and an introduction by Doc in his own words taken from interviews by Ron Stanford in 1970. Transcriptions of guitar instrumentals and accompaniment patterns are shown in standard notation and tablature. View Full Details and Availability
If you've been inspired to learn to play the guitar by hearing Doc play, then you're in good company! There are some excellent learning resources available to help you in your quest, including DVDs, books and CDs.
This page lists instruction books available to help you learn Doc's playing style and techniques.
To see the details of any of these books, including the list of tunes covered, just click on the links shown. And don't forget that we also have some free tabs of Doc's tunes available here at Doc's Guitar.
If you are looking for a particular tune or song, visit our Song Search page, where you can see a listing of learning resources and albums where that title appears.