In this DVD lesson you will learn some of the classic songs performed by Mississippi John Hurt. Unlike some of his contemporaries who played in open tunings, John Hurt mostly used standard tuning and played in a variety of keys. His playing demonstrates a systematic approach to playing melody and rhythm with an alternating thumb technique that allows for playing up and down the neck without the extensive use of chord inversions and tricky fingerings. John Hurt's guitar work embodies a refreshing simplicity that is well within the grasp of any serious student of fingerstyle guitar.

In addition to learning what the left hand does, we will learn how to get John Hurt's "sound" with our right-hand picking, using palm muting and brush strokes in the rhythm. A variety of familiar keys are covered here: A, C, E, G, and D. We'll even learn one of the few songs John Hurt wrote and played in Open G tuning. John's repertoire is also a fascinating snapshot of early 20th century popular music, and many of the songs he played have a rich history which is explored in the accompanying notes.

Each tune is taught phrase by phrase and played slowly on a split-screen. A detailed tab/ music booklet is included as a PDF file on the DVD. As well, the original recordings are included in the Bonus Audio section.

Titles include: Make Me A Pallet, Joe Turner Blues, Ain't Nobody's Dirty Business, Coffee Blues, Boy's You're Welcome, Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me, Spider, Spider, Got The Blues, Can't Be Satisfied, Stagolee, C-H-I-C-K-E-N, You've Got To Die

118 minutes - Level 2 - Detailed tab/music PDF file on the DVD

Review: Years ago I watched a video of some fellow I'd never seen before play a version of "Casey Jones" on the steps of John Hurts old house in MS. I was utterly blown away how perfectly he captured the John Hurt bounce & lilt - in my mind a truly rare feat. Turns out to have been Jim Ohlschmidt - so glad to see him doing these videos (already picked up the Merle Travis!).– Peter Keane/The Woodshed

Review: Having recorded several albums of MJH songs, Jim is definitely the right person to teach MJH. These are easy and enjoyable arrangements.– Patrycjusz Pindelski/The Woodshed

Review: Well done Lost Jim. I spent a lot of great times in Mississippi with Jim and he visited us in Scotland. He really captures John’s style so well. – Philip Ratcliffe/The Woodshed