The Acoustic Asylum

If learning guitar leaves you feeling mad, frustrated, or like you want to tear your hair out, this podcast is for you.Dan Thorpe specialises in teaching beginner guitar lessons to older adults. If you want to discover Dan’s methods for the best way to learn guitar, to play easy guitar songs while having more fun, and to do so without feeling like you have a one-way ticket to the Acoustic Asylum, then listen closely and...Join us as Dan shares the best tips, tricks, and motivating stories from his 10,000+ hours of teaching beginner guitar songs and techniques...All of which will help you on your guitar-playing journey immediately. Get two free and exclusive eBooks and more unique lessons from fingerstyle101.com/free

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Andarree

Authentic point of view

I have been listening to Dan for the last couple of months, he has a different approach for people when learning guitar and his advice is solid. Sometimes we are our worst enemy with learning new skills and his approach keeps this in mind.
Brian Kuz

Lovely!

So grateful for this podcast! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Lorima

Wonderful!

I love Dan Thorpe’s reliable advice and encouragement. When my guitar playing stalls, I come here to be reminded what it’s all about.
Roaring.Fork

Outstanding Podcast

Great information, thought provoking, skills to practice and master along with a look into Dan’s life and thought processes. Thank you for being a wonderful teacher who helps me unravel the skills to play guitar and keep the Gatekeeper at bay.
$kevinhopkins

No Guitar Required!

Don Thorpe is an interesting dude with an interesting podcast. He channels his positive and zany energy into fun ways to encourage and instruct guitarists! Rather than drills and complicated instruction - which would be rather difficult to deliver via podcast, Don focused on the mental game of motivation and keeping the guitar fun! The result is a podcast done in 10-15 minute episodes that give a guitarist at least one useful thought on which to focus for a day or two while picking up the guitar for the first time…or the 10,000th.
catrich75

Lucky 13

I must agree about how important ear training is. Once one develops their ear they can play along with anyone and also be able to teach themselves new songs with having to get the music.
Rich223722

Relaxing and Useful

I love this podcast. It’s very helpful to learn more about my instrument and how to play it. It also makes it easy to just enjoy playing it any way you can imagine, and not be so focused on a topic that it’s only goal is to say you were taught something. It strives to make you appreciate what you’ve learned that episode.
Pam likes Bikes

Great Podcast!

A terrific podcast with loads of helpful advice and really useful tips in every episode. I’m a beginning guitar player and listening to this podcast is really helping me to stay motivated. I enjoy Dan’s laid back style of teaching; a fun blend of entertainment along with advice and instruction. The episodes are nice and short, which makes it really convenient to listen to whenever I need inspiration or motivation with my guitar playing.
Rjkenn01

Testing:Episode 21

Another great podcast! It’s always good to be challenged and this was a great example. I got 3 of the 5, so I feel good about it. It reminds me of the other way to learn and that is writing information down. You can read, read, read but write it down and it becomes ingrained. Same with testing. Get the answer to the question and chances are you’ll remember it forever. Looking forward to more. Thanks Dan!!
D Pybus

Acoustic asylum

I’ve listened to three episodes, and they’ve been very helpful. I like the short to the point approach.
SuzieQuzy

Progress

I’ve had many an online instructor throughout the years, and I can finally say I feel as though I’m making gains through Dan’s course. I love the podcasts in addition to the Dan Thorpe Academy. I find I am not venturing down as many rabbit holes as I once was. I am making progress. Thank you.
JoePics

My favorite Teacher

Dan is a fountain of positivity. He constantly reminds us to simplify our playing until we find success! One note, one measure, one chord, one phrase, …. Remember how we learned in elementary school: one letter at a time, sounding out a word, simple sentences, complete simple books, …. It WORKS! Acoustic Asylum is one more step in Dan’s teaching process. Small bites, clear message, positive presentation and always with a positive personality and presentation. Good on you, Dan!
jpmoore9

Talent is Overrated

Outstanding podcast. Dan does an excellent job of letting the air of the talent misconception. As a career “starting to play the guitar” yet never finishing for a myriad of reasons, I can attest to the belief that I just don’t have the talent to do it. I’m going to believe Dan (as well as buying the book) and do my best to stick with it. Thank you Dan for all you do to help us develop our talent!
jhcgrant

Love this podcast!

After struggling off and on learning guitar for over 50 years, I've found inspiration and motivation from Dan Thorpe to continue again. His tips are helpful, his encouragement is genuine, and I enjoy all his movie references. I look forward to every episode.
PhillyShow

Great podcast

Found Dan a few years back and ordered his Guitar Domination course...always read his emails and use his tips to progress in my guitar playing...and now the podcast has just taken that to another level...very informative and engaging...definitely worth the listen if you're a guitar player of any level...has definitely inspired me to pick up my guitar more and work toward my guitar goals 👊🏾🎸🔥🖤
Rick_Birdman

Binge Listened To All Episodes Today!

What a treat. I finally got a chance to start listening to your podcasts today Dan. What a treat. I got started and just couldn’t stop. Great work Dan. Keep it up and I’ll keep listening!
Jim Ha.

Acoustic Asylum

This podcast is great. Dan provides short and informative help with learning the guitar. It’s worth subscribing to this podcast and following Dan. His suggestions have been helpful in my journey to relearn the guitar.
jwidg

The Acoustic Asylum

Have been with Dan Thorpe with his Fingerpicking 101 and the Acoustic Academy. Nice to see more presence in the podcast and instagram. Has a lot of great technical advice as well as practice strategies. Podcasts are a great way to refresh and present his key concepts
Fred.rubin

Great learning tool

I started seriously playing at age 71 and I have been spending a great deal of time online looking for lessons and podcasts that will help me learn the guitar. Dan gives me so many good bits of advice, and I really enjoy this podcast. And if you’re American, it’s worth listening to him just to enjoy the accent!
Fingerpicking fool

Acoustic asylum

Love the podcast!! Dan is a great guitar teacher-he makes learning fun and interesting! Keep up the good work Dan!!
Pete Setze

Dan is so motivating!

I’ve found Dan’s podcasts so interesting and motivating. I get frustrated sometimes with my slow progress, and I lose enthusiasm for picking up my guitar. I’ve felt better each time I’ve listened to one of his podcasts. He’s a very engaging guy, and I highly recommend listening to them.
Bikn Bill

Senior citizen playing the guitar

I am 82 yrs old and started Dan Thorpe’s course about a year ago . He simplifies the program with written tabs and a video that you can replay . With the video your teacher is always with you . I do lots of camping with my family and enjoy playing the guitar. I continue to improve with Dan’s encouraging emails. I highly recommend this course Bill Sperling
JTK5610

Celebrating wins

The session on rewards was great. Whether large or small the celebration of wins is so important. Thanks so much.
Josh Fahy

Listen to Dan ....Really!

I have been fighting with the guitar for years. I am retired now and feel like I have finally found a teacher who is clear and totally covers the basics and beyond. I am working my way through his fingerstyle 101 book and it is great fun. Thank you Dan for all your help.
Disgruntled20000

Acoustic Asylum Rocks

I was very excited when Dan announced this podcast series. I have thoroughly enjoyed his courses, and the podcast adds insights and encouragement that just enhances their value. I enjoy his easygoing style and the way he presents his material. I look forward to joining him weekly long into the future!
Zen-ford

Acoustic Asylum

Dan Thorpe does a great job teaching techniques and providing examples on how to best use and develop the techniques. His pleasant and encouraging manner helps keep focus on having fun while learning and practicing. Nice work, brother. - W
Muddy Diamond

13 Tips

Really enjoyed your latest piece an look forward to checking out the PDF you’ve put together. I liked the classical check in and the reference to John Williams and his great work.
Warren Ludlow

Great Podcast

I am an old codger that started playing guitar again after a 50-year hiatus. Dan Thorpe's Acoustic Asylum has been a great help in perfecting my technique and improving my playing. What I like best about the podcast is Dan's simple suggestions and how he presents them in an entertaining way. I would recommend the podcast to any guitar player, regardless of their experience level.
Albert19836

Awesome Podcast

I learned cool guitar stuff and got inspired by his passion and friendly vibe
soulofahorse

Acoustic Asylum Podcasts

Dan Thorpe has a unique teaching style that simply works. His Acoustic Asylum podcasts are like icing on a cake. Thanks, Dan, for making my journey with my beloved guitar easier and definitely more interesting and entertaining! Kim Whitmire
Ollie Kitty

A fun upbeat way to learn the guitar

Dan Thorpe is a fun guitar teacher who really gets how it can be hard to play a guitar for us “older” players. Even though I’ve played for many years I’m not a good player but would still like to improve. I’m enjoying these podcasts and get inspired to pick up my guitar and work at learning what he has to teach. I recommend his podcast and books. I’ve had other guitar teachers and I believe Dan to be the best. He cares about his students and wants them to enjoy the guitar as much as he obviously does. Thanks Dan!
zeba1

Clear teacher

Dan’s lessons and tips are spot on clear and useful. So glad to have the Asylum to listen to and learn to play my guitar.
Picking Dale

Escaping the Asylum

I definitely recommend Dan’s Thorpe’s podcast(s). Even at my advanced age (70+) he managed to teach me something new. Not only about the guitar and playing, but about any number of music trivia items, artists, and songs. Plus he has a very personable style of presenting. Like sitting down in the den, sipping a beer, and talking & playing!
Armanns

Dan is the best

Dan is the best teacher ! I have been learning with him ever since his first book . This podcast is amazing !
Roadkill44

Dan Thorpe Guitar

Dan does a great job of keeping me moving ahead with my guitar journey. He keeps things simple and his explanations are very easy to follow. I am 78 years old, and I am finally making daily progress as a guitarist.
SJHuot

It's an asylum out there

I love the simple chord progression and plan to learn it as soon as I am done with this review. Nice style, Dan!
Frank from NH

Acoustic asylum

Dans courses and podcasts provide motivation to keep trying. I play for my own enjoyment. One of goals is to the finger picking intro to Dust in the Wind. I struggle with playing a clean sounding C chord. I’ll keep at it
Royersford

Accoustic Asylum

Dan makes newbies to guitar feel there is hope for them! Great attitude and he’s realistic about what is important to being able to play for fun!
This I’m

13 ways to escape

Man, I enjoyed the podcast so much I had to come back and listen to it again. Keep up the good work we all need it.
Fender 65

Acoustic asylum

Hey Dan I have been listening to every episode of the asylum since you started.. I really like the way you present the content and have fun doing it. I really like when you talked about the song writing contest in the finger style 101 group. I have been walking and strumming the G D ‘Em C progression to a metronome for about a week now and it forces me to breathe and try to stay in rhythm. I look forward to the next episode thanks and keep up the good work.
Waylon1222

Entertaining and fun

Always interesting, I have enjoyed every episode so far.
Kim Landwehr

Podcast The Acustic Aslyum

I love your technique and your encouraging thoughts and words. Thank you for the free pdf!
Strumming Jim

Acoustic Asylum

I can always get fantastic information on Dan’s podcast! Check it out.
jefford1191

Good info

Dan gives you a lot of encouragement and great advice on how to play acoustic guitar. I highly recommend his course
Concerned anonymous

Really nice podcast. Informative and entertaining.

I am a Dan Thorpe Fingerstyle 101 student and have found this podcast to dovetail nicely with the teaching I am assimilating through Dans’ lessons. Lots of reaffirming information about learning and understanding guitar as well as relaxing and taking time to learn good techniques. The podcast presents a lot of info well presented with lighthearted fun and humor to balance the overall journey toward understanding playing your guitar and enjoying it.
Bruceb6501

Guitar guru

Dan is an excellent teacher and his podcast are off the charts. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
wasmd

Acoustic asylum

I find the brief podcasts very informative and entertaining. Thanks, Dan!
Bill in CO

Good Stuff

I’ve been listening to all of these on Amazon Music since Dan first started them. They have been a big help to this 76 YO beginner.
LudiMS

Dan Thorpe’s The Acoustic Asylum

As an old lady trying to learn the guitar, I’m really enjoying Dan’s podcast!
FluteLady1

Lots of fun stuff

The only podcast I actually listen to. Love your teaching techniques. I started with the 101 book and have been learning ever since. Thanks for all you do.

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