Official Rules:

Our flatpicking contest is designed to highlight acoustic guitarists who excel in technical precision, creativity, and overall musical impact. Each contestant will have a chance to showcase their best flatpicking tune in a fair and exciting competition.

1. 20 guitar contestants only.

2. Flatpicking only—no fingerstyle.

3. No singing.

4. One tune in the preliminary round.

5. Three finalists advance from the preliminary round.

6. Two tunes in the final round.

7. No electric instruments.

8. Six-string acoustic guitar in standard tuning (drop D allowed).

9. One rhythm player accompaniment.

10. No medleys of tunes.

11. Each tune should be under 3 minutes.

12. Judging criteria: execution, arrangement, originality, overall impression.

13. If not present when called, contestant will be disqualified. Preliminary Rounds begin at 12:30pm and Finalists must be able to stay to perform in the finals round on the main stage from 7-7:25pm.