Contests are open to anyone except those who are performing as a billed or paid entertainer or workshop leader at the 2020 National Flat Pick Guitar Championships and those who have been the First Place winner within the past five years — specifically the years 2015 through 2019. However, previous winners may enter and win contests which they have not won within the last five years. For example, the First Place winner of the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship in the last five years may enter and win any or all the other contests.
Only 40 contestants may compete per contest. This will be the first 40 answering when their names are called from the chronological registration lists, one-half hour before the contest begins. Contestants MUST HAVE A VALID / PURCHASED FESTIVAL TICKET for the day of the contest.
Contestants must play instruments acoustically into a microphone. An instrument’s electrical capability cannot be used. You may retune your instrument between instrumental numbers using a portable electronic tuner. BE AWARE that time spent retuning your instrument on stage will be included as part of the Maximum Playing time of 5 minutes.