Nashville Country Guitar

Overview: In this lesson we have a variety of country style licks. Some of the licks from the original song were recorded on an acoustic. For the lesson I combined both the electric and acoustic parts together. I feel that this example will give you a good idea of some modern country types of licks predominantly used by the Nashville recording artists that you'll find on many current recordings. The lesson example switches back and forth between the key of G and C but for the most part you should be able to improvise in the key of G and be fine. Towards the end of the example is a transition over Bb, Eb and Ab in which we will play with respect to the major key for each chords. That's how most country players think. Instead of relying strictly on scales they typically play with respect to the chords and positions. I'll elaborate more on this in other lessons. For now this should be a nice and challenging lesson for anyone interested in a country style of playing.

Tone: I'm playing through a G&L ASAT Classic into a Line 6 UX2 Studio device using the Line 6 Pod Farm software. I'm using the Fender Tweed Bassman amp simulation along with a noise gate, spring reverb and delay. That's basically it.

Right Hand Technique: For country guitarists, half the tone comes form their right hand. In order to get a really good tele sound you'll want to learn to hybrid pick (using pick and fingers), thumb pick or finger pick. It's possible you could play most of thes licks alternate picking but for the example I rely heavily on hybrid picking. Be sure to pay attention to my right hand in the example videos.

Pointers: Pay attention to your timing and intonation. On these faster country songs you want to be right on top of the beat. Watch your intonation on the bends. Practice with the slower tempos and then work it up to full speed.