So you want to learn country. No? Too bad. The newest free lick is a frenzy of chicken pickin’ gory glory down a G minor pentatonic. Let’s get started!
We start off on the minor third and then quickly hammer on to the major third. This sort of minor/major sound is used pervasively throughout rock, country, and blues. The note we need to address is the perfect 5th; I use a down pick to strike this note and then hammer on to the 6th. After that, I use the middle finger on my right hand to pluck the G on the high E string. This is our first use of hybrid picking or “chicken pickin’” in this lick. Make sure you get a healthy snap out of the string when you pluck it.
The next passage is a descending legato line that starts on the b7 and includes the b5 when you get to the G string. This pattern used over the two strings gives a nice bluesy sound.
When you arrive at the G on the D string, create a small bar with your middle finger and then tap the C on the G string. Use the middle finger on your right hand to strike that note, as well as the minor/major third idea used on the G string.
The next bar of this lick starts on the root of the scale and then descends to the b7, and from there strike the b5 on the A string while before hammering onto the p5th. Beat two of this bar starts a repeated note lick that’s very reminiscent of Brad Paisley. Pluck the open G string with your middle finger, pick the F on the D, pull off, and then pick D on the A string. Continue this patter over the next beat descending 1 string set. You’ll hear the octaves collide in a very pleasant, but unexpected way. Licks like this sound better when played fast, so make sure to torque up the tempo once it’s under your fingers.
The final beat is an octave transposition of a previous lick, and can be played the same way. Give the G on the low E some stanky vibrato and then tip your cowboy hat to the audience.
This is a very “country” oriented lick, but would also fit nicely in a blues context, and even rock if done with taste. Once you figure out how it works, take the parts that interest you, and then use them to create even more licks!
