20 Country Licks You Can't Live Without - Volume Two - Erik Holmbom

Take your country guitar chops to the next level with 20 Country Licks You Can't Live Without - Volume Two by Erik Holmbom, exclusively at Licklibrary.com. This expertly crafted course is a goldmine of essential country licks, techniques, and feel-good phrasing. Whether you're chasing the spicy twang of Nashville or the raw grit of Southern roots, this course delivers bite-sized, powerful licks that embed technique and musicality into every phrase.

Each lick is broken down clearly and taught note for note, making it ideal for guitarists wanting to expand their vocabulary, improve their phrasing, and refine their country tone and technique. Across all 20 licks, you'll encounter expressive bends, tasteful slides, tight rhythmic picking, and classic country phrasing, all while exploring licks in the keys of E, A, G, and D.

Licks 1-3 – Key of E

The course kicks off with licks in the key of E, showcasing bold string bends, vibrato, and tasty hammer-ons. These licks introduce the classic E major pentatonic shapes and combine them with slides and major-scale runs.

Technique Focus: String Bending and Vibrato

These techniques add vocal-like expression to your solos, allowing you to “speak” through your guitar and give your playing a human, emotional quality.

Licks 4-6 – Key of A

Next, Erik dives into the key of A, employing double-stops, trills, and snappy alternate picking. These licks embrace both bluesy grit and melodic finesse, giving you licks that feel both modern and timeless.

Technique Focus: Trills and Alternate Picking

Trills improve finger independence and fluidity, while alternate picking sharpens your accuracy and speed, making your lines clean and precise.

Licks 7-9 – Key of G

In the key of G, you'll explore licks rich in country-blues crossover, featuring pull-offs, unison bends, and chromatic walk-ups. These licks offer a perfect playground for developing melodic storytelling and dynamic picking.

Technique Focus: Pull-Offs and Unison Bends

Pull-offs add fluidity and legato motion, while unison bends deliver a powerful, vocal-like intensity—essential in creating that authentic country twang.

Licks 10-12 – Key of D

These D major licks integrate rich arpeggios, hybrid picking, and tasteful double-stop bends. The phrasing here leans into classic Western swing with just enough bite to keep things modern.

Technique Focus: Hybrid Picking and Arpeggios

Hybrid picking enhances pick-and-finger coordination and gives your lines a sharper, punchier attack. Arpeggios help outline chord tones clearly, elevating your soloing with harmonic sophistication.

Licks 13-15 – Key of A

Returning to the key of A, these licks include slides, pinched harmonics, and syncopated rhythms. These licks are a masterclass in rhythmic phrasing and tonal variation.

Technique Focus: Syncopated Rhythms and Pinched Harmonics

Learning syncopation trains your timing and groove, a must for locking in with a rhythm section. Pinched harmonics add texture and excitement to your lead playing.

Licks 16-17 – Key of E

These E key licks explore deeper string bending, expressive pre-bends, and lyrical melodic lines. They emphasise feel over flash, rewarding players who focus on nuance and tone control.

Technique Focus: String Bending and Pre-Bends

String bending builds hand strength and expressive control, while pre-bends teach you to hear and land accurate pitches—crucial for polished soloing.

Licks 18-20 – Keys of A & D

Closing the course are three dynamic licks that fuse the keys of A and D. These licks tap into rakes, tapped harmonics, and even subtle open string riffs.

Technique Focus: Tapped Harmonics and Rakes

Tapped harmonics offer shimmering, bell-like tones and advanced control. Rakes add percussive punch and attitude, helping articulate notes with emphasis and flair.

Why This Course Is Essential for Every Country Guitarist

With 20 Country Licks You Can’t Live Without - Volume Two, you get more than just licks—you gain a working knowledge of phrasing, fretboard navigation, and stylistic nuance. Erik Holmbom’s delivery is clear, inspiring, and structured to help you internalise both the theory and technique behind each lick. Whether you want to sound more authentic in a country band or just inject some Nashville flavour into your playing, this course is a vital tool in your practice arsenal.

Techniques Featured in This Course

Ready to bring the twang, fire, and finesse of true country guitar into your playing? Dive into 20 Country Licks You Can't Live Without - Volume Two and let Erik Holmbom guide your journey.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Erik Holmbom

Born in Skelleftea in Sweden and an alumn of the session musician programme at the Pitea College of Music in Sweden, Erik is a sought after guitarist who splits his time on the road with artists and bands, in the studio recording for clients and as a guitar teacher to...

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