Rhythm Guitar Survival Guide – Country

By Erik Holmbom

The Rhythm Guitar Survival Guide – Country is a comprehensive, note-for-note guitar course designed to give players a rock-solid foundation in modern and traditional country rhythm guitar. Presented by Erik Holmbom, this course breaks down the essential feels, grooves, and techniques that define country guitar playing, making it ideal for guitarists who want to sound authentic, confident, and stylistically fluent. Whether you are playing in a country band, recording sessions, or simply expanding your rhythm guitar vocabulary, this course delivers practical tools you can apply immediately.

At its core, the course focuses on three cornerstone country styles: Country Pop, Country Shuffle, and Train Beat. Each style is explored through progressions, concept lessons, and targeted workouts that build technique, timing, and musical understanding.

Country Pop

Country Pop Progression & Breakdown

Country pop rhythm guitar blends clean, polished chord work with tight timing and tasteful embellishments. In this lesson, Erik breaks down common country pop chord progressions, focusing on clarity, smooth transitions, and consistent groove. You’ll learn how to support a modern country arrangement with confidence while keeping your playing musical and controlled. This approach helps players lock in with the band and maintain a professional, radio-ready sound.

Country Pop Ideas & Concepts

This section explores the creative ideas behind country pop rhythm guitar, including dynamic control, syncopation, and subtle embellishments. You’ll discover how small rhythmic variations, light embellishments, and chord voicing choices can elevate a simple progression into something engaging. Learning these concepts helps guitarists avoid repetitive strumming and develop a more expressive rhythmic voice.

Country Pop Workouts

The workouts are designed to reinforce timing, consistency, and endurance. By repeating realistic progressions at performance tempos, you’ll strengthen your sense of groove and develop muscle memory. These exercises are invaluable for building confidence and ensuring your rhythm playing remains tight and dependable in live and studio situations.

Country Shuffle

Country Shuffle Progression & Breakdown

The country shuffle is a defining groove in classic and modern country music. In this lesson, Erik demonstrates how to construct and play shuffle-based progressions with the correct feel and swing. You’ll learn how to balance bass movement with chord stabs, creating a rhythmic pulse that feels both relaxed and driving.

Country Shuffle Ideas & Concepts

Here, the focus shifts to understanding the rhythmic feel that makes a shuffle work. You’ll explore how muting, accents, and picking approaches shape the groove. Mastering these concepts allows players to sound authentic and prevents the shuffle from feeling stiff or rushed.

Country Shuffle Workouts

These workouts are built to internalise the shuffle feel. Repetition at various tempos helps develop rhythmic accuracy and consistency. By working through these exercises, guitarists gain the ability to sit comfortably in the pocket, a crucial skill for any country rhythm player.

Train Beat

Train Beat Progression & Breakdown

The train beat is instantly recognisable in country music, driving songs forward with relentless momentum. In this lesson, Erik breaks down the chord progressions and picking patterns that define this style. You’ll learn how to maintain energy and precision while keeping the rhythm steady and propulsive.

Train Beat Ideas & Concepts

This section explores the mechanics behind the train beat, including right-hand control and rhythmic stamina. Understanding these ideas helps players maintain speed and clarity over long sections without losing intensity or accuracy.

Train Beat Workouts

The workouts are designed to build endurance and timing. Practising these patterns repeatedly strengthens your ability to maintain a consistent groove, making you a more reliable rhythm guitarist in high-energy country settings.

About the Guitar Player

Erik Holmbom is a highly respected guitarist and educator, known for his deep understanding of multiple styles and his clear, practical teaching approach. His playing is influenced by classic country session greats as well as modern Nashville players, blending traditional feel with contemporary precision. Erik’s experience ensures that every lesson in this course is grounded in real-world musicianship, making the material both authentic and highly applicable.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Course

• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Finger Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Travis Picking
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Capo
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Sustain
• Vibrato

This course is an essential guide for any guitarist looking to master the feel, techniques, and confidence required to play authentic country rhythm guitar.