Country Guitar In 6 Weeks - Week 2

Week 2 of the "Country Guitar In 6 Weeks" course at Licklibrary.com dives deep into the heart of country guitar techniques, focusing on the essential skills needed to elevate your guitar playing. This week's lessons are meticulously designed to cover a broad range of techniques including the three-octave horizontal pentatonic scale in two keys, various picking techniques, and the art of building captivating solos. Additionally, learners will explore three licks in the style of the legendary Dickie Betts, providing a comprehensive learning experience that enriches your musicality and technical prowess. This course is taught by Steve Trovato.

Course Overview

Three Octave Horizontal Pentatonic Scale and Variations

The three-octave horizontal pentatonic scale, presented in two keys, is a cornerstone of country guitar playing. This technique expands your fretboard knowledge and improves your ability to navigate through scales seamlessly. Learning this scale in different keys enhances your versatility and improvisational skills, allowing you to adapt to various musical contexts with ease. Mastery of this scale lays a solid foundation for creating expressive and dynamic solos.

Picking Techniques

This week's course also delves into various picking techniques that are vital for any aspiring country guitarist. These techniques, including alternate picking and hybrid picking, are designed to improve your right-hand accuracy and speed. Mastering these picking styles not only enriches your sound with texture and rhythm but also increases your efficiency in playing complex passages.

Building Solos

Building solos using repetition, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and sequences is another focus of this week's lesson. This approach teaches you how to construct solos that are both melodically appealing and technically sound. Learning to use repetition effectively helps in creating memorable solos, while slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs add expression and fluidity to your playing. Sequencing, on the other hand, introduces a methodical way to develop solos, making your improvisations more coherent and impactful.

Three Licks in the Style of Dickie Betts

Exploring three licks in the style of Dickie Betts offers a unique opportunity to understand the nuances of one of country music's most influential guitarists. These licks incorporate the aforementioned techniques and provide practical applications that you can integrate into your playing. Studying these licks not only pays homage to Betts' legendary style but also enhances your ability to infuse emotion and technique into your solos.

Benefits of Using a Backing Track

Practicing with a backing track is an invaluable part of this week's course. A backing track simulates a live band environment, offering you a realistic context to apply the techniques you've learned. It helps in developing your timing, rhythm, and dynamics, making your practice sessions more engaging and effective. Additionally, playing along with a backing track encourages musical creativity, allowing you to experiment with improvisation and solo construction in a supportive setting.

Conclusion

Week 2 of the "Country Guitar In 6 Weeks" course equips you with a comprehensive set of skills essential for mastering country guitar. From exploring the depths of the pentatonic scale to the intricacies of picking techniques and solo construction, this course promises to enhance your musicality and technical capabilities. Practicing these techniques, especially with the inclusion of a backing track, ensures a well-rounded learning experience that prepares you for any musical challenge.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Hybrid Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs