How to Play a Bop-Style Lick on Country Guitar

In country music, more than in other styles of music, you generally get farther in your career if you have a guitar strapped to your neck. Not only can you play along with your own singing, but you can also enjoy a side career playing along with other artists, as guitarists like Chet Atkins and Vince Gill have done. Master a variety of guitar techniques, like country bop-style licks, through practice and perseverance.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Learn the basics of playing the guitar. You should know the basic chords and frets before starting to experiment with different styles of music and sounds.

2. Play the E chord and throw in a sixth, or move up one to the fifth. You could start with the E major chord and throw in a seventh, too. Play up and down on the E major chord to experiment with the different sounds you can create. Do this with other major chords as well.

3. Strum along with a syncopated beat that simulates a rock or bop beat. Listen to music in this style such as Roy Orbison or Lyle Lovett to get a feel for how it sounds and how it is counted.

4. Find some recordings of country licks you can practice your new style along with. One good place to look is Blues for Peace (see Resources below). Their website has music for many different styles of guitar playing listed in it. You can learn right off the site, or print the licks to practice. Consider joining a band or other group of guitar players to trade techniques and licks.

5. Practice, practice, practice. It is important for playing any musical instrument to learn through sound, skill and practice. Without practicing the country style of guitar playing, you will have a hard time retaining it--both physically and mentally.

Resources

• Blues for Peace