How to Play Jazz Anticipations on Country Guitar

Learning to play guitar requires not only the knowledge of chords, notes and frets but also the use of different techniques to play the guitar with different sounds and applications. Jazz anticipations are used in country guitar playing to anticipate chord and key changes ahead of the change.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Learn how to play the basic chords of country guitar before experimenting with different styles and techniques. Major chords are used the most in playing the country guitar, but all chords and frets are important to diversify your playing abilities.

2. Start in a G chord and go to 5 chord (the D). This is something a lot of country players do, throwing in some jazz touches. One of the most basic ones is to anticipate the chord change by going half a step sharp.

3. Anticipate the 5 chord by going half a step higher to a D-sharp 7. Find D 7, then D-sharp 7 and throw in the 5. Instead of 1-3-7, you go 1-5-7. Practice this a couple of times to get the sound for it. Remember, this is just one variation for jazz anticipation; you can use this technique on different chords and notes.

4. Slide back down to the regular 5, which is D 6. Then walk down to the G. Do this slowly before the down beat of the 5 chord. Try it slowly a few times to get used to the sound, then speed it up to the tempo of the rest of the riff or song you are playing or composing. It will sound off-beat a little at first, but remember that you are anticipating the other instruments and moving to accommodate them.