Archive for the ‘Country’ Category

What is Chicken Picking?

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Ever heard the term chicken picking? Hybrid picking?

The concept may sound goofy (or even complicated) but chicken picking (aka hybrid picking) is a lead guitar picking technique used often in country music. The technique, also found in rock and metal, is accomplished by plucking the strings outward, or, away from the fretboard instead of parallel to the fretboard with the fingers of the right hand. Consequently, the note is immediately dampened by increasing the pressure of the left hand’s finger on the fret.

The reason guitarists utilize chicken picking is because the style provides a very specific sound that often goes great with country music. Hybrid picking also serves a valuable purpose as you will find with the picking technique certain notes are actually easier to reach with your right, and not left hand.

To hear a 45 second guitar solo with chicken picking CLICK HERE!

Chicken picking will take some time to master so don’t get frustrated if the style is not immediately picked up. When you play country guitar, most individuals prefer to use a clean, telecaster sound with very few — if any effects. Some guitarists might introduce a little reverb, compression or delay but country is a very organic genre and does not require a lot of digital effects.

Country music does, however, have some specific styles that make the genre distinctive and hybrid picking is a fantastic way to get the quick popping sound that you have probably heard a hundred times yet may not recognize immediately as chicken picking.

Since it can be a little difficult to achieve the quick, popping percussive sound of hybrid picking some guitarists recommend using a thumb pick. The thumb pick is important because it frees the right index finger to play strings and pop them whenever you feel like it. For some reason, the index finger is traditionally the perfect size and weight for hybrid picking.

Country music is NOT dependent on one set of scales, like rock or blues. Instead, a good country guitarist understands how to play over the chords much like bluegrass or jazz. Every chord has different lines, chord shapes or riffs associated with it. The more experienced the country guitarist, the more tricks he or she has for a chord.

Beginners need to master a few basic chords like C, D, E, G and A.

Another thing you should understand about country is that the genre uses a great deal of first position playing, based on chord shapes like bluegrass. This means the riffs played revolve around the chord shape, not just the notes in the chord but others around the chord.

For a good example, find out to play a lick based on a D7 chord thanks to FreeGuitarVideos.com

lick 1


Want to learn more about the country guitar? Check out CountryGuitarChops.com.

Everything Country Guitar

Sunday, January 9th, 2011

So you dig country music. It’s your scene. You love the Southern twang, the heartfelt lyrics and generally depressing subject matter.

Today, our focus is on learning aspects of the guitar that are specific to country music.

Check it out…

Country Chords

Although the “current country scene” has produced a little more diverse (and much more pop) sound with artists like Lady Antebellum and Taylor Swift; in my opinion the true country sound was made famous by the older acts, legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash who often used a rather basic sound to let their amazing songwriting shine. Which is really what country music is all about.

In order to nail county you should get a good grasp on the basic chords. The essential guitar chords for country music include D, G, C, A and E. They obviously progress from there. The beautiful thing about country music is that it’s a perfect fit for songwriters (who also play the guitar) because it is one of the few genres still that does include a ton of unnecessary noise. It’s basic and to the point.

Country Rhythm

Get rhythm when you get the blues/
Come on, get rhythm when you get the blues/
A jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine/
It’ll shake all the trouble from your worried mind/
Get rhythm when you get the blues/

Johnny Cash may have not been the most skilled musician of all-time but he was an incredible songwriter with that notorious deep voice. His hit “Get Rhyhtm” was all about turning to music when you “get the blues” and yes…rhythm is part of the sound that you love. Rhythm guitar will take some time to learn. My best advice is to listen to a lot of country (which you might or might not already be doing) and practice on basic rhythm patterns and strumming daily.

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Country Scales

Forget country, in any preferred genre learning the scales that truly make music tick is one of the most important early lessons for an aspiring guitarist. The blues were very innovative with scales so a lot can be learned by studying such ground-breaking discoveries as the 12 Bar Blues. Learn them early!

Country Songwriting

In the end, great country music comes down to the songwriting. Country music is a great avenue for beginners because the old-school style is fairly basic but that does not mean country music is also a weak genre. It’s not. What really makes country is the songwriting! If you love to play guitar but also love songwriting then this genre is a great place for you to become the next country legend.

Country Music Resources:

Country Music — Wikipedia
TheBoot.com
CountryGuitar.com
Goodwin Music

CountryTabs.com

The Guitarist Survival Guide — Ace Your First Gig

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

So you’ve been playing the guitar for quite some time now. You’ve developed a nice practice habit, absorbed all the information possible and even joined a band. Where do you go from here? You play your first gig, of course.

I’m guessing that what motivated you to get into playing the guitar in the first place was eventually to perform. Do not get me wrong, practicing in your lonely old room is fun and all but the true joy of music comes from playing it in front of others. However, your first gig is going to be a little nerve-racking and more than anything NOT perfect.

Which means do not set your standards low (always shoot for the best) but after the gig is all said and done realize that you made mistakes and the beauty is that you can learn and improve on those mistakes. So what’s The Guitarist Survival Guide to acing the first gig?

I like to divide this guide into five separate steps…

Anticipation

This is the entire build up to your very first show. I’m talking about both the personal practice needed to hold your own in the band as well as the business side of actually booking that first show. You should obviously know the songs by heart and be familiar with the set-list prior to the gig. However, for an artist approaching the business side it may not be so easy. Remember to start with something small. This is your first show after all and it’s going to take some time to make your act known. Do not be afraid to play in a little venue and if all else fails, playing for free is not the worst thing in the world. Just do not make it a habit — you’re a respectable guitarist in a respectable band.

Gear Prep

If you’re nervous, it’s easy to overlook the gear prep. Big mistake! You must know your gear in and out, from what guitar works best for which songs to amp and effect settings. Double check that your strings are in good condition and that you have plenty of extra picks, string, cable, etc. Even little things like an extra set of batteries for your FX are important. Remember, nothing screams amateur more than a band that is not properly equipped.

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The Arrival

You may idolize rock stars who did not play by the rules but for God sakes be respectful and BE EARLY. You’re not Led Zeppelin and the world does not revolve around your music. Those bands may have been able to get away with murder and unreasonable requests, but your local venue has plenty of other acts they can book if you’re just plain rude. Trust us, they’ll not give you a second chance. So do the little things (like being nice to the sound guy) and handle personal business (like arranging how your getting paid) in a professional and respectful manner.

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The Performance

This is your opportunity to shine. In sports you hear the cliché, “preparation is everything”. The same is true of the rock show. It may look and feel great but those acts put a hell of lot of preparation into that performance. If you’re prepared, you’ll do great. A few pre-show jitters are expected. Take a deep breathe and relax. Remember, amazing performers are beloved because they have terrific stage presence, interact with the audience and do not just stare down at their guitar the entire time. HAVE FUN!

Wrap it Up

You may think your first gig ends with the final note of the final song but you are wrong. You have to tear down the set, thank the individual who booked you, meet and chat with your fans…and get paid. Most importantly do not forget to get paid. Pack your stuff up first and be courteous. If the manager likes your music and likes you personally, they’ll surely look to bring you back. Enjoy the rest of your night!

4-Handed Guitar: Awesome Video

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Wow…this is one of those YouTube videos you find that just blow you away.

I’ve been following the CandyRat Records guys, including Antoine Dufour and Tommy Gauthier (not to mention Andy McKee) for a long time now, and Antoine is one of my favorites on the label. He’s typically focused on crazy tunings and a chilled out acoustic rhythm/tapping style, but this quick country diddy barely even made him break a sweat.