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Learn to play blues guitar.

Chet Atkins Fingerstyle Rhythm and Lead – EP117

Description

This lesson is split into 2 very different parts. The rhythm guitar part is played using a Chet Atkins fingerstyle technique on acoustic guitar, whereas the lead guitar part is a bluesy lead played on electric guitar (so this is essentially 2 lessons in one). I don’t use a thumbpick when playing fingerstyle, but if you have one and are comfortable with it, I recommend using one. Most fingerstyle players use a thumbpick because it really makes those bass notes pop. I’ve just never been comfortable with one.

Part 1 - Free Chet Atkins Fingerstyle Rhythm Guitar Lesson

Part 2: Lead - For Premium Members

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Slow Walk-Through - Rhythm

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Slow Walk-Through - Lead

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Video Tablature Breakdown

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Comments

  2. Much just like mastering hybrid picking……there’s no going back once you have proper fingerpicking down………..Much like his example in Jimmy Rogers Style (EPO97) we can see struggling though a new distinct style of playing is definitely beyond worth all the effort!

    I’ve often wondered how Brian does all these lessons without being in two places at a time and now I can see in the first couple of minutes of Lesson Part 1 that Brian is replicated body double into two Brians at a time!!

    Jim C.

  3. Beautiful! I love the Chet Atkins style of playing. It has always been a challenge for me but taking small chunks and repeating them over and over slowly seems to be working this time. I’m looking forward to getting this one under my fingers so I can go back on some of the other Chet stuff that you’ve done. Thanks

  5. Thanks for this ‘kick in the pants’ episode Brian to get me back into this style.
    I used to play it a lot ”way back when and I’m re-discovering how enjoyable it is to play this style while wondering why I ever let it drop.
    Keep ’em coming!
    Harry

  10. Brian, the work that went into refurbishing your website is fantastic. I think it is the best designed guitar teaching site on the internet! Plus your teaching is so clear and precise. Thank you for all you do!!

  11. After three days I have finally managed to get the E section to sound vaguely like yours…the A section is beating me so far…it’s that reach back down to the fourth fret on the E string that my little fingers can’t do yet…but I love the sound so much I am persevering…probably get there in about 2017…Great lesson Brian, thank you.

  18. This is my first post after being a member for a year. What I really like about this peace is how you show the importance of changing your baseline as the root note changes from string 5 to 6. G apposed to A. Also this has a real Allman Brothers feel during parts of the song. I would love see more two guitar harmonizing. I have enjoyed taking that feel and playing around with it on my own, Thanks for the spark!

    • The Strat is a US Standard from back in 1990 – that color was something they only did for a few years and it’s called Black Pearl burst. The pickups are Lace Sensor pickups that came standard on most Strats through the 90s

  20. Great lesson as always Brain! This one is a real challenge in playing both parts, acoustic and electric. Now my Boss RC3 looper pedal comes in handy! I am going to play the acoustic part on my Ibanez AF75 hollow body electric and record this with the looper pedal.

  21. Great Lesson. When I get the bass line down, the upper notes mess up a bit. When I get the upper notes down, I miss the odd bass note. Gonna keep working until I get them both together or until my fingers can’t take it anymore!

  22. Hi Brian, I really love this rhythm but am totally stuck on the hammer-on in the very beginning and can’t seem to move forward no matter how slow I go. My base will just not hit the D string at the same moment as my ring finger closes on the B string 2nd fret after hitting the open B. Any recommendations besides not quitting my day job? 🙂

    • Hi Dennis, Persevere with it and you will get there.I am finding it a challenge too but I have managed that first bit after some frustration with it.
      I am a struggler like you but I am determined to get there even if I can’t play it at full speed.
      It will be so rewarding when you conquer even a small part of this number.

      • Hi Nigel,
        I finally got it!! I had to put ait way for a few months but finally came back to it around 3 weeks ago and forced myself to slow down. I only have the first section down but what a breakthrough! Thanks very much for your input!

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