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Country Blues Guitar Lesson – EP131

Description

In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play an original composition which alternates back and forth between a D5 chord and a C. In addition to learning the strumming pattern for the rhythm, you’ll also be playing several lead fill licks in between the chords (and learn what scales they come from). I titled this “Country Blues Guitar Lesson” because I thought the rhythm part sounded country, whereas the lead fills sounded bluesy. This piece is played with no accompaniment – solo guitar.

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Comments

  1. BluGenes says

    December 18, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    Sweet one Brian!! Thanks!

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    • bhan says

      December 27, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      Great lesson…more like this one please. Sounds amazing on my 1949 martin d-18, as though this is the style this guitar was built for.

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      • Oscar M says

        February 4, 2016 at 8:29 pm

        You wanna. Sell lol

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      • Albie S says

        March 14, 2016 at 5:16 pm

        Same experience with my ’61, thanks Brian !

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    • Chris H says

      March 16, 2017 at 6:50 pm

      thanks brian I like that

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  2. Maradonagol says

    December 18, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    Well I was betting on a cruncher with the ES335….but if this is called country blues…then I am totally hooked…love that melancholy mood …….you hit an interesting nerve on my end!!

    Thanks for another top lesson….

    Roberto

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    • Dory says

      December 22, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      Hey Brain,

      It could just be my take, but when I hear you play (anything) I spot so many wonderful guitar players I’m just amazed! As with this lesson my thoughts went right to Stephen Stills and Treetop Flyer. While not identical, your teaching opens new doors, and there’s so many directions/levels to go with it! fantastic lesson.
      Hoping you have a great Christmas..

      Kev
      Savannah GA

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  3. San Luis Rey says

    December 18, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    Way cool Brian! Thanks for another great lesson that sounds great on its own.
    Mike

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  4. JRG says

    December 18, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    Brian,

    Great lesson, I can hardly wait to dig in! This lesson and the last one have really helped my understanding as well as pushed my envelope. Great stuff!

    JRG

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  5. madams says

    December 18, 2015 at 10:38 pm

    I was refreshing the lesson page every few minutes waiting for the new lesson to post. When I saw “Country Blues,” I was a little disappointed because I’m not a big country music fan.

    But, I decided to go through the lesson to learn what I could. I found that this is really a beautiful song. And it’s full of great musical insights and theory as always.

    If you’re not a country music aficionado, don’t let the word “Country” in the title keep you from digging in to this one. It’s really a great lesson.

    Michael

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    • Brian says

      December 18, 2015 at 11:40 pm

      Yeah, I wasn’t really sure what to call it. It’s not country, it’s not blues. It’s not jazz, rock, etc. It’s somewhere between country and blues though.

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      • Kip M says

        December 19, 2015 at 11:15 am

        Actually … the genre “Country” when referred to radio is misleading in and of itself. This lesson is appropriately named Country/Blues. It’s a great lesson and one I can really dig. Labels can be deceiving but picking the guitar is the real deal. Thanks for the lesson.

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      • madams says

        December 19, 2015 at 6:22 pm

        It’s funny how us humans like to label things so we can organize the world into neat little boxes. This is a great mix of genres that reminds us good things don’t need to come in a single package 🙂

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        • madams says

          December 19, 2015 at 6:39 pm

          On a less philosophic note, the lesson also reminded me that I suck at picking alternate base notes 🙂

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      • David R says

        March 7, 2016 at 4:22 am

        It’s exactly what I would categorize as Alt. Country!

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      • sunburst says

        May 8, 2016 at 4:24 pm

        Reminds Me Tony RIce..I like it..was watching Tony RIce Church street blues after this

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      • Todd H says

        June 27, 2019 at 6:24 pm

        Puts me in mind of something Chris Stapleton would do, or maybe Steeledrivers, that’s a good thing, my ears love it

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      • Eric J says

        December 21, 2021 at 6:20 pm

        I agree with you .
        To me, in some places it sounds kind of “Irish” . Amazing. Beautiful tune.

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  6. madams says

    December 18, 2015 at 11:03 pm

    Oh, and the chord at 8:05 brought back instant memories of “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer 🙂

    Michael

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    • Brian says

      December 18, 2015 at 11:41 pm

      “From the beginning” – awesome guitar song. Yes, that chord is in that song (with the open 1 string)

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  7. Karnac says

    December 18, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    Great lesson Brian….I hear Steve Earle in there…..

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    • Brian says

      December 18, 2015 at 11:38 pm

      Yeah man – definitely Steve Earle in there – I hadn’t even thought of that, but I love the way that Steve plays.

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    • Kip M says

      December 19, 2015 at 11:17 am

      The Steve Earle method of finger picking would be a great lesson and I often get “cross ways” as Steve mostly uses 2 fingers to pick and I use mostly 3 so every once in awhile when playing his songs I get a finger tangled up … LOL … but it’s fun.

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  8. Cattuli68 says

    December 18, 2015 at 11:51 pm

    I love this one Brian Thanks

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  9. barry says

    December 19, 2015 at 12:28 am

    Another Beauty Brian!!Copperhead Road will now be enhanced as I advance!Have a Great Xmas Barry

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  10. Tom Van Bladel says

    December 19, 2015 at 3:53 am

    This is why I love this site. To find these little treasures, not every week – some of them are not my style, but that’s ok, but every now and then these beauties show up. I gues everyone has thas feeling, each in their own style, and that’s why we appreciate all your efforts., Brian. To me, I’m very pleased with this mix of styles. I’m looking forward to it every Saturday morning, like a 46 year old child opening gifts from under the Christmas tree. I am so grateful for that. Thank you!

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  11. alvin sears says

    December 19, 2015 at 3:58 am

    awesome again Brian….thank you!

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  12. Stobes says

    December 19, 2015 at 4:39 am

    If you learn E phrygian all the notes are there as it is all in C major – is it not?

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  13. Allan says

    December 19, 2015 at 5:17 am

    Really cool tune Brian I can hear bits of acoustic Jimmy Page in there, your right about the opening you just keep playing it very simple but grabs your attention and sucks you in there. Cheers mate

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  14. gquellet says

    December 19, 2015 at 6:45 am

    Brian, now you have me putting up my Les Paul and or strat and putting the acoustic in my hands.
    This is the perfect lesson with a smokey sound that haunts your soul. GOD BLESS YOU !

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  15. Jeff says

    December 19, 2015 at 6:48 am

    super lesson!

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  16. Don D. says

    December 19, 2015 at 7:41 am

    Great sound, thank you, Brian! Reminds me of “The Chain,” Fleetwood Mac.

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  17. Michael Allen says

    December 19, 2015 at 8:09 am

    I love it / Thanks Brian

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  18. Philip m says

    December 19, 2015 at 8:44 am

    Nice arrangement. Thank you.

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  19. gbhstrat says

    December 19, 2015 at 8:50 am

    Another great one. I would also like to see this version in drop D. It opens up some cool solo rhythm fills with the fifth and six strings

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  20. SugarmillMan says

    December 19, 2015 at 8:58 am

    Great Lesson!! Love those acoustic solo songs. Thanks.

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  21. VERDIER G says

    December 19, 2015 at 9:23 am

    I am fan of acoustic guitar, this lesson is super; merry christmas

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  22. gogol says

    December 19, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Thanks Brian for sharing this beauty

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  23. old man says

    December 19, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    Great lesson!!also really enjoy the variety of lessons. For me Doc Watson came to mind on measure 16 and 17 of the start of the C chord.

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  24. Fenno1 says

    December 19, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    Great stuff. Normally into Clapton Page and Stones, but this was great Happy Christmas to all.

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  25. wired4u says

    December 19, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    A great lesson Brian. Can’t help but think of the Allman’s Midnight Rider riff in this song. The D5 is a great go to chord.
    Thanks!

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  26. Steve W says

    December 19, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    Great lesson to finish the year off Brian More acoustic country blues in 2016 please
    Best Wishes
    Steve

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  27. JRG says

    December 19, 2015 at 5:58 pm

    I am really enjoying this lesson! After it came out yesterday, I spent well over an hour, nonstop just learning and enjoying it. Great sounding lesson and not extremely difficult. After taking a break, I added drop D, than double drop D, palm muting and dynamics. Love this lesson Brian, thank you!

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  28. Kevin GA says

    December 20, 2015 at 7:14 am

    Great Christmas present for us all Brian ! Thanks for posting and seasons greetings to you and your family.

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  29. melodyseeker says

    December 20, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Man! Brian, you’ve hit everything that I’ve wanted to learn on guitar right on the nail, That is why I will continue being a member of Active Melody. I can’t wait to dig into this awesome country blues lesson.

    Merry Christmas!

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  30. jimbostrat says

    December 20, 2015 at 10:35 pm

    From the Beginning……Greg Lake…..Hello it’s me…….Todd Rundgren…..Old Lang Syne by the late great Dan Fogelberg……….mellow and haunting break up tunes………”From the beginning” in my mind has the greatest two jamming chords in the history of acoustic guitar……..basically a form of an A chord and the open C chord moved up three frets……….if these songs don’t stir up haunting long lost loves mellowness in most of us…….nothing will. The cool thing here of course is how Brian can do his spin on a dime and go from some pretty cool upbeat jammin’ blues for several weeks and then get us all introspective with this cool acoustic lesson…………and again. we can jam for hours with the direction Brian’s laid out with this latest tune!!

    Jim C.

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  31. Bryce-AKguitar says

    December 21, 2015 at 12:07 am

    I can’t stop playing this! Haunting and Intoxicating. I have been working on this ALL day! So good!

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  32. parsonblue says

    December 22, 2015 at 2:34 am

    Love the Celtic/Appalachian sound of this original tune…bluegrass meets the blues. Many thanks and happy holidays to you and your love ones.

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  33. cruzan says

    December 22, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    Thanks again Brian, merry Christmas to you & yours

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  34. jeanlouis70 says

    December 22, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    love that piece , you are right intoxicating !!!
    thx

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  35. George C says

    December 22, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Hi Brian,
    I am really enjoying these lessons. I am very happy to be a premium member of active melody. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
    George

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  36. Kevin A. says

    December 22, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    Thanks for adding the music notation. Without it I wouldn’t have figured out the rhythm.

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  37. jlg says

    December 22, 2015 at 8:12 pm

    Cool cool lesson.

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  38. Michael J says

    December 22, 2015 at 8:50 pm

    Merry Christmas to yourself & the family, Brian. Just appreciate so much what you’ve given me and everyone else over the journey. A Happy and Healthy 2016 to you all, and already looking forward to next year’s new stuff.
    Michael J.

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  39. dennis k says

    December 23, 2015 at 3:20 am

    Hi Brian. Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. Your teaching is by far the best I have experienced and with this lesson, it really opens many doors and whilst I have been playing what I thought was OK, nothing compares to you!!! take care, love the family and friends as you have many!

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  40. jimvince says

    December 23, 2015 at 11:59 am

    Thanks Brian. Good review piece for an ‘ol’ time player’ like me!

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  41. Howard B says

    December 24, 2015 at 9:57 am

    Great lesson, thanks and ready to hear more. Merry Christmas everyone!

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  42. gary m says

    December 24, 2015 at 12:51 pm

    Morning brian . merry christmas everebody.
    Gary here from NZ. Its christmas day here. I just had to get up early before the family woke up to do this one.
    Every now and again you put a lesson up that I cant wait to get my hands on and this is one of those lessons.
    good stuff. Thanks for the christmas present.
    Gary

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  43. Dickey says

    December 24, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    Really great.
    Reminds me in some way Allman’s Midnight Rider.
    Thank you

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  44. Teleman001 says

    December 27, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    OK, Brian. Great song. Being a “not so good” banjo picker, it reminds me of a banjo tunes I have played. Question now….. I have been messing with this tune in drop-D. How would you do the rhythm differently in that tuning?

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    • fresnojohns says

      December 27, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Thank you Brian. I really enjoy this type of music.

      fresnojohns

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    • Brian says

      December 27, 2015 at 11:58 pm

      I’d do it the same in Drop D – just hitting that bottom D every other time

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  45. thedge says

    December 29, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Brian this is a fantastic lesson! I would love to see more like it. This and the bluesy jingle bells are my two favorite lessons from you. Keep up the great work!

    I think the drop D version does sound interesting as well.

    Thank you,
    Brent

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  46. riteus1 says

    December 29, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Hey Brain,

    Your lessons have been a blessing to me. I have learned so much from you. I like that you explain not only the licks but the principles which allows me to create my own licks. Your teachings have inspired me to write several songs which I have recorded.

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  47. Michael S says

    January 2, 2016 at 2:13 am

    Super thank`s Brian, please show me more like this

    k.r. from Austria

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  48. Mimdaddy says

    January 3, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    Happy New Year Brian

    Another great lesson that I love. I’m assuming this lesson is in the key of D. I’m really trying to understand chord progressions more . Although this works and sounds great I don’t understand why.

    Thanks again.

    PS. Why do you so dislike the Taylor you play in this lesson

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  49. Tom l says

    January 4, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    Thank YOU !

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  50. Habakkuk says

    January 5, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    I got my fingers around this one more quickly than some other lessons. It lends itself to drop D, and you can also try lots of other variations of licks in D and C.

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  51. George K says

    January 5, 2016 at 5:57 pm

    Hello Brian great arrangement and note combination here, like it. In fact your whole site is brill, top man and a top guitar teacher you’re one in a million.
    Best wishes and a happy new year to you and your family.
    Many thanks
    George (Newark, Nottinghamshire. UK)

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  52. Pete Lee says

    January 13, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I love this! I’m not too good with a pick and a finger picking arrangement works well, but it loses that nice twang that I think is so important in this piece. I’ll keep plugging away with the plastic. Thanks again Brian for pushing me along.

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  53. Aaron P. says

    January 26, 2016 at 4:42 pm

    Another amazing lesson Brian! I love your taste in music and I take so much from each lesson. I love this lesson because I often get into a rhythm rut of just strumming the same old patterns. This lesson helped me learn how to pick out chords and improvise with fill in licks. Thanks for all you do!

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  54. BMH says

    January 30, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Really great. Even a rotten player like me can manage to sound good! I don’t like playing finger style and these with pick/without accompaniment lessons are great.

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  55. Clarence 'riverbank' Johnson says

    March 16, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Yeah cool. I want more like this – i’m still only a novice really on the guitar but can just get this sounding nice now! what’s anyone gone to similar to this?

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  56. Harry H says

    March 17, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    The more I learn and practice this, the more I love it and realise that I have eventually found my musical style to follow. Big thumbs up from the UK.

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  57. T. Frolicker says

    June 23, 2016 at 7:17 am

    Just went back to this one last week. It sounds great when played slowly and languidly.

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  58. T. Frolicker says

    June 23, 2016 at 7:45 am

    And I can add a lot of the previously-learned licks to it.

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  59. eyal r says

    June 30, 2016 at 3:10 am

    you are amazing, keep it up!!

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  60. Chris S says

    July 12, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    Just started working on this one , love It..

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  61. Paul M says

    July 29, 2016 at 8:46 am

    This has got a banjo roll feel to it. You’re right it is intoxicating and you just want to keep rolling with it! Awesome lesson!

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  62. Steven D says

    September 25, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    Hi, any members in the Charlotte area interested in getting together to practice please let me know. Thanks

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  63. Patrick R says

    October 27, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    I love this one, after watching the David Rawlings lessons I feel I blend the two of these please let me know what else you have along these two lines.

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  64. sunburst says

    December 5, 2016 at 6:37 am

    I hear a bit of celtic in mixolydian .major minor pentatonic scales in key of D

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  65. Jeff H says

    January 1, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    Interesting, all the artists and styles people are hearing in this. What I flashed on was Neil Young’s “New Mama”, at least the first few bars. At any rate, excellent tune and one I think I can tackle. Thanks again, Brian.

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  66. Jeff S says

    January 12, 2017 at 8:07 am

    Great song! There is such a wealth of material here, I recently upgraded to a yearly membership and have no regrets. My only problem is I’m violating my resolution to focus on learning a song start to finish before taking on a new one- there’s so much stuff here I want to learn!

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  67. Paul D says

    February 1, 2017 at 5:54 am

    Brian as a recent subscriber I cant thank you enough for how I enjoy your site. I stumbled across this lesson EP131 which highlights your plectrum picking technique. I note you use what I would call a closed fist technique to hold the plectrum with the index finger pointing across the plectrum. Other teachers would recommend a more open hand technique and where picking using the pinkie to rest on the guitar as an anchor with the index finger finger point down the pick, like holding a pencil. Interested in your thoughts and whether you have a lesson on this.

    Best wishes

    Paul

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    • Brian says

      February 1, 2017 at 9:43 am

      Hey Paul, you may be correct on this. My fingers aren’t very long and I”ve never felt comfortable trying to anchor them with my right hand. I see fingerstyle players doing that but not using a pick as much.

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  68. Dan P says

    March 21, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Hello Brian. Love this one. Two things – Is there a lesson in Drop D and what model is your Taylor.
    Many Thanks.

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    • Brian says

      March 21, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Here are 3 Drop D lessons – https://www.activemelody.com/lessons/?_sf_s=drop%20d

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  69. Joe Z says

    November 2, 2017 at 8:06 am

    I absolutely love this lesson, starting part 2. Brian you’re right that the rhythm is “mesmerizing” I’ll pick up my guitar just to play that rhythm. Thank you

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  70. Todd H says

    June 29, 2019 at 2:05 pm

    Great great lesson

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  71. Dave says

    October 14, 2020 at 8:13 pm

    I put this in my folder marked “Come Back To” as I was working on other lessons. I’m so glad I came back to it, it is wonderful…..and of course the longer I keep working these lesson, the less time it takes me to come back to this folder……..

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  72. Mark says

    March 8, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    Can’t get this tune out of my head! Thank you for another great lesson!

    I added a little twist in the 6th bar to make it more country- pull off 3rd string 4th fret to 2nd fret (B to G) then bend the 4th string 3rd fret up a half step the pull off to open to make it more country (minor third bent to major third then pull to D).

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  73. Thomas M says

    September 1, 2022 at 8:00 am

    Right On Time!!! Thanks Brian!!!

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