Bluegrass Licks Vol. 1: Guitar Lesson

In many styles of music, having some knowledge of how to phrase licks and 'get the sound' is important, and in this lesson, we'll do exactly that, by learning some great sounding bluegrass licks!
Full lesson & tab: pickinlessons.com/bluegrass-l...
In the key of G, we'll focus on licks played over the G, C & D chords, while looking at how to link and transition between the chords. For the advanced picker, this lesson will get the ideas under your fingers - and with some practice, you'll be cuttin' the 'grass in no time!
Bluegrass Licks Vol. 2: pickinlessons.com/bluegrass-l...
Bluegrass Licks Vol. 3: pickinlessons.com/bluegrass-l...
/ pickinlessons
/ pickinlessons
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[@thedirtiestbradfordbradfor6181]

I’m a 50 year old blues/rock player who has a 15 year old son that is on the cusp of being a monster flat picker/rhythm player(didn’t see that coming lol).I have flat out struggled trying to play with him.I struggle with the feel more than anything.I know I need to basically start from scratch “to be able to help him advance.This is exactly what I needed.Thank you

[@pickinlessons]

You're absolutely correct...I was the same to a degree, after years of rock playing, bluegrass flatpicking certainly does require a different approach and a solid knowledge in the open position...Good luck!!

[@Nick-ii9pg]

Stop doing drugs with your son Harold.

[@natedog1619]

I’m two weeks into my guitar journey, I had to play the first lick 100+ times before it made sense to me, thanks so much for an awesome lesson buddy!

[@micahwilson3783]

I’m new to guitar and playing fastgrass is my ultimate dream. It’s been difficult to find good tutorials since i don’t know scales and music theory but this video is truly great.

[@VonHanzee]

Its bluegrass, its always fast. No need to Gen Z rename everything that already has a name.

[@Sadowsky46]

You are a great teacher! Explaining the essence and keeping it interesting ❤

[@dhammel15]

Great lesson. Beautiful how running them together works

[@pickinlessons]

Cheers, Dave.

[@EricBrown-wo1nc]

This is fantastic, thank you for what you are doing! I keep learning….

[@Mr512austintexas]

Excellent lesson! Thank you SO much!

[@j.dragon651]

I have been playing classic 60s 70s R&R, blues,.country and some jazz for 60 years. I recently retired to pretty much bluegrass heaven. I figured it is time to get with the program. Thank you for the video, I have to admit Clarence White is my favorite guitarist and I did get to see him three times with the Byrds. I went to a lot of concerts with big name guitar players and I do believe he was the best I ever saw. He would have been a real monster, he was stretching out from his bluegrass roots and who knows what he might have become? I will practice and listen to some more bluegrass. When it is good, it kicks butt. I never got to play any. My dexterity is there, no problem. Subscription added, thumbs up.

[@pickinlessons]

How cool to have seen Clarence! Sounds like the bluegrass bug has bit!

[@j.dragon651]

@@pickinlessons I am finishing up a recording of a Chicago Style blues tune and the third example, to my surprise, worked just as well for a blues rift in the key of E. Click my avatar for some originals if interested.

[@adamclark1611]

That opening!!! WOW!!!

[@saltyassassin]

Outstanding lesson! Keep em coming! Subscribed and Liked

[@spudinho1]

Useful and clear!

[@brettadkins7563]

Really good lesson mate, I love a tutorial that just jumps into it without too much hand holding. Shows that you know who to target with the lesson and make the correct assumption that the viewer has enough know how to follow along.

[@pickinlessons]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed 🙏

[@joeunterwagner1397]

WOW ! Thank you for your commitment and energy level as a teacher .

[@pickinlessons]

You’re welcome, and thank you for your feedback 😊

[@ThunderboltWisdom]

Great playing. I love learning new bluegrass licks. 🤓👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎸

[@pickinlessons]

Me too!

[@nickworley1000]

Just what I needed many thanks

[@mikenorris6769]

This is really great, I'm into this,, been playing guitar for over fifty years, for some reason I'm drawn to the bluegrass style, your teaching approach is excellent..

[@mossygiant]

Great lesson sir

[@jaysahdavidson7668]

Great lesson mate. Keep doing what you do

[@pickinlessons]

Thanks Jaysah 😊

[@zocalo1990]

Awesome!!❤🎉

[@jeffanderson8384]

Thank you!! Just bought an expensive guitar... now I've got to learn to play the damn thing. This is a huge help!

[@kevc-69-]

Being brought up in Prog Rock and since hearing Billy Strings and enjoying that kind of bluegrassy music whilst trying to learn it, i found your video perfect and informative. Thanks.

[@pickinlessons]

Excellent!

[@DoctahToboggan69]

Billy Strings is influencing me to pick up bluegrass! And also to never attempt it lmao xD I used to play guitar but gave up due to 'not getting it' but now that I know how to actually learn I feel much more confident about it

[@gregkiely4839]

Nice work, Keith, done well Mate, love this stuff.

[@pickinlessons]

Thanks, Greg! Cheers, Heath 😊

[@jeffgarrison7056]

Awesome flat pickin', my friend!!!

[@johnlabrecque5321]

Over here in Florida, both my wife and I half retired learning how to play and pick up bluegrass licks. Totally have been enjoying your tutorial thank you so much for sharing this. You made a very applicable and easy-to-understand. We thank you

[@pickinlessons]

You’re very welcome ☺️. Good luck with your picking 👍

[@Gunz4glory]

John, where in Florida? There's lots of places to jam around the state.

[@jaimemantilla5365]

Wowwwwww🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉❤🎉🎉❤ que hermosura gracias hermano eres muy generoso compartiendo esta belleza uffffffff eres un genio total !!!!!

[@johncarlo7395]

Nice, very tuneful and melodic, great to hear something different from the dreaded minor pentatonic "Boring Blues" scale, well played.

[@davorgolik7873]

Exactly the same here! I want bluegrass adventure, to rest from pentatonic 👍

[@dombrace8949]

very good

[@vwdlamont]

Great lesson. Thanks

[@pickinlessons]

My pleasure!

[@michaeldunn4090]

Good Teacher,THANK YOU

[@pickinlessons]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@travelingman9763]

Im a 69 yr Jazz/Blues singer and gùitarist. You teach very well and have an open mind approach. (Subscribed )

[@pickinlessons]

Thank you 😊

[@jasonfreitas688]

Great lesson!

[@pickinlessons]

Glad you liked it!

[@angelovanoeveren7936]

And thanks again ✌🏼

[@usernamemykel]

EXCELLENT !!!! New sub!!

[@DoctahToboggan69]

That Santa Cruz man... it's gorgeous!!

[@pickinlessons]

Thanks man! It’s very sweet to play

[@AlexanderAnderson542]

This is just what I need to start really spicing up my songs! I’m playing live more and need some more tricks I learn my ear and am not good with tabs and such. Thanks

[@pickinlessons]

Good luck and enjoy!!

[@alan4sure]

Learning by ear beats tabs by a mile or 10👍

[@dparrillojr2]

Love this style of music!!! Wish I could play it. But…someone has to be the listener

[@pickinlessons]

😎👍

[@seamuscharles9028]

Wonderful Thank You

[@pickinlessons]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@jeffcuillo6459]

Dude you just taught me something so awesome! People like you have their way about them that makes a person trust and easy to learn. You have very special gift. I pray you give to God the glory for your gift! Thank you thank you thank you

[@pickinlessons]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@flouisbailey]

I live in Bluegrass of Kentucky and an English dude teaches me Bluegrass.

[@GrahamToppHongKong]

Australian I think

[@pickinlessons]

Spot on 😊

[@jacobwells7860]

Same here 😂

[@hughashby5147]

Actually I believe his accent is Austrailian

[@superstratton4818]

Australian bluegrass music?? Amazing!

[@luissaints7082]

thanks

[@J7ct]

This video helps a lot. But the people that made the actual licks blows my mind

[@bernardtichaud4657]

super leçon merci professeur lointain

[@pickinlessons]

You’re very welcome ☺️

[@davidmuir7711]

Fluency is understatement. Is it “Teke”? I’ve always been in awe of that clean, speedy fluency a good BG picker has. You have it but even better you are a great instructor, putting this over the plate so to speak, in a confidence inspiring manner. I have a strange desire for a Martin guitar…Salud mate!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

Don’t wait to long for that Martin guitar. Life is short man. . A sweet sounding Martin D28 is expeNsive but being the richest man in the cemetery does you no good. Buy that guitar !

[@JustinBeyerlin1]

@@JohnnyRebKy I’ll second that! After 24 years of playing guitar, I finally went and bought myself a D28 last month. Almost brought me to tears… absolutely amazing guitar. I’ve had a lot of guitars over the years, and I wish I would have made the jump earlier. Still, many, many years left to enjoy this Martin’s sound!

[@markshutts9112]

This one is a Santa Cruz....

[@Jagarchitect]

@@JustinBeyerlin1HD-28 owner here. Waited too long to pull the trigger. I’ve had it for 3 years and bought it 21 years after starting. This thing is unreal.

[@gregoryboyce6871]

So glad I came across your KZbin vids. Thank you so much.

[@pickinlessons]

Thanks, Gregory 😊

[@dieselman7453]

Cheers my man great lesson I’m a fingerstyle player this flatpicking takes some practice in the open positions I think I need to go ver my open scale s again !! Cheers from Ireland 🇮🇪 Brian 🎸🎸

[@pickinlessons]

Yeah, for sure. The open position can be surprisingly challenging at first. Enjoy!

[@user-cr1kb3gt9y]

Feint greet playing

[@diegooland1261]

these are fun and i can actually do them!

[@pickinlessons]

Nice 👍

[@gulley7278]

Great lesson! What kind of strings do you have on that Martin? Sounds great!

[@pickinlessons]

I use Elixir medium lights...although the guitar in this video is a Santa Cruz D-PW. The Martin's been in getting a neck reset and some other maintenance for the last several months, should be back any day now!

[@conartist267]

My goodness, I wasn’t expecting an Aussie voice!

[@pickinlessons]

😌

[@TheDolphster5000]

YEAH!!!!

[@mativele1536]

Muy buen anal hermano!! Gracias! Ya suscripto. GraCiAs!!

[@giix8169]

Graandee!!

[@lorenvguitar614]

Great lesson, what type of guitar are you playing.

[@pickinlessons]

Thank you 😊. This guitar is a Santa Cruz D/PW.

[@shelbyesters5732]

Do you reccomend learning how to read music or just watch videos like this over and over until you memorize it? My guitar has been collecting dust and its time i learn some but i have no idea where to start. I have no musical knowledge

[@pickinlessons]

Learn to read tab for a start. Don’t need notation, but understanding rhythm would certainly help. Although, nothing wrong with learning by ear either - depends on you really. Using both strategies would be beneficial. To start off, learn some tunes, that appeal to you and practice a few scales to help develop technique. Keep it interesting so you stop that guitar from collecting dust!!

[@scrappy291]

Is the first bar/lick tab missing the final open G note you verbally mentioned? The last open note is in the D string.

[@pickinlessons]

Nope, the G is played on the first beat of the 2nd measure. The lick resolves on beat 1 - not on the 4+.

[@scrappy291]

@@pickinlessons Got it. Thank you.

[@pickinlessons]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@janlaidler4860]

What do you mean by resolving and passing licks? Awesome lesson btw!

[@pickinlessons]

Thanks :) Resolving licks = played and ends over the one chord - feels complete. Doesn't need to be a whole measure. Passing licks = not resolving. eg. lick plays over the D, but then resolves as you enter the G. You could string together many passing licks, not resolving the phrase for many chord changes down the road. No rules.

[@podaldridge5878]

Great people show you how play licks in blue grass on guitar.

[@pickinlessons]

😊

[@cajunqueen5125]

👍👍👍

[@pfelice157]

Question: On the second passage you're playing an open G note at the end but I don't see that in the tab. Where does that last note fall in the rhythmic scheme?

[@pfelice157]

I just figured it out; it's the first note in the next passage.

[@pickinlessons]

Each of the first 4 licks resolve/conclude on beat 1 of the following measure 👍

[@cpome7]

Great lesson. Thanks. 🙏

[@pickinlessons]

My pleasure!

[@neilmartin99]

I suck at guitar. Thanks for helping me suck a little bit less. 🤣😆😂

[@pickinlessons]

You’re welcome 😌 stick at it!!

[@bestself2438]

I went though a Gypsy Jazz phase. I sucked at it…but it significantly changed and improved my picking skills. Gypsy Jazz is the same 50 songs written in the 1940s over and over. I love the melodies and tone of bluegrass so I am going to go down this rabbit hole. What is the “Minor Swing” of bluegrass? Meaning, what is the one song everyone works on first? The “Stairway to Heaven” of bluegrass (but without the stigma haha). By the way, Stairway is a great song. Maybe someone can tell me the top 3 beginner tunes to learn? I am an intermediate player. I can play ‘Windy and Warm’ and have some chops (usually in the pentatonic realm where us untalented people go to die haha). Thanks. I like Billy Strings and he’s what got me into this. Stephan Wembrel got me into Gypsy Jazz. A tune like ‘Dust in a Baggie’ would be my goal.

[@pickinlessons]

Nice work! Gypsy Jazz is awesome, you'll love bluegrass! You could look at the 'popular' session fiddle tunes first. Tunes like: Salt Creek, Red Haired Boy, Soldier's Joy, Arkansas Traveler, Black Mountain Rag, Big Sciota, Billy In The Low Ground, Cherokee Shuffle, Goldrush, John Hardy, Whiskey Before Breakfast...That'll get you started and pretty much every bluegrass picker you meet will know these standards.

[@bestself2438]

@@pickinlessons Hey thanks for the list of standards. I really think I can do it. I have one video of me on KZbin but you can’t put links in comments. I will literally use this list. Thanks.

[@bestself2438]

@@pickinlessons kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5jXdqShh7Z8pLMsi=ijbShpQj1mBVkian This was 12 years ago and was the first tune ever learned.

[@pickinlessons]

Love it!!

[@franklinbumgartener1323]

This is a great video AND you like like Eric Idle in disguise.

[@pickinlessons]

Yes! Thank you!

[@miranha6821]

can i play without using a pick?

[@pickinlessons]

It would be very difficult, but not impossible.

[@kipling1957]

Can a finger picker do this? Never used a pick.

[@pickinlessons]

To achieve the speed, clarity and tone - unlikely. You could certainly use the ideas differently and approach it with you fingers :)

[@douglesw]

I'm confused by the fingering of the 3rd lick. Starting with the middle on the 3rd fret, then the Index on 3rd fret followed by the ring on the 4th fret. But the tab shows a 3-4 slide! Why wouldn't the index slide from 3 to 4? Or, if not the index slide, why wouldn't the middle come over to play the 4? Seems strange to see the ring right after the index with the middle stuck in between.BTW: Seems all the bluegrass licks I've studied never address the fingering. Thanks if you could explain the reasoning

[@pickinlessons]

G'day Doug, Great question! Fingering can often be a personal choice and there is usually more than one way of going about. Here is my approach & logic - we're playing in position 2, finger 2 starts out on string 1-fret 3 (G). We need to make use of finger 1 on string 3-fret 3 (Bb) to smoothly transition. This gives you 2 options for the hammer-on which comes next on to fret 4-string 3 (B) - your suggestion is fine with finger 2, my personal choice is finger 3, as this maintains the 2nd position fingering, and because we've just made use of the 2nd finger (on the first string) I personally feel it is easier to hammer on to the 3rd finger. Fingering choice is usually dictated by where you come from and what you are playing next. If the hammer-on was on it's own, your suggestion would be spot on. But we're in the middle of a series of notes, so not so straight forward. IMO :) Hope that helps shine some light on the subject. Cheers, Heath. Oh, and if you did alter the lick using a slide instead of a hammer-on, of course you would use the 1st finger :) But, considering we're about to move to the 2nd fret-4th string (E) and playing a fast tempo, a slide would only make it harder to play.

[@douglesw]

@@pickinlessons I think I don't know the fret assignments for position 2. By your explanation I am guessing 1 2 3 4 fingers are should line up with 2 3 4 5 frets on the high E? If that's the case then I can see where finger 3 works on the 4th fret. Possibly you can direct me to a discussion of positions? Thanks

[@pickinlessons]

You are correct. 1st finger begins at the position you're in, and each finger takes a fret from there. Everything is open to variation, but that should be your guide.

[@douglesw]

So I'm back again after a year, I see. Time flies. Well, I had the same question this year, but looking in the comments/answers I see we've been through this. HOWEVER, on closer examination I see you use both the 2 and 3 to play the 4th fret, but your explanation says you favor the 3 rather than bringing the 2 over. I guess it's the small changes that enable the speed required to make bluegrass sound proper

[@pickinlessons]

Fingering is all about context. Where you come from, but more importantly, what you need to play next. As long as it's efficient, and not clunky. Can be a personal choice, but IMO there are always 'better' options. BUT...Django did only use 2 fingers, so work with what you can!!

[@whatamitalkingabout3]

Why the picking pattern? Its like youre playing triplets instead of swung 8th notes

[@pickinlessons]

No triplets in the rhythm, but lots of syncopation. Picking direction is always following the down/up beat pattern. For example, in the 4th preparation lick, the 3 up pick strokes all fall on the off beat.

[@brucejohnston6184]

I bought a guitar...can I be saved? My excuse is that it will make it easier to follow a guitarist on my banjo 😆

[@pickinlessons]

It’s a good plan!!

[@markwhited1785]

Wait a minute, your ain't no hillbilly.

[@pickinlessons]

Nope 🤠

[@markwhited1785]

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[@pickinlessons]

Exactly 👍

[@engleharddinglefester4285]

It kills me how so many of the best players of American guitar styles aren't even American lol.

[@BiffWebster-sl8pt]

Well i hate country. But bluegrass is magic

[@BP-or2iu]

I have a feeling that when you say "country" you're probably thinking of bad rock with an accent.

[@jeffgarrison7056]

THAT'S TOTALLY *NOT* THE KIND OF *ACCENT* THAT I *EXPECTED* TO HEAR!!! 😮😮😮HAHAHA😂😂😂

[@pickinlessons]

😂😎