Learn to Play Country Guitar Classic Tracks

Country music is a melting pot of sounds, styles, and traditions. It's got storytelling, emotion, and the kind of guitar-playing that can make your fingers dance and heartstrings tug. At LickLibrary, we’ve crafted a course that is steeped in country music tradition but also ventures into the songs that have shaped the genre. "Learn to Play Country Guitar Classic Tracks" is not just a guitar lesson; it's a journey into the heart of country music, through the strings of your guitar. Join tutor Lee Hodgson on this exciting trip through some country guitar classics.

Always on My Mind - Willie Nelson

Let's start with "Always on My Mind," a touching ballad delivered so poignantly by Willie Nelson. Nelson's rendition of the song features a gentle guitar line that dances around the melody in the key of D. The delicate interplay of major and minor pentatonic scales gives the song its emotional depth, while the syncopated rhythms create an intricate, fingerstyle pattern.

The solo of this song is a prime example of Nelson's laid-back approach to the guitar. There's a beautiful simplicity to it that is deceptive; beneath its surface, you’ll find a masterful control of melody and expression. With our course, you'll learn to master the nuances of Nelson's style and deliver a solo that is as emotive as it is musical.

Hello Mary Lou - Ricky Nelson

"Hello Mary Lou," as performed by Ricky Nelson, is a rockabilly classic. The song is based in the key of A and features an upbeat mix of major scales and arpeggios. James Burton, the lead guitarist, brings his signature hybrid picking technique, blending pick and fingers for a unique sound.

The song's solo is a quick-paced, rollicking ride that will challenge your picking precision and speed. It's a mix of double stops, slides, and quick hammer-ons and pull-offs, all wrapped up in Burton's signature twang. Our course breaks down the solo into bite-sized chunks, making even the most challenging licks accessible.

Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley

"Suspicious Minds" is one of Elvis Presley's most iconic songs, and the guitar work is as rich as The King's voice. The song is set in the key of G and has an intricate network of chord progressions and arpeggios. Lead guitarist James Burton creates a distinct blend of country and rock and roll with his unique playstyle.

The solo is an expressive mix of melody and rhythm, making use of alternate picking and legato techniques. It's a testament to Burton's knack for creating solos that are both catchy and musically engaging. The course dissects this solo in detail, helping you capture Burton's unique blend of country and rock and roll.

The Gambler - Kenny Rogers

"The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers is a classic tale set to music. The song is in the key of E, featuring a mix of major and minor scales and some distinct chord progressions. Lead guitarist Larry Butler adds depth to the song with his thoughtful phrasing and tasteful choice of notes.

The solo is a melodic exploration of the song's main themes. With a combination of sustained notes and carefully-placed bends, Butler creates a solo that is engaging and melodious. Through our course, you'll learn to play the solo note-for-note, understanding the subtleties that make it unique.

Luxury Liner - Emmylou Harris

Last but not least, we come to "Luxury Liner" by Emmylou Harris. It’s a high-energy country-rock track with driving rhythm and catchy hooks. The song is in the key of D, combining major scales with some power chords for a full-bodied sound. Lead guitarist Albert Lee brings his distinctive chicken pickin' style to the mix, giving the song its energetic and twangy character.

The solo of "Luxury Liner" is a fast-paced, high-energy ride. It features a mix of slides, double stops, and fast picking, all executed with Lee's precision and flair. Our course walks you through this thrilling solo, breaking down each lick into easy-to-learn sections.

At LickLibrary, we believe in providing a comprehensive understanding of each track. Thus, with each song, you'll not only learn the notes but also the context: the scales, the techniques, and the unique stylistic elements that make each song and each guitarist unique. You'll delve into the style of Willie Nelson's laconic elegance, Ricky Nelson's rockabilly twang, Elvis Presley's rich tonality, Kenny Rogers' storytelling prowess, and Emmylou Harris' high-energy performance.

As you journey through these classic tracks, you'll encounter a range of guitar techniques that are integral to the country genre. From hybrid picking and fingerstyle playing to the use of major and minor pentatonic scales, arpeggios, alternate picking, legato techniques, double stops, and slides - this course is an exploration of the language of country guitar.

Techniques Used

Now, let's list down the key guitar techniques used throughout the lessons in this course:

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Double Stops
5. Hammer-Ons
6. Pull-Offs
7. Slides
8. Chord Progressions
9. Arpeggios
10. Hybrid Picking
11. Power Chords
12. Sustain

Embrace the essence of country guitar with the "Learn to Play Country Guitar Classic Tracks" course at LickLibrary. Unleash the emotion and energy inherent in these timeless classics and elevate your guitar playing skills to a whole new level.