Make A Mistake With Me - Brad Paisley

Our “Make A Mistake With Me” guitar lesson offers guitarists a comprehensive, note-for-note breakdown of Brad Paisley's intricate guitar work in this song, honing in on the techniques that make his style so unique and appealing. Paisley is known for his mastery of various guitar techniques, which he uses to bring a distinctive, expressive voice to his playing. This lesson focuses on techniques such as hybrid picking, string bending, double stops, and more, providing a detailed look at how each technique contributes to the song's texture. By exploring these techniques in depth, guitarists can not only learn the song but also enhance their versatility and stylistic range. Levi Clay breaks down this classic Brad Paisley track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Brad Paisley and His Influence

Brad Paisley, celebrated as one of modern country’s most dynamic guitarists, seamlessly blends traditional country licks with rock, blues, and jazz influences. His technical precision, paired with an expressive flair, allows him to craft a unique guitar voice that resonates with audiences worldwide. Paisley’s style is often distinguished by his hybrid picking technique, intricate double-stop bending, and his signature approach to harmonics. By studying Paisley’s work on “Make A Mistake With Me,” guitarists can gain insight into a genre-fusing artist whose technical skills and stylistic fluidity have inspired a generation of country and rock musicians.

Technique Breakdown

Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking is a defining technique in Brad Paisley’s style, allowing him to combine flat-picking with fingerpicking for a quick, seamless flow across strings. By incorporating this approach, guitarists can achieve a sharper attack on notes, adding a percussive element that complements the melody. Hybrid picking also allows for greater flexibility in playing both rhythm and lead parts simultaneously, making it a valuable skill for solo and band contexts.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Paisley’s expressive string bending is a hallmark of his playing style, particularly in the bluesy bends that bring a soulful quality to his phrasing. Mastering string bending and bluesy bends is crucial for capturing the nuances of Paisley’s style, as it adds emotional weight to his licks. This technique teaches players how to add expressive dynamics to their playing, allowing for smoother transitions and more emotive playing.

Double Stops and Double Stop Bends

Double stops are used frequently in “Make A Mistake With Me” to add harmonic richness to Paisley’s melodic lines. Double stop bends, in particular, add a unique twist by bending two notes at once, creating a complex, almost vocal-like effect. Learning double stops and double stop bends provides guitarists with a tool for adding fullness to their solos, enabling them to convey harmonies without needing a second guitarist.

Pinched Harmonics

Pinched harmonics, or artificial harmonics, bring an added level of tonal colour and sharpness to Paisley’s phrases. This technique requires precision in both picking hand placement and finger pressure, producing a high-pitched squeal that contrasts with the surrounding notes. Mastering pinched harmonics adds a new dimension to a guitarist’s tone, allowing for moments of heightened intensity that can punctuate solos or key sections of a song.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs appear throughout the song, helping to create smooth, flowing lines in Paisley’s solos. These techniques are essential for legato playing, providing a way to connect notes fluidly without picking each one individually. For guitarists, hammer-ons and pull-offs enhance speed and fluidity, making intricate phrases easier to execute while maintaining a clean, articulated sound.

Slides and Chromaticism

Slides are frequently used in “Make A Mistake With Me” to transition between notes, creating a smooth, flowing movement. Paisley also employs chromaticism, a technique where notes move step-by-step in sequence, adding a playful, jazzy feel to his lines. Learning slides and chromaticism helps guitarists develop a more connected, melodically interesting sound, which is beneficial in various musical genres.

Vibrato

Paisley’s tasteful use of vibrato adds depth to his sustained notes, enhancing the emotional quality of his solos. Vibrato involves slight, controlled variation in pitch, making a note sound richer and more resonant. Mastering vibrato is key to adding expressiveness to your playing, helping to turn even a single, held note into a compelling musical statement.

Conclusion

Our “Make A Mistake With Me” guitar lesson offers an in-depth look at Brad Paisley’s signature techniques, helping guitarists of all levels deepen their technical abilities and stylistic range. Each technique discussed in this lesson is foundational to mastering Paisley’s style and can serve as a valuable addition to any guitarist’s repertoire. Whether you're an aspiring country guitarist or simply a fan of genre-blending virtuosity, this lesson will provide the tools to bring Brad Paisley’s unique sound to your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Hybrid Picking
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Double Stop Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Chromaticism
• Vibrato