Always On My Mind - Willie Nelson

Master the Soulful Guitar Techniques of Willie Nelson’s "Always On My Mind"

"Always On My Mind" is one of Willie Nelson’s most iconic songs, a heartfelt ballad that beautifully showcases his expressive and nuanced approach to guitar playing. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com provides an in-depth breakdown of the techniques used in the song, helping guitarists of all levels capture its soulful phrasing and delicate articulation. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, learning these techniques will greatly enhance your playing style and musical expression. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Style in "Always On My Mind"

While Willie Nelson is best known for his rich, emotive vocal delivery, his guitar playing is equally distinctive. His use of finger-picking, slides, and vibrato adds a delicate touch to the melody, allowing the song’s emotional depth to shine through. By studying his playing, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of phrasing, tone, and the expressive power of the guitar.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Finger-Picking

Willie Nelson often incorporates finger-picking into his playing, allowing for a softer, more organic sound. This technique enhances control over dynamics and articulation, making the notes sound more fluid and connected.

Vibrato

A subtle but effective vibrato adds warmth and sustain to the notes, enriching the song’s emotional quality. Learning to apply controlled vibrato will improve your expressive capabilities as a guitarist.

Chord Progressions

The song features beautiful chord progressions that create a sense of longing and nostalgia. Understanding these chord movements will help you grasp the harmonic structure behind countless classic ballads.

Slides

Smooth slides between notes add to the song’s fluidity and are an excellent technique for enhancing melodic playing. Mastering slides will give your solos and phrasing a more polished and natural feel.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

By integrating hammer-ons and pull-offs, Nelson’s guitar playing gains a sense of effortless movement. These techniques are essential for building speed and fluidity in your lead playing.

String Bending

String bending is used sparingly but effectively in "Always On My Mind" to create expressive, vocal-like inflections. Learning to execute bends with accuracy will add depth and emotion to your solos.

Sustain

Willie Nelson's playing is characterised by its ability to let notes sing. Developing a strong sense of sustain ensures that your notes resonate beautifully, creating a richer and more emotive performance.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

While Willie Nelson’s voice is the standout element of "Always On My Mind," the guitar work in the song is equally important. Nelson himself plays his signature Martin N-20 classical guitar, famously named "Trigger." His unique nylon-string tone, combined with his distinctive syncopated rhythms and expressive phrasing, adds an unmistakable character to the track. His guitar playing is deeply rooted in jazz, country, and blues influences, making him one of the most unique stylists in country music history.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Here are the key guitar techniques covered in our lesson, along with links for further exploration:

• Vibrato
• Finger-Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Sustain
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play "Always On My Mind" with authenticity but also improve your overall musicianship, making your playing more expressive and dynamic. Start your journey today with our detailed lesson at Licklibrary.com!