Open String Licks – Key of C

Using open strings combined with fretted notes is a “guitar move” often associated with Telecasters and country guitar. It’s also a staple of classical guitar. “Leyenda” comes to mind with that statement. This isn’t about playing open strings while in open or first position but while fretting notes in higher positions.

These are meant to be played fingerstyle or using pick and fingers. I imagine you could use a cross picking technique if you just use a flat pick. Tough though! There are 4 phrases worked out here. They can be used over any C major chord (maj7, maj9, 6th, etc.) or G dominant chord (G7,9,11,13) that resolve to C. The suggested left and right hand fingering is also indicated.

Below is link to the notation/tab PDF. Check out the video below for further explanation and to give it a listen, if you like.

Open String Lick PDF

Desperado Piano Intro

This is the piano intro to Desperado by the Eagles arranged for guitar. This is a very doable part for players of almost any level. It is a pretty sparse piano part that moves gently and at an easy speed. Click below for the notation/tab PDF. Check out the YouTube video if you want to hear it or get any playing tips. I played with my fingers in the video but it can easily be played with a pick, as well.

Desperado Intro PDF

“I Feel Fine” Intro – For Acoustic –

The original intro to the Beatles’ “I Feel Fine” uses bar chords with some finger stretches. That can be tough for some players and on some guitars. This is that intro reworked using open chords. It’s perfect for acoustic players or just for smaller hands. There is no compromise on the notes played either, it’s just easier on the fretting hand. This can be played with pick, fingers, or pick and fingers.

Download the PDF and take a look at the video.

I Feel Fine Intro

Simple Acoustic Blues Solo #3 Bass and Melody

This 12 bar blues solo will have a very basic separate bass and melody line. It’s just a straight quarter note bass line (sometimes referred to as “dead thumb”) with a two note, repetitious, quarter note lead line. The purpose of this solo is to get a feel for for playing independent lines with thumb and fingers. This might be too easy for some folks and challenging for others. Download the PDF below and follow the notation and/or tab slowly. Check out the video for a little extra insight.

Acoustic Blues Solo #3