3 Essential Country Licks You MUST Know | Guitar Tricks

If you don't have these country licks under your belt, you're missing out! You can also apply these licks to rock or blues. Dave will break down these licks step-by-step. These licks are for intermediate players.

In this Guitar Tricks lesson, Dave Celentano teaches three essential country guitar licks packed with classic techniques every guitarist should know. If you're into country lead guitar, chicken pickin’, and hybrid picking, this breakdown gives you everything you need to start sounding authentic.

The first country lick is in the key of E major and makes use of sixth intervals, hybrid picking, and pull-offs. You’ll be sliding down the fretboard on the G and high E strings using a repeating three-note pattern. It’s all downstrokes on the G string with the pick and plucking the high E string with your middle or ring finger — a hybrid picking technique that’s essential for classic country tone.

The second lick uses string bending, muted picking, and outlines the chords G, F, and C major. It incorporates a staple of chicken pickin' guitar—bending with your ring finger while adding your pinky on a higher string, then plucking with your fingers for a sharper, percussive tone. The reverse bend at the end of the phrase and use of muted clicks give it a true country vibe.

The third lick blends everything learned in the first two, combining slides, bends, pull-offs, and hammer-ons in a tight, punchy phrase that fits perfectly over a G7 chord. You’ll learn how to use pre-planted finger positioning for clean, fast pull-offs and finish the lick with a descending run that includes open string snapping for extra twang.

0:00 - Intro
0:31 - Lick #1
4:00 - Lick #2
9:30 - Lick #3
13:02 - Outro

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[petersmichaeld]

for not talking alot(what a relief)and getting right to the point...as well as the finesse finger and pick application needed...demonstrated at a comprehensive level. So every detail is absolutely clear. Very kind most generous for sharing.
Love the part where you stated which chord(s) the licks are associated time!!!

[JeromyBranch]

I lime your easy laid back style. It doesn't matter how long a person has been playing or their ability level. Theres always something to learn. Well done Dave.

[betoalves]

Thanks, man and congratulations by that class. Great.

[guskalogeros]

I remember you from way back.
I had your scales book.
You also played music on the Shock Em Dead movie, right?
Good to see you again.

[BrandonGregory-gu]

That first like is basically wanted dead or alive