In this lesson we will be covering the common open chords used in bluegrass music.
One of the most common rhythms in bluegrass music is often referred to as the bass chop. This is essential to the feel of bluegrass.
We are going to focus on the alternating bass line concept used in bluegrass. This lesson will use the key of G to demonstrate the use of the root and 5th in the bassline.
In this lesson we will learn an alternating bassline in the key of C
In this lesson we will expand on the first Bluegrass rhythm by adding 16th note chops
In this lesson we will discuss and study walking bass lines within the bluegrass rhythm and chord progression we have learned thus far.
The G Run is a common riff used in bluegrass and created by Lester Flatt that signifies the end of a chord progression. It is often used as the basis to improvisation as well. It is a very recognizable riff in the bluegrass realm.
In this lesson we will learn the G, C, and D Major scales in the first position using some open strings. This is important in bluegrass since we play in first position frequently while chording. Knowing these scale fingerings will come in handy when learning melodies and improvising.
In this lesson we will learn some easy transition type licks in the key of G that you can use within your strum patterns.
In this lesson we will learn a Tony Rice inspired Bluegrass lick in key of G.
In this lesson we will study an easy descending bluegrass lick that you can add to your bluegrass vocabulary. The lick will be studied in G, C, and D.
In this lesson we will study Tennessee Stud as performed by Doc Watson. The tune has a great bluegrass type intro that repeats throughout the song. It applies many of the basic bluegrass principles we have discussed in the Bluegrass Genre section. The chords used are not difficult, however the timing and arrangement are a little tricky. Best to learn a section at a time.
Learn this bluesy bluegrass tune from the movie Brother Where Art Thou. The tune requires Drop D tuning and a capo on the 3rd fret. Basic chords include D, G, and A. The song applies a bluesy line that recurs throughout the tune.
In this lesson we will learn about the concept of banjo rolls. This is a technique used by banjo players where we play a “rolling” eighth note arpeggio.
In this lesson we will be learning some specific banjo roll licks in the key of G. We will cover what to play over a G, C, and D chord.
In this lesson we will be learning the country scale for each of the 3 chords G, C, and D in the first position. The country scale is a foundation for bluegrass licks and improvisation. Learning the scale in one position for all 3 chords is crucial to the bluegrass style
In this lesson we will learn some specific Bluegrass style licks you can use to play over the G chord.
In this lesson we will learn some specific Bluegrass style licks you can use to play over the C chord.
In this lesson we will be studying a variety of licks you can use over a D major chord in a Bluegrass jam.
In this lesson we are going to combine all that we have learned in the lessons on Bluegrass Licks in G, C, and D and arrange a complete Bluegrass solo.
In this lesson we will be taking the solo we learned in Exercise 1 and tweaking it just a little bit. The idea here is to stay in G over the C and D chords just a little to create some tension.
In this lesson we will be learning the Carter family classic Wildwood Flower. This is a great example of a traditional Bluegrass style tune. The melody is played within the chords much like a chord melody or solo.
In this lesson we will be studying a flashy bluegrass lick in G that spans several positions on the fretboard. The lick combines many elements of Bluegrass improvisation including pentatonic major, minor, and some mixolydian. It applies several articulations as well. Slides, hammer ons, pull offs are all incorporated into the lick.
In this lesson we will be learning a chord melody version of Will The Circle Be Unbroken. Chord melody style involves playing the chords and melody at the same time. This can be tricky and challenging but very rewarding when accomplished. This particular song is a great one to try this style as it is not too difficult and involves a repeating melody pattern. Chords used are just G, C, and D open chords. This version lends itself to a bluegrassy sound.