Country Guitar: Picking Exercises

Here are you downloadable material for the course. Print out the PDFs as it will make it easier for you to follow along. The MP3 drum tracks are about 5 minutes long so you'll want to drop them into a Sequencer (ProTools, Logic, etc..) and loop it to make it play for 25 minutes. You can also use programs like Amazing Slow Downer or Transcribe.If you use the GuitarPro Software, I've included the gpx files. GPX is not a supported file type here on Udemy so I put them in a ZIP folder. Download and uncompress the zip file, then open the gpx file with your GuitarPro Software.

This is a disclaimer. You'll be doing a repetitive motion for an extended period of time with this workout. If you have any discomfort, please stop. Take a break. Don't over exert yourself. You know your body and only you know when to stop. Take breaks as needed.

Use a new pick for this workout. It will help you play cleaner. I use the DAVA Grip Tip picks. For a routine like this I would suggest a medium to heavy gauge pick.

To help you get the most out of this workout, we are going to be using the Pomodoro Technique. It's a method used for increased Focus & Productivity. 25 minutes On, 5 minutes Off. You can use a digital timer or download timer apps to your smartphone. 

It's really important to warm-up before you play. This is a series of stretches designed to help warm up the muscles in your forearms, hands and wrists. 

This is an Updated Section. This section will show you the basics Alternate Picking & Hybrid Picking Techniques.

In this lesson, you will learn some helpful tips to help get the most out of Hybrid Picking.

In this lesson will discuss the concept of Alternate Picking. Alternate Picking is a picking technique that uses an up and down motion with the pick as a way to be economical with the picking hand.

In this first Hybrid Picking Example you will learn how to play the minor Pentatonic Scale using Hybrid Picking. In this example, all upstroke will use the middle finger to pluck the notes.

In this Hybrid Lesson, you will learn the Forward Banjo Roll. This technique uses the pick, middle and ringer on the right hand to achieve a rolling technique.

In this Hybrid Lesson, you will learn the Backwards Banjo Roll. This technique uses the pick, middle and ringer on the right hand to achieve a rolling technique.

In this Hybrid Lesson, you will learn the Doublestop. This technique picks two notes at the same time with the right hand.

In this Hybrid Lesson, you will learn the Funky Doublestop Rhythm Pattern. This technique uses the pick, middle and ringer on the right hand.

In this lesson, we put it all together by combing the techniques used in this section.

This is a quick introduction to the workout. There are 5 sections to the workout. When you first start, plan of 5 minutes for each section, as you get faster, you can run though it in half the time. Over the course of the 30 days, the routine doesn't change but you'll be able to increase your speed every few days. Use your tracking sheet to track your progress each day. Try to run through this workout 5 to 6 days per week for 30 days. You should see a noticeable improvement. If it takes you longer to get to the faster speeds, that's perfectly OK. Don't be in a rush. Just work on consistent improvement. 

Alternate Picking. This module runs through a series on alternate picking patterns. It starts on 1 string and builds up to cover 4 strings. This is designed to really focus on the up-down-up-down motion. Rock Steady!

Hybrid Picking. This module runs through a series of hybrid picking patterns. Similar to the alternate picking, you'll start simple and progressively add more string to the patterns. 

Scales. In this module, we will cover some basic scales you will use while playing country style guitar. You can play the scales with either alternate picking, hybrid picking or both.

Banjo Rolls is a technique used by country guitarists to simulate a banjo. These are great hybrid picking exercises. Move these patterns around the neck to find other places they can be used.

Licks & Riffs. OK these are just plain fun. In this section you'll start using some of the techniques you've learned earlier to start playing licks. 

Here is a breakdown of the first half of the alternate picking section. Up, down, up, down. You'll start simple with one note on one string and build up in complexity. 

This module cover the second half of the alternate picking section.  At this point you are including more strings. Pay close attention to the right hand motion as you move from one string to another.

This module covers the first example of the Hybrid Picking section. This is a pretty cool lick based pattern you can do over and over again.

This module covers a pattern that you learned in the alternate picking section but now we are adding in hybrid picking and doublestops.

This module breaks down a hybrid picking example that incorporates slides. 

This example starts with an upstroke and includes doublestops. Experiment with different amounts of palm muting to add more of a staccato effect. 

Similar to the last example. Start with an upstroke and include doublestops. Pay attention to your right hand. Downstoke with your pick, Upstroke with you middle/ring fingers.

This exercise is a great repeating doublestop pattern. It's a blend of both alternate picking and hybrid picking.

This is a great riff based example. It starts with an upstroke and uses open strings for wider intervals.

This is a funky chicken pickin' type riff that utilizes hybrid picking. Have fun with this one.

Another doublestop example. This is one example of when to use an upstroke with your pick right after a pluck with you fingers.

This example is a doublestop lick in the style of Brent Mason. You can really build up some speed with this one.

This is a descending pattern. The right hand stays consistent. It uses a mix of hammer-ons, pull-offs with hybrid picking.

This is a descending pull-off pattern in the style of Brad Paisley. This lick is super fun. You can get this one up to speed pretty quick and it sounds great.

This is a standard Banjo Roll example. Once you get this up to speed it will sound great. Pick, Middle, Ring, Middle. 

This banjo roll is similar to the last one but includes a hammer-on. Dueling Banjos anyone?

Here is another banjo roll example in the Key of G. This one hammers-on from the open G string to the second fret. 

This example talks about using both alternate picking as well as hybrid picking for practicing scales. With alternate picking, start with a downstroke with your pick. With hybrid picking, start the pattern with a middle finger pluck of your right hand.

Here is an example of playing sequences using scales. This example is a six note ascending sequence. Again try it with both alternate and hybrid picking.

Similar to the last example, this is a six note sequencing pattern but this one descends the neck. The right hand pattern stays consistent throughout. 

This example combines a couple scale patterns. This is based on a pentatonic scale. Ascend one as normal, descend in a sequence. 

That's a wrap. You finished the course. Congratulations. Once you make it through the 30 days. You can use these examples as part of your warm-up routine. If you ever have questions or comments, message me anytime.