Double-stop licks can also be used in
“train beat” or country tunes with faster tempos too. Having some of these licks in your
arsenal can be helpful when you really want something percussive that nails the changes.
Also, if you want something that sounds a lot bigger than single-note solos, Fig.
4 works perfectly as well. The notes on the 2nd and 3rd strings will be picked
with your middle and ring fingers. On your fretting hand, your first finger will lie
across the 2nd and 3rd strings at the 7th fret, and you’ll do the pull-off with your first
finger. Notice these licks nail the I (D), IV (G), and V (A) in the key of D. You’re
nailing chord tones and the pull-offs help make it easier to play at quick tempos. Try to
make them sound percussive. Make sure to start practicing this with a metronome at a slow
tempo, then gradually increase to warp speed.
Fig. 5 is another
variation on the previous lick. This time, we are concentrating on the first three
strings. Again, we’re outlining the I, IV, and, V chords. For the V chord, just slide up
two frets and play the same lick and then move back to the I chord. Make sure to get that
2nd string to pull off with your second finger. Again, play this with a metronome. Start
out slow and gradually increase your tempo. Push it just a little faster than what you are
comfortable with and make it your goal to get it clean at that tempo before you move
on.
Erik Halbig
Erik Halbig is
currently touring with Thompson Square and has previously performed with Sara Evans,
Blackhawk, Tanya Tucker, Wynonna, and many more. Halbig graduated from USC with a degree
in Studio/Jazz Guitar and has taught clinics and seminars all over the country. He has had
several books published by Alfred and Hal Leonard, and currently resides in Nashville.