Description
This lesson is split into 2 very different parts. The rhythm guitar part is played using a Chet Atkins fingerstyle technique on acoustic guitar, whereas the lead guitar part is a bluesy lead played on electric guitar (so this is essentially 2 lessons in one). I don’t use a thumbpick when playing fingerstyle, but if you have one and are comfortable with it, I recommend using one. Most fingerstyle players use a thumbpick because it really makes those bass notes pop. I’ve just never been comfortable with one.
Part 1 - Free Chet Atkins Fingerstyle Rhythm Guitar Lesson
Part 2: Lead - For Premium Members
Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Register for premium access
Slow Walk-Through - Rhythm
Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Register for premium access
Slow Walk-Through - Lead
Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Register for premium access
Video Tablature Breakdown
Only available to premium members.
Register for premium access
Register for premium access
You need to be logged in as a premium member to access the tab, MP3 jam tracks, and other assets.
Learn MoreAdd to "My Favorites"
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Beautiful Brian……..packed with things to try……you’re going to force me to once and for all get my finger picking down past messing around……thanks as always for your thoughtful work!
Roberto
Much just like mastering hybrid picking……there’s no going back once you have proper fingerpicking down………..Much like his example in Jimmy Rogers Style (EPO97) we can see struggling though a new distinct style of playing is definitely beyond worth all the effort!
I’ve often wondered how Brian does all these lessons without being in two places at a time and now I can see in the first couple of minutes of Lesson Part 1 that Brian is replicated body double into two Brians at a time!!
Jim C.
You’re right! I’ve often wondered how Brian could be so prolific, and now I know: He has a twin brother. I didn’t actually like that tune very much until his twin brother appeared with a strat, and suddenly….it sounded awesome!
Actually he is a time lord and uses his guitardis to travel through time and accompany himself. (a guitardis is much larger on the inside)
pretty cool! IJUST GOT BACK FROM VACATION (NO INTERNET WHERE I WAS IN THE MTS) brought my AP 70 home this time because camper can get too cold at nights even in a hardshell.. anyway this was fun learning!!
Beautiful! I love the Chet Atkins style of playing. It has always been a challenge for me but taking small chunks and repeating them over and over slowly seems to be working this time. I’m looking forward to getting this one under my fingers so I can go back on some of the other Chet stuff that you’ve done. Thanks
2 parts of your brain. Hmm, I like that. But I think it takes all parts of the brain to nail this one. Beautifully played, Brian.
Thanks for this ‘kick in the pants’ episode Brian to get me back into this style.
I used to play it a lot ”way back when and I’m re-discovering how enjoyable it is to play this style while wondering why I ever let it drop.
Keep ’em coming!
Harry
Beautiful Brian! I love the Chet lessons.
Now I figured out a way to learn this lesson.
Step one–quit my day job… ha ha
Seriously though, this is a great lesson. thank you.
Gene
I took me more than an hour to learn the 1st 4 notes – but I’ll hanging on! Very nice lesson Brian!
Cheese
Very nice! I think maybe next time, wear two different shirts.. I was confused on who was who.. But as always, very nicely done.. 🙂
Nice B!
Way to shift gears.
Mssr, Buddy G. to the Country Gent….all I can say is…..
.”.I never wudda made it thru the Ark. mudd if I hadn’t been riding on the Tennessee Stud”
Brian, the work that went into refurbishing your website is fantastic. I think it is the best designed guitar teaching site on the internet! Plus your teaching is so clear and precise. Thank you for all you do!!
After three days I have finally managed to get the E section to sound vaguely like yours…the A section is beating me so far…it’s that reach back down to the fourth fret on the E string that my little fingers can’t do yet…but I love the sound so much I am persevering…probably get there in about 2017…Great lesson Brian, thank you.
Awesome lesson! More like this!
has anyone noticed that the second half of measure five does not match the tab ?????? ep117
Great lesson. Thanks Brian
Great lesson Brian 🙂
Thanks a lot Brian for this passionate and very instructive lesson, i learn every day lot of things about different ways to play guitar with you, y’re the best !
I think this is your best one yet musically Brian! It is a beautiful piece. I haven’t started working on this one yet but I hope to do a split screen on this one as well.
This is my first post after being a member for a year. What I really like about this peace is how you show the importance of changing your baseline as the root note changes from string 5 to 6. G apposed to A. Also this has a real Allman Brothers feel during parts of the song. I would love see more two guitar harmonizing. I have enjoyed taking that feel and playing around with it on my own, Thanks for the spark!
Nice lesson! I wonder what kind of strat you are playing. Never seen that nut before, the pickups look very special too. What is that?
The Strat is a US Standard from back in 1990 – that color was something they only did for a few years and it’s called Black Pearl burst. The pickups are Lace Sensor pickups that came standard on most Strats through the 90s
Great lesson as always Brain! This one is a real challenge in playing both parts, acoustic and electric. Now my Boss RC3 looper pedal comes in handy! I am going to play the acoustic part on my Ibanez AF75 hollow body electric and record this with the looper pedal.
Great Lesson. When I get the bass line down, the upper notes mess up a bit. When I get the upper notes down, I miss the odd bass note. Gonna keep working until I get them both together or until my fingers can’t take it anymore!
Hi Brian, I really love this rhythm but am totally stuck on the hammer-on in the very beginning and can’t seem to move forward no matter how slow I go. My base will just not hit the D string at the same moment as my ring finger closes on the B string 2nd fret after hitting the open B. Any recommendations besides not quitting my day job? 🙂
Hi Dennis, Persevere with it and you will get there.I am finding it a challenge too but I have managed that first bit after some frustration with it.
I am a struggler like you but I am determined to get there even if I can’t play it at full speed.
It will be so rewarding when you conquer even a small part of this number.
Hi Nigel,
I finally got it!! I had to put ait way for a few months but finally came back to it around 3 weeks ago and forced myself to slow down. I only have the first section down but what a breakthrough! Thanks very much for your input!
Love the finger style stuff!!
Great lesson! Really challenged me and lots of good takeaways. Love it!
Phil
Awesome! Thank you for the great lesson. Excited to learn more Chet Atkins inspired guitar pieces.
Recently revisited this and am determined to get it right. I’ve been playing fingrrstyle folk for years – decades! – but in a rather sloppy way – too much thumb! But a bit more practice of this piece will tighten me up a lot.
Incidentally Brian, it’s interesting to note your delivery has much approved in the 300-odd lessons since then! 😁 ( I wonder what chance there is you will actually read this comment?)
I read it :). and thank you!
Cool beans Brian. I have a Strat Plus also. Love the pickups not sure about the fat neck though?