PHIL HILBORNES`S ONE-MINUTE LINK

Descending hybrid picking lick

This month’s lick is a tasty country tinged idea that descends from the 12th position to open using a variety of intervals on the way. In order they b7, b6, b6. are: 6, 6, Throughout the phrase the open sixth string is used as a pedal tone. GUITAR The descending TECHNIQUES line played MAGAZINE on the third 2 8 string 6 is a chromatic scale that descends from F# at the 11th fret to G# at the 1st. Notice how on two occasions there are repeated E and B notes (root and 5th of the accompanying E7 chord). You might find the rhythm a little tricky in bars Descending Hybrid Picking Lick 2 and 3 as each bar is phrased as ‘nested tuplets’; you essentially have two bars of crotchet triplets that are then further subdivided with three notes played evenly against each; it sounds complicated but is a natural thing to pick up and play by ear. I use a hybrid picking approach throughout with my picking-hand second finger taking care of all the notes played on the first string and the pick playing those on the third. It could also be played fingerstyle so try both methods and use whichever suits. Once you have nailed the lick as written, do come up with similar ideas of your own using different scales and intervals, against a variety of chord types.