Example 1

THIS OPENING PHRASE uses a series of major and minor 6th intervals, played on the first and third strings, in a way you’ll often hear in country music. The descending sequence follows the pattern of the E minor scale, starting with B then adding the (min6) above. Notice the F# at the cross into bar 2 and the C chord. This potential dissonance is ‘resolved’ by continuing the descent, landing on E, the major 3rd. It’s worth knowing these details, but don’t feel you have to be hyper-aware in the moment. Is the final phrase a bit of pentatonic sneaking in?