So by an interesting turn of events, and the generosity of a good friend, this one-of-a-kind Telecaster that was made for the BGU Live event back in 2012 has found it’s way back to me.
And well, when I get a sweet Tele in my hands it’s hard not to lean a little more country than rock-n-roll.
This video is all about comping (accompanying) meaning playing some chords in a rhythmic fashion that gives a certain groove or feel. It’s an art unto itself but it doesn’t have to be super difficult.
In this video it will start off simple but I’ll make it a bit more complex towards the end. And you’ll see by the end just how crazy this sort of thing can get if you really get the hang of it.
So enjoy and have fun… I sure did!
Download this video – MP4 | WMV (right click for the one you want.)
96 replies to "Country Blues 8 Bar Comping"
PS: is it just me or, do you find 7th chords easier to play than E shaped Barre chords?
You start off your introduction to this video by saying “ I’m not sure what country blues is exactly”.
With all due respect I suggest that you listen to, and play some music by Delbert McClinton, or even Lyle Lovett I’m sure even Travis Tritt has some country blues songs that you will enjoy and I’ll enjoy learning from you.
Country blues is awesome!
Funny, I watched the video and had a good time listening and absorbing it. About half an hour later I found myself humming Dylan’s “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight” – I think this rhythm, especially the later one with the little chick-a’s, subconsciously reminded me of that song. Not exactly a blues, but the feel fits.
From Australia,
Chris G
I appreciated the close ups of your right hand, Griff. Often, when trying to pick up what your left hand is doing, it is hard, because you keep your fretting fingers so close to the fret board. This is a great alternating bass exercise that I intend to play into a looper and see what happens next.
Griff, thanks for the country video. How about adding a Country Blues to your list of courses. You could drum up a lot of interest in this genre. You have heard it said before, “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.” 🙂
Thanks Griff, being from Texas there’s a need to know some countryish tunes. Will be practicing this in between my abgu lessons as a “break”😎
This item was very good to see in action, so to speak. The camera allowed us to see more clearly the finger placements involved. Finger memory is an area that needs constant work. You make the whole process of learning a joy. Do keep up the great work Griff. For my part I have these past few years advised both family and friends interested in pursuing guitar of your courses.
Not much to add except it is a nice country jazz thing into playing jazz with a bit of what ever you feel is good. Nice way to introduce Wes Montgomery style to those blues followers .
Very nice Griff. Thanks for the lesson.
GREAT lesson a little finger picking, nice rhythm. MUSIC to my ears.THANKS for breaking it down. Its ours to learn n play. ENJOY
Simple fun. Thanks Griff
Telecaster STYLE guitar.
Hi Griff,
Looks like I have seen this before and made a comment back then.
Always a great refresher, can do it on Telecaster but also on a Strat or Acoustic Electric, or what ever other guitar, easy.
Good to try in different keys using 7th Chords all good.
We are all waiting for your BGU Country Blues Course Griff with maybe 5 great songs to learn? I am sure we will all want to purchase it.!
Michael-Sydney-Australia 18 April 2016
Man thanks Griff I asked the LORD to help me with my music and Im get help thanks you for your Kindness.
Thank you for posting this fun lesson. I like the sound of the chords. also liked the little solo at the end. Please send us some examples of the pentatonic scale that would go with this lesson.
Hi Griff,Ive discovered another gift you have,you can read minds,this lesson is right what I wanted,thank you.I play a Gretsch 6182,is just a bit larger then a Les Paul,I actually like it a bit better then my Chet Atkins Country Gentleman,most of the time, as I have small arms.Thats enough about me.I am so happy I found your teachings,Len.ps come to Canada and spend some of those big US $.
Hi Len,
Where are you in Canada??
Laurent, Montreal
Griff, Did you guys recover your equipment from when it was stolen??? If so, that is indeed a great turn of events!!. Fun video too. Cheers.
I too have wondered about this
This is by far best and easiest site I have found to learn. I really enjoy the country stuff but also love the blues although I have yet to get a simple blues progression down for real slow feeling to mess with
Thanks, mark
Hi Griff,
I wish I would have found you much earlier in life when I had my acoustic electric guitar for the last 15 years and only played basic chords and songs when I could have been learning the Blues (BGU) Acoustic and found you. I am a fast learner now in retirement with “Time on my Side” This is a very simple lesson with meaningful results, I am learning it every day I can and starting to get the method down pat. Maybe you will provide the Tab sheet one day for these as most of us are in the older age group and our memory seems to fade a bit but our eye sight and practice with our guitars we can find where we need to be.
Michael -Sydney Australia
Good one Griff , sounds cool.
Am I going crazy or is the intro to this rhythm different to the explanation?
The intro and explanation seem to differ on the third count – well that is how it looks and sounds to me. More specifically, in the intro the base note and chord are plucked simultaneously on the third count. In the explanation that follows, Griff sounds the base note only on the count of “3” and the chord follows on the “&”.
Another great video – thanks Griff.
Yo Paul
Your not going crazy,, your dead right… the intro is different from Griff’s teaching on the video.. Hang in there and do it by ear.. If the rhythm sounds good to you, stay with it,, doesn’t really need to be the same as long as it counts out.
Cheers
So when does the fun start?
This is the first Blues Unleashed video I’ve seen where the camera is set such that I can see the finger placements. If they were all like that I would have purchased the product much sooner.
Great lesson. Could you send the note/tab sheet music?
If you want to record everything you see… which is extremely helpful with learning… get yourself a copy of Snagit. You’ll be able to record and play everything over and over.
Strat? Tele? What’s the difference? I may appear dumb but I don’t see a difference.
Ouch…
Great one, Griff! And, what a beautiful Tele!
Griff, Am absolutely interested in your teaching methods, wish I started younger but am glad you’re around. I started playing music when I was 13 years old (Tenor Banjo) tuned to 5’ths (CGDA) and played nothing but rhythm in the “Mummer’s” parade, changed to guitar in the 1960’s played some rock and roll until jazz rolled around and I’m still playing rhythm guitar tuned to 5’ths actually playing jazz chords. Now, I only use 4 strings and I do not find it difficult
playing jazz chords to most any song that comes along.
Since I tune my guitar to 5ths, (CGDA) I have a real problem with your lessons because I have to convert mostly every thing to my tunning and that’s my problem. So, do I just forget what you’re teaching including your methods and go on with my life stuck in the CGDA tunning or do I some how convert to the 6 string tunning using the first 4 strings of the 6 string guitar and learning all the chord progressions over again??
I guess I answered my own question but would like a response from you hoping maybe that you have a different (better) answer? You certainly have a great talent Griff, and I actually understand most everything you provide to your audience and you actually have my attention.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks loads for any response from you and of course from any one else who desires to have a go at it.
Ciao Griff
You should look at this as an OPPORTUNITY to buy another guitar. Keep your tuning on the one you have and use standard tuning on the new one.
I do that with my triple flat tuning I need to be able to sing certain songs
Excellent video,will you be coming out with a country course.
This is a cool lesson Griff, Thanks
I guess the comments page doesn’t support video links, if anyones interested just search the song on Youtube 🙂
Thanks again Griff for your generosity sharing your musical gifts to everyone. I have a friend who plays country blues masterfully on his special telecaster as well, his name is John Macloed. Turns out he was born in the same hospital as me and we reconnected 57 years later! Heres a link to a video of a song he wrote called “Do it Anyway”.
So many comments. I cannot fault your change of direction and the obvious gravy train that will potentially put in progress. The piece sounds good ‘in your hands’. What a retired office desk jockey can do to emulate your take on such items is another story. For me I shall enjoy the music, but try and concentrate on the blues thank you.
Hi Tony Baker,
I am not sure what you mean by G 7 B strings on the 12 th fret??
Can you explain precisely what you mean?
It might just be me missing something?
Thank you
Bryant
This isn’t much different than what he always does…not much change to me
Hi Bryant,
I think Tony had a finger failure, he meant to type G & B, but missed the Shift key and got 7 instead of &.
So, it should read “it starts on the G & B strings on the 12th fret…”
Hope this helps,
Chris G.
Griff, you are a great teacher at all levels. Its one thing to play like Clapton or BB or any of the greats , but its another thing to break it down for the novice to enjoy. Thanks again
Great stuff Griff – could we have the chord diagrams? including the ending? Thanks
Griff,
Why do you move you Left hand up or down the neck looking for the next note[s]???
Have I missed something!!!
SAY GRIFF; HAS ANYBODY BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THAT LONG FILL FOR PRETTY WOMAN THAT JAMES BURTON DID ON THE ROY ORBISON BLACK AND WHITE NIGHT VIDIO THE THEY SHOW ON PBS STATIONS NOW AND THEN????
TOM
Hi Tom,
Its on his instructional DVD “The Guitar sounds of James Burton “..its a tricky one though & he calls it a cross fingered lick…It starts on the G 7 B stringson the 12th fret & incorporates the open E string at same time.
He uses it on Mystery Train by Elvis & Ohh Las Vegas by Emmylou Harris aswell as many other tunes in the key of E.
Hope this helps…:)……….Regards Tony B ( South Wales UK )
Hi Tony B?
Cool little ditty, thanks Griff. Does this mean your courses are going to branch out in to Country. I’m going to need more practice time because I’m short of time to fit in all your Blues Courses!!
Don
🙂
Thanks again for filling my “WAR” chest with Great stuff!!!
It sounds like fun. Thank you!
Glenn!
Lesson was okay, but I’m struggling with being coordinated enough to play the bass note, then the three-string chord, then the slap. I keep getting it all tied up. HELP!!
A great sound and lots of fun. Thanks agriff
Just lovin it all keep it rollin
Yahoo!! That was good country chicken Picking and especially the mashed potatoes you added at the end.
Would like to see a little bit of country added.
Thanks
Lysle
Not quite TX country but enjoyed the lesson.
Great stuff Griff, as always. Nice Tele, I enjoyed seeing it in the video!
Ocdoug…… did you used to have instrumental guitar music uploaded onto acid planet?
If so….I have been enjoying listening that music on my ipod for the last….8 years…. In fact….I am listening now….(to Liquid Heart) I googled your handle as it used to be on acid planet….found this post…If it is indeed the same ocdoug….just wanted to let you know how much enjoyment the music has brought me…..Many nights when I was wound up and just wanted to relax,I would listen. Such good stuff….would love to hear more!
Griff I like this because I like country. I started late in life but I enjoy your videos thanks
What can I say except that this video is good if you are a country music fan . My idea of country is country rock like Marshall Tucker . Toy Caldwell was one of My favorites and was noted as one of the best song writers ever. Also I like pure praire league and Johnathan Edwards. I saw all three in one nite way back in the late seventies . Of course we all know that the blues created rock so where does country fit in somewhere in the middle ? well i think elvis is to blame poeple were not ready for his kind of music so country was a substitute . Well anyway have a good one an c u later.
just a quick note a better word I could use to describe this, if I spell it wrong, well, the ideas there embellishments of a cord k cool later
Griff – You’re a great American. Thanks for sharing your talent. BTW the last dvd I got from you is incredibly fantastic!
Great! thanks Griff
Hi Griff
Thank you for posting this interesting lesson!
Really great video!
ALSO – so pleased you played the whole thing right through from the beginning.
Just waw!!!!,now im gonna have to leave my progression on down to the station and go get me a electric guitar,keep up the good work mr Hamlin.
Thanks griff love the country, blues, swing, sound, would definately buy a course on that, cheers!!!
Nice. I have a question. What kind of pickup is at the bridge on that Tele? I think I know, but I’m not sure.
Thanks Perry
Perry: the bridge on the Tele looks like it is a Stratocaster bridge. A Tele usually comes with 3 saddles, each carrying 2 strings. That setup makes intonation difficult. The Strat bridge with 6 individual saddles solves the problem. I had it done to my fat fret Highway One Tele. Works great!
Griff: You have a very easy way of teaching and keeping the information coming in bite sized chunks. I also appreciate how you seem to keep providing “new” material to keep us interested – both directly on track with the blues genre as well as adding other sounds, like today. Keep the videos coming and thanks again.
Most newer Fender American Standard, Deluxe, and Elite models all have that style of bridge now, I believe.
Yea! Country That’s what I’m talking about. I always learn something from you’re e-mails Keep em’ coming. And yes I do save everything you send. thanks again.
Aaron
great stuff Griff have to give it a try…thanks
Beautiful ! Very nice ! Thank you. I like it.
I like that. now I will just sit around & play & try & add
something to it.
Thanks
Tea
hey Griff, what a beautiful video.i really enjoyed watching it. now, see if i can get even close on doin’ that. i just like to play guitar, but my skills won’t let me. lol. thanks.
Thanks Griff, that was really cool ! Keep putting a little of that in with your reg stuff.
Love the country! Come up with a course for country blues, I’ll buy it…Tom
Hey griff liked the country cords. Liked the way you intro your guitar, everyone knows a tele, you normanaly play strat style ax what is it. Thanks Jim from texas
Sorry about that… got the link to the MP4 download fixed.
Thanks Griff,
I really enjoyed that lesson.I’m learning so it’s fun so far.
Dave
Griff,
Great lesson. I love my Telecaster especially, for country music. I’m glad to see you do some country or country blues in addition to the Blues. I hope you find the lesson on the pentatonic major scale to coincide with this lesson….that would be great. Thanks.
Good one , nice chordal sounds ,and rhythm.
Griff: For your next project, how about a country blues DVD set similar to 5 Easy Blues Solos? Or, even better, a more extensive Country Blues Unleashed set. I’ll buy an advance copy.
Thanks griff more please. Nice sound from your tele I wish I’d never sold mine. Would love to hear you and your band do some country nos. I had many happy times playing my bass with a country trio . Sometimes we would augment it with a country fiddler some in the uk may remember him. Brian golby.
By the way… when I try a simple “right click/Save as” (for the mp4) all I get is a file that ends with the extension “.partial”
I couldn;t download the mp4, either. “Page not found”
Thanks! Enjoyed that and getting that little groove down is one of those things that can be done watching TV/sports (I also feel better watching sports with the guitar in hand, don’t feel like I’m wasting quite as much time!). Just have to make sure the count is correct.
thanks again griff u always have some great stuff
Great lesson! More of this type of lesson on comping would be even greater! Thanks! I like the thumb and plucking with the fingers style!
Thanks Griff. As per usual, great instruction. Very clear and cool. Love the guitar and sound.
Great little rhythm Griff. Love it. You gotta do some dirty country licks with that to spice it up!
Thanks Mr G. Very helpful , fun to play. Keep um coming !!!!
Hi
I tried to download the MP4 file and the page was not found. Can you update that?
Dave
I have always had half an ear open to country music and many years ago there were not that many songs that came out that I could say I really liked. I used to get Chet Atkins albums because occasionally he would have a song or two on an album that I would try and copy. Country music has evolved so much in the last twenty years that now I will watch their videos,their award shows and I especially watch their guitar players as they have become very advanced in their playing. So now I have 3/4 of an ear open and I actually
have favorite singers and musicians in the country genre.
Sure glad to see that Telecaster back in your hands…right where it belongs!
Thanks Griff,
i will be adding the sixth chord to my growing arsenal.
Only wish I never traded in my Telecaster for a 12 string acoustic.
Great lesson
Chris