D Old Country
Checkpoints
“Grab some Ice Tea!”
Download Printable Checkoff Sheet (PDF): D Old Country_Improv
*Checkpoints can be divided into daily, weekly or monthly lessons. Choose a speed that works for you.
Checkpoint 1 – The “CLAW” (add 9 shape)
This is probably one of my most used techniques…and it spills over into many other genres.
- Basic (watch videos 1-4)
- Intermediate (watch all videos)
- Advanced (watch videos 1-2)
Checkpoint 2 – The Pentatonic Scale
Make sure and visualize this in its two shapes. Use this scale along with the “Claw” and magic will happen!
Checkpoint 3 – Arpeggios
Playing the notes of a chord individually up and down will really reinforce the old country style.
- Advanced (video 6)
Checkpoint 4 – Put it All Together
Here is an example of how all of the different techniques can go together. You need to spend A LOT of time (I mean A LOT) playing with the jam track. You have to give yourself time to develop these skills in your hands.
- All Together Example (video 7)
Checkpoint 5 – Jam Track
Have Fun! Jam, make mistakes and again spend A LOT of time working the above with this jam track. After time your hands will do this on its own.