60 Hot Licks For Western Swing Guitar: The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Texas Swing Style

60 Hot Licks for Western Swing Guitar

by Lynyrd Skynyrd

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10354 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	49 pages

FREE

Western Swing is a vibrant and energetic style of music that originated in Texas in the 1920s. It combines elements of jazz, blues, and country music, and is characterized by its fast tempo, syncopated rhythms, and intricate guitar work.

If you're an aspiring Western Swing guitarist, then you'll need to master the art of playing hot licks. Licks are short, melodic phrases that are used to add spice and excitement to your playing. They can be used to fill in gaps between chords, or to create solos that will wow your audience.

In this article, we're going to share 60 essential Western Swing guitar licks that will help you take your playing to the next level. These licks are perfect for both aspiring and seasoned players alike, and they're guaranteed to add some serious Texas swagger to your playing.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the licks, let's take a quick look at some of the basic techniques that you'll need to master in order to play Western Swing guitar.

• Travis picking: Travis picking is a fingerstyle guitar technique that is commonly used in Western Swing music. It involves alternating between the thumb and fingers to create a syncopated rhythm.
• Crosspicking: Crosspicking is a hybrid picking technique that combines elements of flatpicking and fingerstyle guitar. It involves using a flatpick to play the melody while simultaneously using the fingers to add bass notes and rhythm.
• Double stops: Double stops are a technique that involves playing two notes at the same time. This can be done by fretting two strings with the same finger, or by using a slide or a bottleneck.
• Bending: Bending is a technique that involves using the fingers to bend a string up or down in pitch. This can be used to create a variety of different sounds, from subtle vibrato to wild and expressive bends.

60 Hot Western Swing Guitar Licks

Now that you've got a basic understanding of some of the essential Western Swing guitar techniques, it's time to dive into the licks.

The following licks are organized into five categories: beginner, intermediate, advanced, double stops, and bends. Each category contains 12 licks, and they're all played in the key of G.

Beginner Licks

1. 

   This lick is a great way to get started with Western Swing guitar. It's simple to play, but it has a lot of potential for variation. You can try playing it with different rhythms, or you can add some hammer-ons and pull-offs.

2. 

   This lick is another simple but effective beginner lick. It's based on a common blues progression, and it's a great way to practice your Travis picking.

3. 

   This lick is a bit more challenging than the previous two licks, but it's still within reach for beginners. It uses a syncopated rhythm and some double stops, which are both essential techniques in Western Swing guitar.

4. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your crosspicking. It uses a simple melody, but the crosspicking pattern adds a lot of interest and movement.

5. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your bending. It uses a simple bend, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

6. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your double stops. It uses a simple two-note double stop, but it's a great way to get started with this technique.

7. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your Travis picking. It uses a simple Travis picking pattern, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

8. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your crosspicking. It uses a simple crosspicking pattern, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

9. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your bending. It uses a simple bend, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

10. 

    This lick is a great way to practice your double stops. It uses a simple two-note double stop, but it's a great way to get started with this technique.

11. 

    This lick is a great way to practice your Travis picking. It uses a simple Travis picking pattern, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

12. 

    This lick is a great way to practice your crosspicking. It uses a simple crosspicking pattern, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

Intermediate Licks

1. 

   This lick is a bit more challenging than the beginner licks, but it's still within reach for intermediate players. It uses a syncopated rhythm and some double stops, which are both essential techniques in Western Swing guitar.

2. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your crosspicking. It uses a simple melody, but the crosspicking pattern adds a lot of interest and movement.

3. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your bending. It uses a simple bend, but it's a great way to get started with this essential technique.

4. 

   This lick is a great way to practice your double stops. It uses a simple two-note double stop, but it's a great way to get started with this technique.

60 Hot Licks for Western Swing Guitar

by Lynyrd Skynyrd

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10354 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	49 pages

FREE