Looking to improve your acoustic guitar chops for country and bluegrass? Here’s a 12-bar picking workout that’s perfect for building your flatpicking technique and rhythm skills. This short guitar lesson features a classic 12-bar progression in a traditional country and bluegrass style.
Every time I sit down to practice, I like to warm up with something like this—simple, melodic, and rooted in the traditions of acoustic country and bluegrass guitar. This wasn’t rehearsed or polished—just some spontaneous flatpicking, strumming, and riff ideas I thought I’d share with tablature included.
If you’re a fan of players like Tony Rice, Norman Blake, or Doc Watson, or you’re just starting your journey into bluegrass and country acoustic styles, this video is for you. Take a listen, grab the tab, and pick up a few new licks for your next jam session.
Also, if you like the progression in this lesson, try combining it with the 12 bar progression that I teach over in Lesson A0227 Smooth Flowing Bass Line w/ Hammer-Ons.
Don’t forget to use the AB Loop toolbar below to SLOW DOWN the video for easy learning.
I like this one and it turns out to be easy, but getting it up to “Devin speed” (TM), well, that’s where a whole lot more practise is going to be required.