Alternate Bass Note Picking
In the previous examples the same bass note (root note) is picked on the first and third beats. Another way of playing bass note picking is to alternate the bass notes. This rhythm is commonly used in Country music. You can alternate between any bass notes that are in the chord shapes. As long as you hold the chord shape while picking the bass notes it will sound correct.
Certain bass notes will sound better with certain chords. The best notes to use are the ones that sound good to your ear. It is usual to pick the root note on the first beat followed by a different bass note on the third beat. Use alternate bass note picking in the following chord progression. You can also experiment by playing different bass notes than the ones suggested.
For the C, A7 and A chords alternate the bass from the 5th string to the 4th string.
For the D7 chord alternate between the 4th string bass note and the 5th string bass note.
For the G7 and E7 chords alternate between the 6th string bass note and the 4th string bass note.
Practice each chord shape separately at first and experiment using alternate bass note picking on other progressions.
When playing the accompaniment to this song, you can use an alternate bass note on the third beat of each bar.
Gibson 335
Know your Guitars…
Many Blues and Jazz players favor hollow body electric guitars for their full, rich tone. One of the most famous hollow body electrics is the Gibson 335. It has been used by players like Freddy King, Magic Sam and Larry Carlton. BB King had a model called the 345 specially designed for him. His guitar is named Lucille.
