Country Tune: Polka Style

Hi all, this is a classic country tune in a polka style, very simple but very effective, inspired in different licks and riffs from Danny Gatton and Steve Trovato, true masters of this style. Steve, a master sessionist who recorded for hundreds of the most popular country albums, likewise Danny, whom is also an exceptional songwriter.

Let´s analize this step by step. The first part is one of Steve´s typical riff which can be a bit tricky because of the speed it´s placed at. Practice it slowly and gradually increase tempo. The same with the second section which is a pattern with open strings in G major based on the banjo technique.

Add your pinky baby! The third section is similar to the first section but has a variation on the first string which difficults the open sound of this string. Pay attention to keep up the first finger of the fretboard hand. This will ease playing this a lot.

The fourth section is another of Steve´s typical riff with small legatos on the D string with the B and G string open.

The fifth section is yet another of Danny´s riff from his first era which uses 3rd and 6th intervals very easy but very effective, something which is much appreciated when placed at more rapid tempos.

The sixth and last section is a pentatonic lick in G with many double stops. The final lick is a standard in country style endings, playing simultaneausly G and Bb notes with a slight half tone bending on Bb which makes turns this into a major third interval.

Hope you enjoy it and remember to practice every day! Good luck.

Techniques
Hybrid Picking
Open Strings
Bends
Legato

Scales
G Major