As you play the scale starting from the root, you’ll see that the first five notes: C,B,A,G and F must be fretted.

If you are using the CAGED system, this will be the G shape with the tonic or root tones on strings 6, 3 and 1. To introduce the technique we’ll start with a simple descending C scale in the 5th position. You begin by playing a scale or a lick and add open string notes between the fretted notes as desired. The idea of playing open strings against fretted strings is not new but knowing the technique and how to use it will provide you with endless ideas for creating your own licks and sounds. In this lesson we’ll focus on Country guitar. This unique distinctive sound can be heard by guitarists in virtually all styles of music. Learn to play 3 essential country guitar licks using this technique. Learn to play the C and G major scales using open strings. In this guitar lesson you’ll learn the common country guitar technique of playing open strings interspersed with fretted notes to create an interesting cascading effect as I call it.