When a Rock Guitarist Tries to Play Country: My Journey and Tips

Country music has always held a strange fascination for me. Coming from Austria, a land far removed from the cowboy culture of the American Midwest, I found myself drawn to the sounds and stories of western music. Maybe it was destiny, or maybe it was just one of life’s happy accidents, but at 16, I found myself living on a ranch in Nebraska, working as a cowboy. That experience planted a seed in me that eventually led me to pursue a music career in Austin, Texas—a place where country music is part of the air you breathe.

In this post, I’ll take you through my attempt to play country guitar as a rock guitarist. I’ll also share some tips and techniques that can help you add a touch of country flair to your playing—even if you’re not a country guitarist at heart. But first, check out the video below where it all started:

How to Fake Your Way Through a Country Song

Let’s face it: not all of us grew up with country music coursing through our veins. But the good news is that you don’t have to be born into the genre to sound like you belong. Here are some key elements that instantly give your playing a country feel:

• Play with sixth intervals: One of the quintessential sounds of country guitar comes from using sixths. For instance, try a simple chromatic walk down on the sixths over a 1-4-5 progression. It’s a quick way to add that unmistakable country flavor.
• Embrace the major pentatonic scale: Country music often relies on the major pentatonic scale. Avoid the major seventh, which can sound too classical, and instead lean into the flat seventh for a bluesy, “Mixolydian” vibe.
• Hybrid picking for rhythmic precision: Hybrid picking allows you to keep your notes short and snappy, mimicking the rhythmic tightness that country music is known for. Use your pick in combination with your fingers to pluck the strings, creating a dynamic and percussive sound.

By focusing on these three techniques, you can start sounding like a country guitarist—even if you’ve spent most of your life rocking out with power chords and shredding solos.

The Power of Double Stops and the Hrix Cordal Style

If you’ve been following my lessons, you’ve probably heard me mention the Hrix cordal style—a melodic, double-stop-driven approach that fits beautifully into country guitar. It all starts with a simple archetype lick:

In the key of E, place your fingers on the 11th fret of the G string and the 12th fret of the B string. Hammer on to the 13th fret of the G string while maintaining the double stop. This embellishment, combined with hammer-ons and pull-offs, is the foundation of the Hrix style. Once you’ve mastered that, you can start experimenting with variations and applying them across different chords.

Here’s a pro tip: Instead of sliding your way across the fretboard for every chord change, try to “roll” from one chord to the next within the same position. For example, move seamlessly from E major to A major or from B major to E major by staying in one region of the fretboard. This not only makes your playing sound more polished but also keeps the flow of your solos intact.

Why Every Guitarist Should Explore Country Music

Even if country music isn’t your main genre, learning its techniques can enhance your playing in unexpected ways. The focus on melody, rhythm, and feel is something that translates well into rock, blues, and even pop music. Plus, it’s just plain fun to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!

For me, wearing a cowboy hat and attempting to channel my inner Nashville session player was a humbling and rewarding experience. It reminded me that music is all about growth, exploration, and connecting with different styles and traditions.

If you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level and want to dive deeper into melodic, chordal soloing techniques like the Hrix style, I invite you to check out my Total Guitar Transformation Academy. Let’s unlock your potential together!

Ready to transform your playing? Click here to book a free strategy session and start your journey today!