In this post I’ll show a few simple licks that can be used in the beginning of the song (as an intro), at the endings (outro), or somewhere in the bridges. I called them “acoustic guitar licks”, but that’s not completely true – they can be used on almost any guitar. Let’s start from video.

Now let’s analyze one lick at a time.

Major 5th Interval Lick in the keys of G, F, and E Major

The left hand fingering for this lick is simple: just use your index finger (#1 in guitar notation) to barre the first three strings and slide it on fret at a time. On the right hand, I use the i (index) finger on the third string and r (ring) finger on the first string. Generally speaking, it’s not recommended to use the same finger to play two or more consecutive notes on the same string, but for this lick (if played relatively slow) it works just fine.

You can use the same lick in different keys. For example, the lick on the picture above leads to plain simple F Major cord. Note that this is the same lick as shown on the first picture, but shifted on two frets towards the nut. Shift it on one more fret and you’ll finish the progression by E Major chord (see below).

Minor 3rd Interval Lick in the Key of C Major

To the next lick, I usually use the 2nd and the 3rd fingers on the left hand and the index and middle fingers on the right one. And this lick is also “shift-able”.

Minor 3rd Interval Lick in the Key of C Major

And the last, but not least: this is more advanced lick. It exploit repetitive (or ‘pedal’) tone on the first string and moved down the 10th interval between the second and fifth strings. You can figure out the left hand fingering on the video. On the right hand I simply use the r-i fingers on the 2nd and 1st string, and thumb on the bass.

As shown in the score, you can finish this lick by playing an A major chord. I would recommend to make a partial barre with your index finger pressing the 2nd, 3rd and the 4th string and muting the first string.

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