Advanced C Runs:
Runs in the key of C Major are certainly licks that you will want to have in your bag of tricks. Here are a few of the most popular with more to come.
The Basic C Run:
The basic C Run (shown in the first 2 measures of the diagram below), basically covers just 2 measures. The first measure consists of the run itself and the second measure is the C Chord ending to the run. Keep in mind that the C Run presented here can be modified in many ways. One very popular modification is to play the run as presented and to leave off the final chord strum at the end.
Lead Guitar Lessons – Advanced C Runs:
Advanced C Runs
Lead Guitar Lessons – More Advanced C Runs:
This second run consists of 3 measures and involves some advanced techniques. This run includes String Pull-Offs and String Hammer-Ons, and you can read more about these techniques by clicking on each link detailed instructions. The hammer-ons and pull-offs aid the left hand with speed and dynamics and will allow you play this run at a faster pace. Pay close attention to the left hand fingering next to the note heads. The timing is rather easy as it is mostly eighth notes, which received 1/2 beat each.
Look at the down and up strokes of the picking hand very carefully. These indications are located beneath the TAB staff. Be very attentive at the areas of the pull-off and hammer-on notes as the second note of the sequence is not picked but sounded by the right hand finger action. Notice that in this run the following note can be either a down stroke of the pick or an up stroke of the pick, depending on where it orginates in the timing sequence.
Tony Rice Style C Run:
The next run is again a 3 measure C run and starts out just like the very first basic C run we looked at. The catch for this run is in the second measure of the run. There is a String Slide and you can learn more about that by clicking on that link. Also a very important aspect of this run is that the slide with the ring finger move you from the first to the third position. You thin transition back to the first position by playing the open first string as the last eighth note in the measure, just in time to play the C chord bass note and strum.
The Last Word:
Follow your left hand fingerings, which I have located directly beside the head of each note. Again – ‘do not substitute and fingers other than the ones that are shown’, or you will not be able to execute these licsk either properly or ‘up-to-speed’.
Let the notes ring through each other as much as possible, to give the guitar more of a ‘harp-like’ sound. This will increase the listening pleasure of the lick and it will also make your playing style sound much smoother.
