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The “Partial Barre” G to C Shape

The title of this lesson might be a bit confusing—and may not be the most compelling—but this lick is easily one of the most useful and melodic positions one can ever utilize on the guitar.

I have always found it the perfect way to combine rhythm with melodic passages, and a great way to find a higher voicing over lower chord inversions. “Rolling” the strings and utilizing hammer-ons and pull-offs also give this position life, though it is truly just a closed version of a very popular open position in G—another lick I'll be teaching in this lesson.

To really understand and recognize these positions, it’s best to envision the lead and rhythm styles of Mark Knopfler and Keith Richards. We will use those types of hammer-ons and pull-offs for this style, and you’ll see many of the incredible melodic possibilities available to you.—Arlen Roth

Click here to check out the Les Paul 2008 Standard that Arlen's playing!
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