How to master the percussive 'chicken pickin' sound on electric guitar
In short: Ever wondered how country guitarists achieve that signature, spanky rhythmic snap? It is a specialized technique known as chicken pickin', which relies on a precise balance of muting and hybrid picking to create a sound reminiscent of a chicken in a barnyard.
To achieve the authentic chicken pickin' sound, a guitarist must master the interplay between pitch and percussion. This is largely controlled by the position of the picking hand. By resting the heel of the hand on the guitar's saddles, a player can mute the strings. Moving the hand slightly forward increases the percussive quality, while easing back allows more of the note's actual pitch to ring through. Finding this 'special spot' is essential for the desired effect.
The technique is deeply tied to the equipment used and the specific mechanics of the right hand. A Telecaster equipped with low action and light gauge strings is often cited as the ideal setup for producing a bright, 'spanky' tone. Furthermore, players often use hybrid picking—a method involving both a pick and the fingers. By using the middle finger, and sometimes the ring finger, players can achieve the rhythmic syncopation characteristic of the style. Even the way the pick is held matters; using less pick than usual can help create a more percussive, 'picky' sound.
This style is a staple of country music, with influential figures like Don Rich of Buck Owens and the Buckaroos helping to define its sound. While it has roots in traditional country, the genre has since evolved into various subgenres, including Americana, which often serves as an alternative to the more corporate structures found in modern country pop.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Play Chicken Pickin' Style Licks | Country Guitar
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