A G mixolydian (G7) open string scale. Watch the right hand fingering. When using a thumb pick runs like this one feel somehow natural.
A good ending in G starting with the above scale.
I have developed my ideas on getting that bluegrass banjo sound on guitar further and here are some examples of that. First a couple of typical endings.
If you get this thing rollin´ it´s great fun. Be sure to try it on an acoustic guitar with a capo up high.
Since we´re in E, this banjo lick should be played when you go to the dominant i e B(7). You´ll hear when to return to E.
A variation on the above. Ends with one of my infamous open string runs.
This one is very useful on an A/E/A pattern. I´ve included rhythm guitar. The last run sounds more interesting when you add that note on top.
Another for the A/E/A chord sequence.
Bluesy lick in A which could be repeated forever if you run out of ideas...
High twang factor in this G thang.
Rock, blues or country in D
Pull this one off. I play it slower first and then... Key of G.
When going from E7 to A in an up-tempo song you might want to try something like this. From a recording I did of Orange Blossom Special.
