SALE: 10 Workouts - $9.99

Are you interested in learning some Texas style guitar backup ideas? These 10 workouts include some standard progressions and some more complicated ideas. Perfect for guitarists of any level or background, regional styles, bluegrass, swing, jazz, rock & roll or country, these workouts will give you a more in - depth look into the Texas fiddle backup world.

Order the PDF Version below for $9.99:

Order the Physical Copy below for $12.99 + shipping

Order your copy right now. The book includes a code for a free 30 minute Skype session with Jonathan Trawick AND a chord - for - chord transcription of Eldon Shamblin playing the western swing classic, Take Me Back to Tulsa.

More from Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog:

A Texas Fiddle Anthem

Listen to Texas guitar innovator, Omega Burden

Ray Franklin plays Lady Be Good

Ray Franklin - Texas Guitar Hero

Ray Franklin is a legend among Texas backup players. Having learned at the knee of Omega Burden, Ray and his brother Royce had tremendous shoulders from which to launch their own ideas from the very beginning. Not to mention, their father, legendary Texas fiddler, Major Franklin kept them busy backing him on back porches and living rooms throughout Texas and the surrounding area. For a great sample of their guitar work, I recommend purchasing Texas Fiddle Album which features their nephew, Larry Franklin playing a selection of 10 tunes with Royce and Ray on guitar and Steve Williams on bass. What a rhythm section!

Watch this video of Ray playing backup to the popular tune, Lady Be Good. This is a simple swing tune that is popular in the area. If you are interested, I have provided a full transcription of the backup part below. But first, the video:

How about that for some rhythm! Whew! Did you see any chords you recognized? Not to worry, here is a sample of my transcription.

Purchase the whole 17 page transcription below. It is a great study on the Ray Franklin backup style.

More Texas Style Guitar Posts:

Free Chord Diagram from Omega Burden playing Billy in the Lowground

Dale Morris Jr - A Texas Fiddle Legend

Kentucky Waltz - A Beginning Guitar Lesson

Listen to Texas Fiddle Legend Dale Morris Jr.

There are several legendary Texas fiddle families, the Morris family would certainly be one of the first called when speaking of great fiddling ability. We will focus on other members of this family later on this blog, but today, watch Dale Morris, Jr. Having learned by watching his Dad and Uncle jam with other area fiddlers such as Benny Thomasson, the Solomons and the Franklins, Dale, Jr. had quite the shoulders to stand on! His musical career has taken him all over the world having performed with Marty Stuart, Ray Price and many others. Listen to Dale, Jr. play the old tune, Dusty Miller.

Download the 2006 Grand Master Fiddler Championships Album which features one of Dale, Jr.'s rounds below.

More from Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog:

Kentucky Waltz Chords Video Lesson

Earliest Texas Fiddle Recording Ever

Sally Johnson Free Chord Diagram

A Video Companion to Kentucky Waltz as presented in 10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts

Here is a basic walk through of Kentucky Waltz as presented in 10 Texas Style Guitar Workouts. If you do not have the book, it is available for download on this site. Below the video, you will find a Buy Now link where you can go ahead and order yours. In the meantime, here is a free video lesson for a popular waltz that will get your fingers warmed up and prepared for some more advanced ideas. Let's pick!

To order your download, simply click the Buy Now button below. Purchase your copy today for only $19.99 and you will receive a free Eldon Shamblin transcription of the western swing standard, "Take Me Back to Tulsa" AND a free 30 minute Skype session with me. Come on, I said it once, I'll say it again, let's pick!

More from Texas Style Guitar Blog:

Downloadable Ray Franklin Transcription with video

Listen to Texas fiddle legend, Dale Morris, Jr.

Texas Fiddle Sounds from 1922

Cotton Eyed Joe - a Texas fiddle anthem

Bob Wills would be 110 today. Born on March 6, 1905 in Kosse, TX, the Kin of Western Swing still lives in the hearts and ears of many. In fact, Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel just released their millionth tribute to Bob Wills album, Still the King: Celebrating the Music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. It is currently being featured as the Texas Style Guitar Backup Blog Featured Album above. Check it out if you haven't already!


In honor of Bob's birthday, we take a look at what is considered by many, a true Texas anthem. That's right, Cotton Eyed Joe! This tune is played by many across the US and in different ways, naturally. You may be familiar with the pop-country mega hit, "Where Did You Come From Cotton Eyed Joe"... Listen to how Bob Wills plays the tune. Bob was an old time fiddler who grew up about an hour and 45 minutes south of Dallas, TX. Here, his band, the Texas Playboys back him on the tune. The backup is simple, yet driving and played on electric guitar. But don't let that fool you. The groove is excellent, danceable, with appropriate runs pleasing to the ear. Not too much, but not too little... Enjoy this Texas anthem and Happy Birthday, Bob! May you forever rest in peace.

Thanks to the following sources:

Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org

MrHellvis69 - youtube.com/user/MrHellvis69