30 Acoustic Roots Licks You Must Know (JamPlay)

If you want to expand your vocabulary in traditional American acoustic music, this course delivers a powerful set of tools to take your playing to the next level. Dave Isaacs, known for his clear, musical instruction and deep stylistic knowledge, guides you through 30 must-know licks that embody the soul of acoustic blues, bluegrass, and fingerstyle country.

From swampy double stops and driving boom-chick rhythms to honky-tonk turnarounds and melodic flatpicking runs, each lick is taught with detailed insight into both the technique and the feel that bring the style to life. Whether you’re laying down a groove, kicking off a jam, or adding flavor to your solos, these licks give you the building blocks to sound authentic and expressive.

Designed for intermediate and advanced beginners alike, the course spans a variety of keys, grooves, and right-hand approaches, helping you internalize the rhythmic nuances and melodic sensibilities of roots music. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of bass-driven accompaniment, crosspicking, hybrid picking, and droning strings—hallmarks of classic Americana guitar work.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a repertoire of go-to phrases that not only sound great on their own but also unlock creative possibilities for your songwriting, improvisation, and live performance. If you're ready to channel the spirit of American roots guitar, this collection from Dave Isaacs is an indispensable step on your journey.