Notes:

• "Double stop" means to play 2 notes at the same time. The term comes from the violin, which has no frets. Instead of "fretting" the string, you "stop" it by pressing down on the fingerboard.

• The first lick includes a sycopated "strum" on the top 2 strings (B and E). ("Syncopated" means "unusual or unexpected." Think "funky.") Gently lift your fretting hand to mute the strings while continuing to strum up and down for the classic funky "chicken scratch" sound. It may be a little hard at first, but after a while it'll be second nature (hopefully!).

• Hammering (or sliding), up from a b3 to a major 3rd is an extremely common sound in blues/rock/funk, etc. I call it the "slippery third."

• In the second lick, you stretch a 6th and a b3 up about a quarter step *just towards* the b7 and major 3rd of an A dominant 7chord. A cool, 'rockabilly-esque' sound.

• Of course, try moving them up and down the neck to other keys .

• Mix and match the licks to integrate into your rock and blues soloing. Incorporate with scales, lines, chords, rhythm elements, etc.

Enjoy!

—DP