Learn to play I'm An Old Cowhand – Acoustic Guitar Lesson Preview - Totally Guitars

https://totallyguitars.com/lessons/2860-im-an-old-cowhand-from-the-rio-grande

In this acoustic guitar lesson, we explore the playful and swinging version of “I'm an Old Cowhand” as performed by Dan Hicks, known for blending Western swing, jazz, folk, and humor into a truly unique style. This lesson focuses on capturing the quirky rhythmic feel, chordal sophistication, and jazzy attitude that Hicks brought to this classic tune.

What You’ll Learn:
Chord Progressions: A walk through the song’s Western swing-style chords with jazz voicings. Expect lots of dominant 7s, passing chords, and chromatic movement that give the tune its laid-back yet sophisticated vibe.

Strumming & Rhythm: Dan Hicks’ style relies on tight swing rhythms with a relaxed but precise right-hand groove. We'll break down a light, syncopated strumming pattern that blends swing and country effortlessly.

Bass Runs & Turnarounds: Learn how to incorporate walking bass lines and jazzy turnarounds to transition smoothly between chord changes—key to giving your rhythm playing a lively, Hicks-like bounce.

Vocal Accompaniment Tips: Dan’s arrangements leave room for vocal phrasing and humor, so we’ll cover how to play supportively while keeping the rhythm interesting and elastic.

Style Notes:
Dan Hicks' take on “I'm an Old Cowhand” is less about cowboy twang and more about cool Western swing. Think Django Reinhardt meets Bob Wills—with a smirk. You'll learn how to let the guitar groove while staying relaxed and conversational, just like Hicks did.

By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a well-rounded arrangement of the song that’s perfect for solo performance or as part of a small swing ensemble. Whether you're a fan of Hot Licks or just looking to add some vintage flavor to your acoustic playing, this tune is a fun ride through Americana with a jazzy twist.

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Thanks for watching!

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