Country guitar has its own sound. A lot of it comes from double-note riffs that move together like a single melody. What you’re about to learn is an ending riff in G that uses a smart technique: inverted thirds with hybrid picking.

This lesson is part of our guitar riffs series.

Hybrid picking means you use both a pick and your fingers. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Inverted Thirds

An inverted third is two notes that skip one note between them. We’re going to play the 3rd string and the 1st string together, skipping the 2nd string. The key is: you pick the 3rd string, and your middle finger plucks the 1st string at the same time.

For related lessons, check out chordal riffs using inverted thirds and double-note intro riffs.

Start at the 7th fret on the 3rd string (that’s B). Now add a note on the 1st string using your 2nd and 3rd fingers. This makes a B minor third. Slide up together. Both notes move as one unit.

The Descending Pattern

Now we descend through inverted thirds:

B minor third (7th fret) — A minor third (5th fret) — G major third (position change here; drop your 2nd finger one fret, and your 1st finger catches the 1st string at the 3rd fret) — F-sharp minor third (2nd fret) — E minor third (open).

Then you finish with a C major chord and land on G. It sounds like a scale played in thirds, smooth and flowing.

Pick or Fingers?

Hybrid picking creates a special tone. If it feels awkward at first, try using just the pick. The fingering is the same; you’re just changing your attack. Both ways work. This is an advanced lesson, so take your time building comfort.

You might also enjoy our guide to chordal riffs using inverted thirds and these double-note intro riffs.