Song Rig

Country Boy

Albert Lee · Hiding · 1979

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Albert Lee's signature track and the definitive showcase of his chicken-pickin' technique — a country-rock instrumental that demonstrates why he is widely regarded as the fastest country guitarist alive. The Telecaster through a clean Fender amp produces the quintessential country guitar tone: bright, clean, and snapping with the attack of his hybrid pick-and-fingers approach.

Signal Chain

1Music Man Albert Lee Model (or Fender Telecaster, Tele-style body)
2Fender Showman or Twin Reverb (clean)
3Emmons Pedal Steel guitar influence on phrasing

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume2

Bass5

Mid6

Treble9

Maximum treble for country snap — the country guitar tone is built on the Telecaster bridge pickup's naturally bright attack, amplified through a clean amp without any distortion. The high treble gives each note a sharp, immediate presence.

Technique

How to Play It

Hybrid picking at maximum speed — Albert Lee uses his flat pick for bass strings while simultaneously plucking treble strings with his middle and ring fingers. The 'chicken pick' snap of the middle finger against the string produces the characteristic high-velocity attack that distinguishes country lead playing from rock lead.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Telecaster bridge pickup → Twin Reverb clean → no effects → practice hybrid picking: hold the flat pick between thumb and index, then pluck the G, B, and high E strings with the middle, ring, and little fingers in rapid succession.

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