If Albert Lee’s solos are too busy for you yet Luther Perkins’ aren’t busy enough, you’ll love the lyrical playing of Roy Nichols (1932-2001). His sing-able country hooks are key DNA in the Bakersfield sound. They’re also a huge part of timeless Merle Haggard albums such as Hag’s seminal live disc, Okie from Muskogee. Nichols’ pleasing epilogue tag on “Sing Me Back Home” (which inspired the lick above) echoes pleasantly in the mind long after the song has faded. Play it with a pick or with a pick-and-fingers approach, but know that its recurring C#-D-C#-B-A move (end of beat two) is Nichols’ signature lick.