Doug Seven is best known as a country guitar player, educator, and online instructor specializing in modern Nashville-style lead guitar. Rather than being a mainstream recording artist, he’s built his reputation by teaching advanced country guitar techniques to players around the world.
Here’s what he’s known for:
- Country “chicken pickin'” guitar. His playing emphasizes the clean, fast, twangy style made famous by players such as Brent Mason, Danny Gatton, Albert Lee, and Brad Paisley.
- Hybrid picking and B-Bender techniques. Much of his instructional material focuses on combining a flatpick with fingers, string bending, double-stops, pedal-steel-inspired licks, and improvisation—all hallmarks of contemporary country guitar.
- Instructional videos and courses. He founded Sizzling Guitar Licks and later Sizzling Guitar University, producing lessons, DVDs, downloads, and online courses aimed at intermediate and advanced guitarists. His YouTube channel has attracted tens of thousands of subscribers.
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Recording artist. He released an instrumental album titled SEVEN, featuring original country guitar instrumentals such as:
- “Shin Dig – Chicken Pickin'”
- “Why – for Danny Gatton & SRV”
- “Cloud Seven”
- “Burp Rag”
The album showcases his technical guitar playing rather than vocals.
Doug Seven is especially respected among guitar enthusiasts looking to master:
- Nashville lead guitar
- Chicken pickin’
- Hybrid picking
- Country blues
- Fast alternate-picking techniques
- Improvisation over country chord changes
While he hasn’t achieved the commercial fame of major country artists, he’s well regarded in the guitar education community for breaking down difficult techniques into approachable lessons and inspiring hobbyists and working musicians alike.
