God bless you Mark. Informative, accurate AND a mention for Bill Harrell, one of the great guitarists. I'da been here in a shot were it not for a migraine that's doin' me in today.

The Lester Flatt G run has a few antecendants, not the least of which is audible in the playing of Charlie Monroe. I urge you (if you're really serious about this music) to listen to some of the variations. Try Jimmy Martin, Red Smiley, and Charlie Waller, for a start.

You may not know the name Ed Mayfield, but he was on many of Monroe's recordings..check him out.

Also don't be afraid to learn the "thumb and index finger" approach. For fast tunes it can be extremely effective (and your hand never tires)

Rick