Learn to Play Free

Immerse yourself in the world of classic rock and blues guitar with the "Learn to Play Free" course offered by LickLibrary. Comprising note-for-note lessons of Free's hit tracks: "Fire and Water," "Mr. Big," "All Right Now," "The Hunter," and "Wishing Well," the course promises a deep dive into the techniques and musicianship of Free's lead guitarist, Paul Kossoff. This course is taught by Lick Library's Michael Casswell.

Fire and Water

The first song in our course, "Fire and Water," showcases Paul Kossoff's command over bluesy guitar phrasing. The guitar parts in this song are primarily based on the A minor pentatonic scale. Kossoff's approach to rhythm guitar playing is filled with chunky, driving power chords, and intricate lead lines that utilize expressive string bending and his signature vibrato. The solo section showcases Kossoff's unique approach to phrasing, and his excellent use of double stops and slides to add texture.

Mr. Big

In "Mr. Big," Kossoff brings the full arsenal of his blues-rock techniques. The song features a range of chord progressions and scales including the D minor and Bb major pentatonic scales. Kossoff's solo in this track is a testament to his skill with alternate picking and legato, allowing him to deliver fast and fluid lines that still retain a vocal-like quality. Kossoff's use of pre-bends and release is also a standout feature in this song.

All Right Now

One of Free's biggest hits, "All Right Now," is a showcase of Kossoff's ability to craft memorable riffs and solos. The opening riff is a classic, featuring power chords and a few tasteful hammer-ons and pull-offs. The solo section demonstrates Kossoff's expertise in phrasing, with a blend of minor pentatonic and blues scale runs. His tasteful use of unison bends in the solo brings a sense of depth and dynamism to the melody.

The Hunter

"The Hunter" highlights Kossoff's use of syncopated rhythms and palm-muting to drive the song. The song's main riffs are drawn from the E minor pentatonic scale and have a punchy, bluesy feel. The solo showcases Kossoff's characteristic sustain, along with his skillful use of octave melodies and pinched harmonics to create contrast and maintain listener interest.

Wishing Well

The final song in the course, "Wishing Well," showcases Kossoff's lyrical guitar playing. The song's distinctive intro riff uses a combination of barre chords, slides, and pull-offs, set over a D major to B minor chord progression. The solo in this song is a masterclass in using double stop bends and trills to add a vocal-like quality to guitar lines.

The "Learn to Play Free" course is a tribute to Paul Kossoff's musicianship and legacy. His blues-driven approach, characterized by fluid soloing, emotive string bending, and powerful riffs, has inspired generations of guitarists. This course is not just about learning songs; it's about understanding and applying the stylistic nuances that made Kossoff's guitar playing so distinctive and influential.

Techniques Used

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Double Stops
5. Slides
6. Chord Progressions
7. Pre-Bends
8. Hammer-Ons
9. Pull-Offs
10. Unison Bends
11. Syncopated Rhythms
12. Palm Muting
13. Sustain
14. Octave Melodies
15. Barre Chords
16. Double Stop Bends
17. Trills
18. Power Chords
19. String Bending

Each song in the course offers a wealth of insights into Paul Kossoff's style and the techniques that defined his playing. Whether you're an aspiring blues-rock guitarist or a seasoned player looking for new inspirations, this course provides valuable lessons that will improve your playing and deepen your understanding of blues-rock guitar.