Quick Licks - In The Style of Jeff Beck

Step into the world of a true guitar innovator with Quick Licks - In the Style of Jeff Beck. This course is your gateway to understanding and mastering the unique, expressive, and often unpredictable guitar style of Jeff Beck. Renowned for his mastery of the Stratocaster and his ability to make the guitar sing with unparalleled emotion, Beck has inspired generations of guitarists. This online guitar course, presented by Licklibrary.com, offers an in-depth exploration of the techniques that define his sound, providing you with the tools to infuse your own playing with a new level of creativity and feel. If you’re looking to learn Jeff Beck’s guitar techniques and unlock a more expressive and dynamic approach to your playing, this is the ultimate guitar lesson experience.
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Michael Casswell Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Michael Casswell

Course Content Overview

This comprehensive course, taught by the esteemed Michael Casswell, delves into the core components of Jeff Beck’s playing. You will learn killer blues licks that encapsulate his signature style, complete with a high-quality Jeff Beck style blues guitar jam track for you to practice and perfect your new skills. The lessons are structured to provide a clear and concise breakdown of the following essential techniques:

  • String Bending: Discover the nuances of Beck’s vocal-like string bending, learning how to control pitch and expression with precision.
  • Finger-style Lead Guitar: Move beyond the pick and explore the dynamic and tonal possibilities of playing lead guitar with your fingers, a cornerstone of Beck’s technique.
  • Blues Phrasing: Learn to craft melodic and emotionally resonant guitar phrases that tell a story, a key element of Beck’s captivating solos.
  • Whammy Bar Use: Master the art of using the whammy bar not just for dive bombs, but for subtle, expressive pitch variations that are a hallmark of Beck’s innovative style.

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is designed for intermediate to advanced guitarists who are looking to expand their musical vocabulary and break free from conventional playing styles. It is particularly beneficial for:

  • Players who admire Jeff Beck’s unique and innovative approach to the guitar and want to incorporate his techniques into their own playing.
  • Guitarists who want to develop a more expressive and dynamic playing style, focusing on feel and emotion.
  • Musicians who are looking for a structured and effective way to learn advanced blues and rock guitar techniques.
  • Anyone seeking to improve their improvisational skills and learn how to craft compelling and memorable guitar solos.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

Quick Licks - In the Style of Jeff Beck is more than just a collection of licks; it’s a comprehensive learning system that provides you with the context and tools to truly understand and apply these techniques. With expert instruction from Michael Casswell, you’ll receive clear, step-by-step guidance on how to master each element of Beck’s style. The inclusion of a professional backing track allows you to immediately apply what you’ve learned in a musical context, honing your timing, phrasing, and improvisational skills. As part of the Licklibrary.com family, you are investing in a premium guitar tuition experience, trusted by thousands of guitarists worldwide. This course will not only teach you how to play like Jeff Beck but will also inspire you to find your own unique voice on the guitar.

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Quick Licks - In The Style of Jeff Beck: Exploring the Genius of a Guitar Innovator

"Quick Licks - In The Style of Jeff Beck" offers an in-depth exploration of the unique techniques that define Jeff Beck's legendary guitar playing. Beck, known for his innovative approach and masterful expressiveness, has been a guiding light in the guitar world. This series taught by Michael Casswell delves into techniques such as string bending, playing finger-style lead guitar, blues phrasing, and whammy bar use, each essential to Beck’s distinct sound.

What You Will Learn In This Course

Killer blues licks in the style of Jeff Beck. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

  • String Bending
  • Playing Finger-style Lead Guitar
  • Blues Phrasing
  • Whammy Bar Use

Technique Breakdown

String Bending: A Beck Signature

Jeff Beck's string bending is not just about changing pitch; it's an art form. These lessons focus on his nuanced approach to bending, where precision and control meet emotion. You'll learn to emulate Beck’s bends, which go beyond the norm in both range and expressiveness. Mastering these bends is essential for capturing the vocal-like quality of Beck’s lead playing.

Playing Finger-style Lead Guitar: The Beck Approach

One of Beck's trademarks is his use of finger-style playing in lead guitar work. This series shows you how to ditch the pick and use your fingers to pluck the strings, offering a different kind of attack and dynamic range. This technique provides a distinct tone and touch, giving you the ability to articulate notes with a level of expressiveness that's hard to achieve with a pick.

Blues Phrasing: Beck’s Melodic Language

Jeff Beck’s blues phrasing is a study in storytelling. These lessons delve into his approach to crafting phrases that speak musically, teaching you to use space, dynamics, and note choice to create impactful musical statements. You’ll learn how to build solos that are both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, a key aspect of Beck’s style.

Whammy Bar Use: Beck’s Expressive Tool

Beck’s use of the whammy bar is iconic. Unlike many guitarists who use it for simple dive bombs or vibrato, Beck employs the whammy bar to create subtle pitch variations and unique sounds. This part of the series focuses on using the whammy bar as a means of expression, adding nuances to your playing that can elevate your guitar work to a new level.

Practising Over a Backing Track: Contextual Learning

Incorporating backing tracks in your practice is crucial for applying these techniques in a musical context. Playing along with these tracks allows you to integrate what you’ve learned into real-life playing situations, enhancing your timing, improvisational skills, and ability to play in a band setting.

Jeff Beck’s Guitar Style

Jeff Beck’s style is a fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and more, marked by his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of the guitar. His approach to tone, technique, and emotion has made him one of the most revered guitarists of all time. Studying his style offers invaluable insights into the possibilities of guitar playing.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

  • Develop a nuanced approach to string bending.
  • Gain the skill to articulate notes expressively with finger-style lead playing.
  • Learn to craft emotionally charged blues phrases.
  • Utilise the whammy bar for subtle and creative pitch variations.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - In The Style of Jeff Beck"

Upon completing "Quick Licks - In The Style of Jeff Beck" your skills will be enhanced in the following techniques:

"Quick Licks - In The Style of Jeff Beck" is an indispensable course for guitarists seeking to explore the depths of guitar mastery. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, these lessons offer a comprehensive guide to understanding and incorporating the style of one of the guitar’s true innovators.

* THIS PRODUCT IS NOT ENDORSED BY OR MADE IN ASSOCIATION WITH JEFF BECK, NOR DOES JEFF BECK PERFORM OR APPEAR ON THIS COURSE *

Michael Casswell playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Michael Casswell

It is with great sadness that we post the news of Michael Casswell's tragic death in a swimming accident while on holiday in Spain. All of us at Licklibrary are shocked and saddened by MIke's passing, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time. Michael...

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