Quick Licks - In The Style of Brian May
Course Content Overview
This comprehensive course provides you with an arsenal of meticulously crafted licks in the style of Brian May. You will also receive a high-quality backing track to practice and perfect your new skills in a real-band context. The core techniques covered in these lessons include:
- Rock Guitar Soloing: Learn to construct solos that are not just technically proficient but also deeply melodic and emotionally resonant.
- Guitar Harmonies: Uncover the secrets to creating the lush, multi-layered guitar harmonies that are a signature of the Queen sound.
- String Bending: Master the art of expressive string bending to make your guitar sing with the same passion and precision as Brian May.
- Alternate Picking: Develop a fluid and accurate alternate picking technique, essential for executing both intricate melodic lines and powerful rock rhythms.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is perfectly suited for intermediate to advanced guitar players who are fans of Queen and classic rock. If you aspire to move beyond generic scales and licks and learn how to compose solos that tell a story, this course is for you. It is ideal for guitarists looking to expand their melodic vocabulary, understand the theory and application of harmony on the guitar, and develop a more expressive and dynamic playing style. Whether you want to pay tribute to a rock icon or simply elevate your own creative abilities, these lessons provide the tools you need.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
“Quick Licks - In the Style of Brian May” is more than just a collection of licks; it’s a complete guide to understanding and internalizing the musical philosophy of a true guitar innovator. By breaking down Brian May’s style into its core components, this course makes his sophisticated techniques accessible and achievable. The inclusion of a professional backing track allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a practical and inspiring way, sharpening your timing, improvisation, and performance skills. With Licklibrary’s renowned online guitar lesson format, you can learn at your own pace and revisit the material whenever you need, ensuring a thorough and lasting understanding of these essential rock guitar techniques.
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1-ON-1 COACHING
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Quick Licks - In The Style of Brian May: A Deep Dive into Rock Guitar Mastery
"Quick Licks - In The Style of Brian May" offers an immersive exploration into the soulful world of rock guitar soloing. This series meticulously dissects Brian May's iconic style, presenting a comprehensive guide to the nuances that define a legendary guitar solo. In rock, soloing transcends mere technique; it's an exercise in storytelling, where dynamics, tone, and emotive expression coalesce. As you delve into these expertly crafted licks, you'll learn not just to play notes, but to make each one resonate with the listener's heart. These lessons are brought to you by Michael Casswell.
What You Will Learn In This Course
Killer rock licks in the style of Brian May. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:
- Rock Guitar Soloing
- Guitar Harmonies
- String Bending
- Alternate Picking
Technique Breakdown
Crafting Guitar Harmonies
Brian May's signature sound is synonymous with rich, interwoven guitar harmonies that have become a defining feature of rock music. This lesson series demystifies the process of creating harmonious guitar parts that enhance and elevate the lead melody. Learning these harmonies is essential for guitarists aiming to expand their compositional skills and add a new dimension to their playing, enabling them to construct layered, compelling musical narratives.
The Expressive Power of String Bending
String bending is a critical technique in imbuing guitar playing with emotion and nuance. In "Quick Licks - Brian May", you'll master the art of bending strings to different pitches, mirroring the expressive power of the human voice. This technique is central to Brian May's emotive style, and mastering it allows guitarists to convey deeper musical expression and more dynamic phrasing.
Refining Alternate Picking
Alternate picking stands as a cornerstone of efficient rock guitar playing. Brian May's mastery of this technique is evident in his precise, fluid solos and rhythmic playing. These lessons focus on developing clean, speedy picking skills, essential for executing rapid solos and complex rhythmic patterns with ease and accuracy.
The Value of Practising with a Backing Track
Incorporating a backing track in practice sessions is invaluable for contextualising the licks you learn. It not only improves your timing and rhythm but also sharpens your improvisational skills. Playing with a backing track simulates the experience of a live band, preparing you for real-world performance scenarios where tight synchronisation with other musicians is key.
Insight into Brian May's Guitar Style
As the lead guitarist of Queen, Brian May has etched his name in the annals of rock history. His unique approach to guitar playing—marked by his self-built "Red Special" guitar, lush tones, and innovative techniques—offers a wealth of inspiration for guitarists. Studying his style is not just about learning licks; it's about understanding the creative and technical nuances that forge a distinctive and enduring musical identity.
Why Learn Brian May's Licks?
Immersing yourself in Brian May's licks is more than a lesson in classic rock—it's a masterclass in crafting solos that resonate with an audience. These licks are a gateway to developing your unique voice on the guitar, laying a foundation for musical growth and creativity that transcends genre and era.
Featured Guitar Techniques in the Lessons
The "Quick Licks - In The Style of Brian May" lessons are a treasure trove of guitar techniques, each contributing to the iconic sound of one of rock's greatest guitarists. Mastering these techniques will elevate your playing and deepen your understanding of guitar artistry:
Each technique plays a vital role in the expressiveness and technical mastery of Brian May's guitar work. By integrating these techniques into your practice regime, you not only honor a legendary guitarist but also lay a solid foundation for your musical journey.
* THIS PRODUCT IS NOT ENDORSED BY OR MADE IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRIAN MAY, NOR DOES BRIAN MAY PERFORM OR APPEAR ON THIS COURSE *
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...