5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth
Lessons Included in this Course
Course Content Overview
This course provides a note-for-note breakdown of five signature licks that encapsulate the genius of Allan Holdsworth. Each lesson is a self-contained masterclass in advanced guitar techniques, designed to build your vocabulary and technical facility. You will learn to master:
- The Secrets of Fluid Legato: Discover the mechanics behind Holdsworth’s famously smooth and seamless legato technique. We’ll explore four-note-per-string patterns and wide-interval leaps that will help you navigate the fretboard with unparalleled grace and speed.
- Harmonically Rich Chord Voicings: Delve into the complex chord progressions and voicings that were a hallmark of Holdsworth’s compositions. You’ll learn how to construct and apply these sophisticated harmonies to create your own rich sonic tapestries.
- The Art of Tapped Harmonics: Add a new dimension to your playing with the ethereal sound of tapped harmonics. This lesson will teach you how to execute this technique with precision, adding a bell-like quality to your melodies and solos.
- Expressive Bending and Vibrato: Learn to emulate Holdsworth’s unique approach to string bending and vibrato. We’ll analyse his use of microtonal bends and subtle vibrato to add emotional depth and character to your phrasing.
- Advanced Hybrid Picking: Unlock new levels of speed and precision with hybrid picking. This technique, which combines a pick and fingers, was central to Holdsworth’s ability to execute complex, multi-string passages with ease.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is designed for the intermediate to advanced guitarist who is ready to move beyond standard rock and blues vocabulary and explore the outer limits of jazz fusion. It is ideal for players who are fascinated by complex harmony, advanced techniques, and the challenge of mastering a truly unique and influential style. If you are a fan of jazz fusion, progressive rock, or experimental guitar music, and you’re looking for a structured approach to understanding the genius of Allan Holdsworth, this course is for you. It’s for the curious musician who isn’t afraid to push boundaries and wants to develop a more sophisticated and expressive improvisational voice.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
‘5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth’ is more than just a collection of licks; it’s a carefully curated learning experience that provides a clear and concise pathway into a complex musical world. Under the expert guidance of Sam Bell, a renowned guitarist and educator, you will receive a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of each concept. The course focuses on practical application, ensuring that you not only learn the licks but also understand the underlying theory and how to integrate these ideas into your own playing. With high-quality video lessons, close-up demonstrations, and accompanying tablature, you have all the tools you need to master these techniques. This LickLibrary course is your opportunity to learn from the best and take a significant step forward in your journey as a guitarist.
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5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth by Sam Bell
Explore the complex and inspiring world of Allan Holdsworth with our exclusive guitar lesson package, "5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth," meticulously taught by the talented Sam Bell. This course is designed for guitarists looking to delve into the unique playing style of one of the most innovative musicians in the jazz fusion realm. Below, you'll find an in-depth look at the featured guitar techniques and the myriad benefits of learning them.
Overview of the Course
In this course, Sam Bell breaks down five distinctive licks that capture the essence of Allan Holdsworth's guitar technique. Each lick incorporates a variety of advanced techniques that Holdsworth famously used to create his ethereal and complex soundscapes. Not only will you learn these licks note-for-note, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding of how to apply these techniques in your own playing.
Technique Breakdown
Legato
One of the hallmarks of Holdsworth's style is his smooth, flowing legato. This technique involves playing notes with minimal picking, relying heavily on hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a seamless sound. Mastering legato can enhance your fluidity and speed, allowing for more expressive phrasing and a cleaner sound.
Chord Progressions
Holdsworth was known for his use of complex chord progressions that often included extended and altered chords. Learning these progressions can expand your harmonic vocabulary and improve your ability to compose and improvise over sophisticated changes.
Tapped Harmonics
This technique adds a sparkling, bell-like quality to the music. Tapped harmonics involve tapping the string at a nodal point of the fretboard to create high-pitched harmonic tones. Incorporating this technique can bring a new dimension of texture to your playing.
String Bending
String bending is another expressive technique covered in this course. Holdsworth's use of wide, controlled bends contributed significantly to his unique sound. This technique helps in expressing emotions through your guitar, making solos more impactful.
Hybrid Picking
Hybrid picking combines pick and fingers to play notes simultaneously or in quick succession. This technique allows for greater speed and accuracy in playing lines that include non-adjacent strings, offering a broader range of textures and dynamics.
Performance Context
Each lesson culminates in a performance by Sam Bell, demonstrating how these techniques can be integrated into a cohesive solo. Watching these performances provides students with context on how to apply what they've learned in a musical setting. It also helps in understanding the dynamic control and emotional expression that Holdsworth was famous for. Observing a skilled guitarist like Sam Bell execute these techniques in performance can inspire students and provide a clear model for how to use them effectively in their own playing.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
By learning these advanced techniques, guitarists can significantly enhance their playing skills. Techniques like legato and hybrid picking, for instance, not only improve your speed and fluidity but also your tonal variety and ability to play complex passages with ease. Understanding and applying Holdsworth's advanced chord progressions will expand your improvisational skills and harmonic understanding, which are crucial for any jazz or fusion guitarist.
Conclusion
"5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth" by Sam Bell is not just a guitar lesson; it's an opportunity to dive deep into the innovative style of one of the greats. Whether you are looking to expand your technical skills or add expressive depth to your playing, this course provides invaluable insights into mastering these techniques.
List of Guitar Techniques Used
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Sam Bell
Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...