Cream - Tech Session
Lessons Included in this Course
Course Content Overview
This comprehensive course provides a structured approach to learning the essential techniques that defined Eric Clapton’s playing during the Cream era. You will learn to master the nuances of his style, from his signature vibrato to his powerful string bending. The lessons are designed to be clear and concise, allowing you to build your skills progressively and apply them in a musical context.
Here’s a breakdown of the lesson contents:
- Vibrato: Learn to add emotion and character to your notes with Clapton’s unique vibrato technique.
- Alternate Picking: Develop speed and precision with alternate picking exercises designed to improve your picking hand efficiency.
- Legato: Master the art of legato playing with hammer-ons and pull-offs for smooth, flowing lead lines.
- Double-Stop Bends: Add a touch of bluesy sophistication to your playing with double-stop bends.
- Unison Bends: Learn to create powerful, soaring bends in the style of Eric Clapton.
- Pinched Harmonics: Discover how to add aggressive, biting tones to your solos with pinched harmonics.
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
This course is perfect for guitarists of all levels who are looking to explore the world of blues-rock and learn the techniques of one of its most iconic players. It is particularly well-suited for those who want to:
- Learn to play classic Cream songs and solos.
- Improve their blues and rock guitar phrasing.
- Develop a more expressive and dynamic playing style.
- Understand the music theory behind Clapton’s playing.
- Incorporate classic rock and blues-rock vocabulary into their own playing.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
The Cream - Tech Session is a highly effective learning tool because it combines detailed technical instruction with practical musical application. Michael Casswell’s expert guidance and note-for-note breakdowns of classic Cream tracks make it easy to understand and master the techniques. The inclusion of backing tracks allows you to practice and perform the material in a realistic band setting, helping you to develop your timing and improvisational skills. This course is your opportunity to learn from one of the best and unlock the secrets of Eric Clapton’s legendary guitar style.
WE CAN HELP...
1-ON-1 COACHING
Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!
** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with
Cream
nor does
Cream
perform or appear on this course.*
Cream - Tech Session by Michael Casswell
Overview
Welcome to "Cream - Tech Session" by Michael Casswell, an exclusive guitar lesson series brought to you by Licklibrary.com. This comprehensive tutorial is designed for guitar enthusiasts who wish to delve into the iconic sound of Cream, one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s. Michael Casswell, a seasoned guitarist and renowned tutor, meticulously breaks down the techniques used in Cream's music, allowing you to master them with precision and confidence. Each lesson focuses on specific techniques and includes a performance by Casswell, demonstrating these techniques in a musical context, which greatly enhances your learning experience.
Lesson Breakdown
Lesson
The lesson component of "Cream - Tech Session" focuses on dissecting the intricate guitar techniques employed by Eric Clapton during his tenure with Cream. Each lesson is structured to provide a step-by-step approach to learning these techniques, ensuring that you can follow along and practice effectively.
Techniques Covered:
Vibrato: Vibrato is a fundamental technique that adds expressiveness to your playing. By oscillating the pitch of a note, you can create a more emotive and dynamic sound. Learning vibrato helps in developing finger strength and control, which are essential for expressive playing.
Alternate Picking: This technique involves alternating the pick strokes between downstrokes and upstrokes. It's crucial for playing fast, articulate passages and improving overall picking efficiency. Mastering alternate picking will enhance your speed and precision across the fretboard.
Legato: Legato playing involves smooth transitions between notes using hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique allows for fluid, melodic lines and reduces the need for continuous picking. It’s beneficial for creating a seamless, flowing sound in your solos.
Double-Stop Bends: Double-stop bends involve bending two notes simultaneously. This technique creates a rich, harmonised sound and is a staple in blues and rock guitar. It enhances your bending accuracy and finger independence.
Unison Bends: Unison bends are where two strings are bent to the same pitch, producing a powerful, resonant sound. This technique is great for adding intensity to your solos and improving your pitch control.
Pinched Harmonics: Pinched harmonics create high-pitched squeals by striking the string with both the pick and the thumb. This technique is essential for adding aggressive, biting tones to your playing, particularly in rock and metal genres.
Performance
The performance section of "Cream - Tech Session" showcases Michael Casswell applying the techniques in a musical context. Watching these performances is invaluable for several reasons:
- Contextual Understanding: Seeing the techniques in action within actual songs helps you understand how they fit into musical phrases and structures.
- Timing and Dynamics: Performances demonstrate how to apply timing and dynamics effectively, which is crucial for expressive playing.
- Musicality: Observing a skilled guitarist like Casswell allows you to see the musical nuances and subtleties that can transform a technical exercise into a compelling performance.
Benefits of Learning the Techniques
Each technique taught in this series offers specific benefits:
- Vibrato enhances your expressiveness and emotional range.
- Alternate Picking boosts your speed and accuracy.
- Legato ensures smooth, melodic transitions.
- Double-Stop Bends enrich your harmonic vocabulary.
- Unison Bends amplify the intensity of your solos.
- Pinched Harmonics introduce aggressive tonal qualities.
By mastering these techniques, you will not only improve your technical skills but also gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of Cream's musical style. This comprehensive approach ensures that you can replicate the iconic sounds of Cream with confidence and flair.
Guitar Techniques Used
Embark on your guitar journey with "Cream - Tech Session" by Michael Casswell and elevate your playing to new heights with these essential techniques.
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...