Quick Licks - Chuck Berry: Mastering Rock 'n' Roll Guitar

Embark on a musical adventure with "Quick Licks - Chuck Berry," a tailor-made guitar lesson series taught by Steve Trovato that is designed to delve into the iconic playing style of one of rock 'n' roll's greatest pioneers. This comprehensive package offers more than just a series of notes; it's a journey into the heart of Chuck Berry's groundbreaking techniques and musical storytelling.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 killer rock licks in the style of Chuck Berry. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

  • Scales
  • Double Stops
  • Unison Bends
  • Slides

Technique Breakdown

Exploring Key Techniques

Scales

The foundation of Chuck Berry's legendary guitar work lies in his mastery of scales. These lessons expertly dissect the pentatonic and blues scales, vital for capturing Berry's signature sound. Learning these scales is crucial, not just for playing Berry's licks accurately but also for crafting your own solos in the classic rock 'n' roll vein.

Double Stops

Double stops are integral to Berry's dynamic style. These lessons take you step-by-step through playing two notes at once, creating a richer, more harmonious sound. This technique adds a rhythmic punch to your playing, essential for any guitarist looking to excel in rock music.

Unison Bends

A staple of Berry's soloing technique, unison bends create a tension and release that's thrilling to hear and play. These lessons guide you through bending one string to match the pitch of another, achieving a resonant and powerful sound that is central to Berry's style.

Slides

Slides add a fluid, expressive quality to Berry's solos, seamlessly connecting notes with a smooth legato touch. By integrating slides into your playing, you'll not only transition between notes accurately but do so with the flair and attitude that Chuck Berry is renowned for.

Benefits of These Licks and Techniques

Learning these licks goes beyond mere note reproduction; it's about absorbing the essence of rock 'n' roll. Each lick is a piece of musical history, teaching you how to express energy, emotion, and excitement with your guitar. These lessons are not just about playing guitar; they're about performing with it, keeping Chuck Berry's legacy vibrantly alive.

Practicing with a Backing Track

"Quick Licks - Chuck Berry" features accompanying backing tracks, an essential practice tool. Playing over these tracks helps you develop timing and groove, ensuring that every technique — be it a bend, slide, or double-stop — fits perfectly within the rhythm. These tracks simulate the band environment, preparing you for live performances and enhancing your playing experience.

The Chuck Berry Guitar Style

Chuck Berry's guitar style is a dynamic blend of rhythm and lead techniques that helped define the rock genre. His approach was about making the guitar sing, using it as an expressive tool rather than just a musical instrument. Learning his style involves embracing the energy of rock 'n' roll and mastering the interplay between rhythm and lead, where chords and notes come alive.

Comprehensive Technique List

By completing the "Quick Licks - Chuck Berry" series, you'll have mastered several key guitar techniques. Here's a list of some of these techniques, with additional resources for further exploration:

"Quick Licks - Chuck Berry" is more than just a set of guitar lessons; it's a pathway into the soul of rock 'n' roll guitar. This package is an educational journey, a tribute to the past, and a guide for future guitarists, ensuring the timeless spirit of Chuck Berry's music continues to inspire and ignite passion in guitarists of every generation.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Steve Trovato

To fans of country music, Steve needs no introduction and as an educator Steve holds a fulltime position in the Studio Jazz Department of Southern California. Steve has had a huge impact on the guitar learning scene with his old country guitar video and his Voodoo Blues series of books...

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