Quick Licks - In The Style of Steve Lukather

Dive deep into the versatile and dynamic guitar style of Steve Lukather, the legendary guitarist of Toto and one of the most recorded session musicians in history. This LickLibrary course, “Quick Licks - In the Style of Steve Lukather,” is your opportunity to learn from the master’s playbook. Taught by the brilliant Michael Casswell, these online guitar lessons are crafted for players who want to master the techniques and musicality that have made Lukather a true icon. Whether you’re a fan of Toto’s arena-filling hits or his countless session contributions, this course provides the tools to bring that polished, professional sound to your own playing. This course is designed for the intermediate to advanced guitarist ready to tackle sophisticated rock and fusion concepts. You will explore the melodic phrasing, technical precision, and soulful expression that are hallmarks of Lukather’s style. By learning these meticulously crafted licks, you will not only expand your technical abilities but also enhance your understanding of how to construct memorable and emotionally resonant guitar solos.
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Michael Casswell Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Michael Casswell

Course Content Overview

This course delivers a comprehensive arsenal of killer licks that capture the essence of Steve Lukather’s playing. To ensure you can apply these concepts in a real musical setting, the course includes a professionally produced backing track. The core techniques you will master include:

  • Two-Hand Tapping: Go beyond the basics and learn how Lukather uses two-hand tapping to create fluid, complex melodic lines and add a modern edge to his rock solos.
  • Rock Guitar Soloing: Discover the art of crafting a compelling guitar solo. These lessons focus on narrative, phrasing, and building intensity, ensuring your solos tell a story.
  • String Bending: Master the art of expressive string bending to make your guitar sing. You’ll learn to control your bends with precision and emotion, a crucial skill for any rock guitarist.
  • Phrasing: Uncover the secrets to Lukather’s masterful phrasing. This is where his genius truly shines, turning simple notes into powerful musical statements.

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is the perfect next step for guitarists who are comfortable with rock and blues and want to elevate their playing to a professional level. It is especially beneficial for those who aim to:

  • Develop a more melodic and expressive approach to soloing.
  • Incorporate advanced techniques like two-hand tapping and whammy bar tricks into their playing.
  • Improve their phrasing and ability to create memorable guitar hooks.
  • Understand the mindset of a top-tier session musician and how to play for the song.
  • Are fans of Toto, and the polished, sophisticated rock sound of the 80s and beyond.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

“Quick Licks - In the Style of Steve Lukather” offers a structured and effective path to mastering this iconic guitarist’s style. The combination of detailed lick analysis by a world-class instructor, Michael Casswell, and the opportunity to practice with a high-quality backing track makes this a powerful learning experience. This LickLibrary course is not just about copying licks; it’s about understanding the musical context and philosophy behind them. You will learn how to integrate these techniques into your own style, making you a more versatile, expressive, and complete guitarist. Elevate your playing and learn to craft solos that are as technically impressive as they are musically compelling.

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1-ON-1 COACHING

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Quick Licks - In The Style of Steve Lukather

Embark on a musical journey with "Quick Licks - In The Style of Steve Lukather", a lesson series that delves into the artistry and technique of one of rock's most celebrated guitarists. This package offers an immersive experience into the unique style that has made Steve Lukather a legend in the guitar world. This course is taught by Michael Casswell.

What You Will Learn In This Course

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

  • Two Hand Tapping
  • Rock Guitar Soloing
  • String Bending
  • Phrasing

Technique Breakdown

Two-Hand Tapping

Explore the dynamic world of Two-Hand Tapping, a hallmark of Lukather's playing. This technique allows for the creation of complex, high-speed melodic lines, using both hands on the fretboard. Our lessons help you master this skill, enhancing your dexterity and opening new avenues for musical expression.

Mastery in Rock Guitar Soloing

Lukather's expertise in Rock Guitar Soloing is unparalleled. Through these lessons, you'll learn to craft solos that are both emotionally powerful and technically sound. You’ll gain insight into constructing narratives with your solos, ensuring they're not just a series of notes, but a story told through music.

The Art of String Bending

String Bending is another vital aspect of Lukather’s guitar work. It brings a human, vocal quality to his solos. You'll learn to bend strings with control and emotion, enabling your guitar to sing with the same expressiveness as Lukather’s.

Masterful Phrasing

Lukather's true genius lies in his Phrasing. It's where his musicality shines brightest, turning simple notes into profound musical statements. These lessons emphasise the creation of meaningful, compelling phrases, turning your solos into a powerful form of expression.

Practicing with Backing Tracks

Each lick in this series is paired with a backing track, simulating a real-band environment. This practice method is crucial for developing your timing, rhythmic skills, and ability to adapt licks in various musical contexts. It's an essential step towards seamless integration with other musicians in live or studio settings.

The Essence of Steve Lukather's Style

Steve Lukather, globally renowned for his role in Toto, epitomises the essence of a versatile and soulful guitarist. His approach combines robust rock techniques with melodic intuition and rhythmic mastery. Learning his style not only challenges you technically but also expands your musical vocabulary and emotional expressiveness on the guitar.

Conclusion

"Quick Licks - Steve Lukather" offers more than just a collection of licks; it's an exploration into the heart and soul of one of rock’s most influential guitarists. It’s an opportunity to refine your playing by absorbing and applying Lukather’s techniques and musical philosophy, ultimately guiding you towards your own unique voice on the instrument.

Below is a list of the guitar techniques used in all these lessons. Delve deeper into each one by following the links provided:


* THIS PRODUCT IS NOT ENDORSED BY OR MADE IN ASSOCIATION WITH STEVE LUKATHER, NOR DOES STEVE LUKATHER 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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