Quick Licks - Jeff Beck: Exploring the Genius of a Guitar Innovator

"Quick Licks - Jeff Beck" offers an in-depth exploration of the unique techniques that define Jeff Beck's legendary guitar playing. Beck, known for his innovative approach and masterful expressiveness, has been a guiding light in the guitar world. This series taught by Michael Casswell delves into techniques such as string bending, playing fingerstyle lead guitar, blues phrasing, and whammy bar use, each essential to Beck’s distinct sound.

What You Will Learn In This Course

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

• String Bending
• Playing Fingerstyle Lead Guitar
• Blues Phrasing
• Whammy Bar Use

Technique Breakdown

String Bending: A Beck Signature

Jeff Beck's string bending is not just about changing pitch; it's an art form. These lessons focus on his nuanced approach to bending, where precision and control meet emotion. You'll learn to emulate Beck’s bends, which go beyond the norm in both range and expressiveness. Mastering these bends is essential for capturing the vocal-like quality of Beck’s lead playing.

Playing Fingerstyle Lead Guitar: The Beck Approach

One of Beck's trademarks is his use of fingerstyle playing in lead guitar work. This series shows you how to ditch the pick and use your fingers to pluck the strings, offering a different kind of attack and dynamic range. This technique provides a distinct tone and touch, giving you the ability to articulate notes with a level of expressiveness that's hard to achieve with a pick.

Blues Phrasing: Beck’s Melodic Language

Jeff Beck’s blues phrasing is a study in storytelling. These lessons delve into his approach to crafting phrases that speak musically, teaching you to use space, dynamics, and note choice to create impactful musical statements. You’ll learn how to build solos that are both technically proficient and emotionally resonant, a key aspect of Beck’s style.

Whammy Bar Use: Beck’s Expressive Tool

Beck’s use of the whammy bar is iconic. Unlike many guitarists who use it for simple dive bombs or vibrato, Beck employs the whammy bar to create subtle pitch variations and unique sounds. This part of the series focuses on using the whammy bar as a means of expression, adding nuances to your playing that can elevate your guitar work to a new level.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Contextual Learning

Incorporating backing tracks in your practice is crucial for applying these techniques in a musical context. Playing along with these tracks allows you to integrate what you’ve learned into real-life playing situations, enhancing your timing, improvisational skills, and ability to play in a band setting.

Jeff Beck’s Guitar Style

Jeff Beck’s style is a fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and more, marked by his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of the guitar. His approach to tone, technique, and emotion has made him one of the most revered guitarists of all time. Studying his style offers invaluable insights into the possibilities of guitar playing.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

• Develop a nuanced approach to string bending.
• Gain the skill to articulate notes expressively with fingerstyle lead playing.
• Learn to craft emotionally charged blues phrases.
• Utilize the whammy bar for subtle and creative pitch variations.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Jeff Beck"

Upon completing "Quick Licks - Jeff Beck," your skills will be enhanced in the following techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends

"Quick Licks - Jeff Beck" is an indispensable course for guitarists seeking to explore the depths of guitar mastery. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, these lessons offer a comprehensive guide to understanding and incorporating the style of one of the guitar’s true innovators.