Quick Licks - Larry Carlton: A Comprehensive Guide to Blues Guitar Mastery

Embark on a transformative journey with Licklibrary's "Quick Licks - Larry Carlton," an exceptional guitar tutorial series by Stuart Bull that is meticulously designed for those passionate about mastering the blues guitar. This course is not just a collection of licks; it’s an intensive exploration into the nuanced realms of slow blues, slow blues fusion, advanced blues phrasing, and the intricate art of vibrato, all encapsulated in the signature style of the legendary guitarist Larry Carlton.

What You Will Learn In This Course

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

• Slow blues
• Slow blues fusion licks
• Blues phrasing
• Vibrato

Technique Breakdown

Understanding Slow Blues

The Heart of Blues Guitar

Slow blues is the foundation upon which much of blues guitar is built. In this course, you'll delve into the soulful world of slow blues, learning to articulate each note with emotional depth and clarity. This focus on slow blues enhances your ability to express feelings through your instrument, teaching you the art of making your guitar "sing" with every bend and vibrato.

Slow Blues Fusion Licks

The Blend of Jazz and Blues

Larry Carlton is renowned for his ability to fuse blues with elements of jazz, creating a unique and sophisticated sound. In "Quick Licks - Larry Carlton," you’ll learn slow blues fusion licks that challenge you to incorporate jazz harmonies and rhythms into your blues playing. This fusion enhances your musical versatility and opens new avenues for creative expression.

Blues Phrasing

Speaking Through Your Guitar

Blues phrasing is about telling a story through your instrument. This course breaks down Carlton's iconic phrasing, teaching you how to use rhythm, dynamics, and articulation to create compelling musical narratives. Understanding blues phrasing is crucial for any guitarist looking to add expressiveness and depth to their playing.

The Art of Vibrato

Bringing Notes to Life

Vibrato is a powerful tool in any guitarist’s arsenal, capable of adding emotion and expression to a note. In this series, you’ll learn how to master vibrato, exploring various techniques to make your notes resonate with feeling. Vibrato is not just a technique; it’s a means of musical communication.

The Benefits of Practicing with a Backing Track

Practicing these licks with the included backing track is invaluable for developing a sense of timing, rhythm, and musical context. It helps you understand how your playing fits within a band setting, preparing you for live performances and jam sessions. Moreover, it makes practice sessions more engaging and enjoyable.

Larry Carlton’s Guitar Style

Larry Carlton, often referred to as “Mr. 335” for his preference for the Gibson ES-335, is celebrated for his smooth, melodic playing style that seamlessly blends blues and jazz elements. His playing is characterized by clean, articulate notes, sophisticated chord progressions, and emotive phrasing. By studying his style, you gain insights into combining different genres and techniques, enriching your musical vocabulary.

Techniques Covered in This Course

This course covers a range of guitar techniques, each contributing to the versatility and expressiveness of your playing. Here are some of the techniques you'll explore, along with links for further study:

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• Arpeggios

"Quick Licks - Larry Carlton" is an essential resource for guitarists seeking to deepen their blues and fusion playing skills. Through mastering the techniques and licks taught in these lessons, you'll not only pay tribute to the great Larry Carlton but also carve your path towards your legacy in the world of guitar music.