Rock Rhythm Guitar Workouts

LickLibrary’s Rock Rhythm Guitar Workouts by Richard Shaw is the ultimate course for guitarists looking to sharpen their rhythm skills across a broad spectrum of rock styles. Whether you’re a budding player wanting to explore new genres or an experienced guitarist looking to refine your groove, this series offers note-for-note breakdowns, hands-on demonstrations, and performance-ready workouts tailored to real-world playing situations.

Richard Shaw – renowned for his technical proficiency and melodic sensibility – guides you through three distinct workouts: Blues Rock, Classic Rock, and '80s Rock. Each lesson zone in on essential rhythm guitar techniques while expanding your vocabulary of riffs, chord progressions, and right-hand approaches.

Blues Rock Workout

This section dives deep into the raw, expressive power of blues-infused rock rhythm. With gritty grooves, dynamic phrasing, and expressive articulation, the Blues Rock Workout is packed with techniques that elevate your rhythm playing beyond the basics.

Techniques Covered:

• Vibrato – Adds emotion and vocal-like quality to sustained notes. Mastering this will make your riffs sing with character.
• Double Stop Bends – An essential bluesy move that thickens up your rhythm parts and adds gritty melodic content.
• Hammer-ons & Pull-offs – Great for fluid, legato phrasing within riffs.
• Power Chords – The backbone of rock rhythm, providing the punch and attitude central to the genre.
• Palm Muting – Controls dynamics and tightens up riffs, offering contrast and groove.
• Slides – Helps connect chord shapes and phrases smoothly for more expressive riffing.
• Bluesy Bends – Key to injecting soul and tension into your rhythm phrases.

Benefit to You:

Learning blues rock rhythm techniques equips you with timeless tools for expressive rock playing. You'll develop stronger timing, dynamic control, and an ear for nuance, making you a more musical and confident guitarist.

Classic Rock Workout

The Classic Rock Workout captures the golden era of riff-driven guitar work, drawing inspiration from bands like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and The Rolling Stones. Expect crunchy chords, dynamic grooves, and tight interplay between hands.

Techniques Covered:

• Chord Progressions – Learn how classic rock utilises powerful progressions to build tension and resolve.
• Barre Chords – Unlock rhythm playing across the neck, adding range and versatility.
• Syncopated Rhythms – Delivers rhythmic interest and drive that characterises much of the genre.
• Slides – Used to add swagger and flow to chord changes and riff transitions.
• Alternate Picking – Essential for maintaining speed and accuracy in up-tempo riffs.
• String Bending – Injects character into fills and transitions between riffs.

Benefit to You:

Classic rock rhythm playing strengthens your groove, timing, and ability to control energy across a song. It’s the perfect style to master foundational rock rhythm while building performance-ready chops.

'80s Rock Workout

Step into the world of high-octane riffing, harmonised layers, and flashy fretboard moves. The '80s Rock Workout brings the era of big tones and even bigger techniques to your practice routine.

Techniques Covered:

• Tremolo Picking – Adds urgency and aggression to riffs, often used in intros and bridges.
• Pinched Harmonics – Adds a screaming edge to notes, ideal for accenting riffs.
• Two-Handed Tapping – While often used in solos, Richard shows how tapping can add a unique flair to rhythm parts.
• Dive Bombs & Whammy Bar Tricks – Use these to punctuate riffs and create dramatic effects.
• Arpeggios – Bring out chord tones clearly for clean, melodic rhythm passages.
• Galloping Rhythms – A staple of the era’s more metal-leaning rock, boosting right-hand control and coordination.
• Open String Riffs – Adds clarity and sustain while keeping riffs harmonically interesting.

Benefit to You:

This workout sharpens your timing and speed while teaching you how to inject high-energy flair into your rhythm parts. Perfect for those aiming to play with more technical precision and stage-ready power.

Guitar Techniques Covered

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Galloping Rhythms
• Open String Riffs

Rock Rhythm Guitar Workouts by Richard Shaw is your pathway to becoming a versatile, confident, and technically skilled rhythm guitarist. Whether you aim to jam with others, join a band, or simply play with more fire and finesse, this course has the tools and insight to transform your rhythm playing.