All Right Now - Solo by Free
The "All Right Now - Solo" by Free is a masterclass in expressive rock guitar playing, packed with dynamic techniques and musicality. This guitar lesson provides a note-for-note breakdown of the solo, allowing players to replicate its iconic sound and expand their technical and stylistic repertoire. Whether you are an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, this lesson will sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of classic rock guitar techniques. Stuart Bull breaks down this iconic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Paul Kossoff and Free
Paul Kossoff, the lead guitarist for Free, was known for his emotive playing style and ability to convey powerful expression through minimalism and technique. His solos combined precision with raw emotion, making him a standout in the rock world of the late '60s and early '70s. Kossoff’s work on "All Right Now" showcases his iconic vibrato, string bending, and phrasing, which have influenced countless guitarists, including Joe Bonamassa and Slash. This lesson pays homage to Kossoff’s legacy by diving deep into his signature techniques.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
String Bending and Bluesy Bends
String bending is a cornerstone of the "All Right Now" solo, used to create soaring, vocal-like phrases. In the solo, Kossoff employs precise bends to hit target notes with accuracy, adding emotional weight to each lick. Mastering this technique improves pitch control and expressiveness, allowing players to add a personal touch to their solos.
Learn more about string bending.
Vibrato
Kossoff’s vibrato is one of the most distinctive elements of his playing, adding a singing quality to sustained notes. The lesson focuses on developing a controlled yet dynamic vibrato that enhances your note articulation. Vibrato is a vital skill for any guitarist, improving sustain and tonal character.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
The solo makes use of hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, legato runs that add speed and smoothness to the phrasing. This lesson breaks down these techniques in detail, helping players achieve seamless transitions between notes. Learning these techniques will improve your finger strength and dexterity.
Learn more about hammer-ons | Learn more about pull-offs.
Slides
Kossoff’s expressive use of slides gives the solo its flowing, connected feel. Slides are used to transition between positions and embellish notes, adding a vocal-like quality to the phrases. Developing this skill enhances phrasing and adds fluidity to your solos.
Double Stops
Double stops are a key feature of this solo, creating harmonically rich and rhythmically compelling phrases. This lesson demonstrates how Kossoff integrates double stops for added texture and emphasis. Mastering this technique expands your harmonic vocabulary and rhythmic control.
Learn more about double stops.
Pre-Bends
Kossoff's use of pre-bends allows him to hit notes with a dramatic, almost vocal effect. This lesson teaches you how to execute pre-bends accurately and musically, enhancing your ability to create tension and release in solos.
Rakes
The use of rakes adds percussive flair and dynamic energy to the solo. Raking involves muting strings to create a sharp, rhythmic attack before playing the target note. This lesson breaks down Kossoff’s subtle use of rakes to accentuate key phrases, helping you add nuance to your playing.
Benefits of Learning the Techniques in This Lesson
- Improved Expressiveness: Techniques like vibrato and string bending help convey emotion through your playing.
- Enhanced Dexterity: Mastery of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides develops finger strength and fluidity.
- Expanded Harmonic Understanding: Learning double stops and pre-bends improves your ability to create rich, dynamic phrases.
- Stylistic Insight: Recreating Kossoff’s phrasing gives you an inside look into classic rock soloing.
Techniques List
By focusing on these essential techniques, the "All Right Now - Solo" lesson equips you with the tools to play like a true classic rock guitarist while honing your skills for a wide range of musical styles.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Stuart Bull
As co-founder of LickLibrary and Total Accuracy, Stuart plays a tremendous part of all the goings on in LickLibrary today. Looking at our entire catalogue, the entire contribution from Stuart is phenomenal and has had an impact on tens of thousands of aspiring guitar players the world over. Stuart's professional...