The Hunter by Free

Master the Guitar Techniques of Free’s Classic Rock Anthem

Learn to play "The Hunter" by Free with our note-for-note guitar lesson, breaking down every riff, solo, and technique used in this blues-rock classic. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced player wanting to fine-tune your blues phrasing, this lesson will help you capture the essence of Paul Kossoff's legendary playing style. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Paul Kossoff’s Influence

Paul Kossoff, Free’s lead guitarist, was known for his expressive, emotive playing, heavily influenced by blues greats such as Eric Clapton and Peter Green. His soulful vibrato, dynamic bends, and powerful phrasing helped define the sound of Free and solidified his place as one of rock’s most underrated guitar heroes. Kossoff’s ability to convey emotion through simple, melodic lines rather than excessive speed makes his style a must-study for any guitarist wanting to enhance their feel and expression.

Techniques You Will Learn

String Bending

String bending is a cornerstone of blues and rock guitar, allowing you to create vocal-like expressions. Kossoff’s bends in "The Hunter" add drama and soul to his phrasing. Mastering bends will improve your ear training and help you add more emotion to your solos.

Vibrato

Kossoff's legendary vibrato is on full display in this track. Vibrato adds sustain and character to notes, making them sing. Learning this technique will enhance your phrasing and make your playing more expressive.

Double Stops

Double stops give your playing a fuller and richer sound by playing two notes simultaneously. Used frequently in blues and classic rock, this technique adds power to rhythm playing and leads.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Legato playing is essential for smooth, fluid phrasing. This technique helps with speed, articulation, and adding dynamics to solos. Kossoff uses these to add flow between his notes, allowing for effortless transitions in his licks.

Slides

Sliding into notes creates smooth transitions and expressive phrasing. Used frequently in blues and rock, slides can make solos sound more fluid and connected, just like Kossoff’s effortless phrasing in "The Hunter."

Power Chords

The driving riffs in "The Hunter" rely on power chords, the backbone of rock guitar. Power chords are simple yet effective in creating a strong and punchy sound, making them essential for any guitarist looking to play classic rock.

Syncopated Rhythms

Kossoff’s rhythmic feel in "The Hunter" features syncopation, which adds groove and energy to the song. Learning to play syncopated riffs will help develop your sense of timing and make your rhythm playing more dynamic.

Bluesy Bends

Kossoff often infuses bluesy bends into his lead lines, which is key to capturing the raw, expressive feel of "The Hunter." Bluesy bends bring soul and attitude to your solos, making them more compelling and engaging.

Why Learn "The Hunter"?

• Improve your blues phrasing – Study Kossoff’s expressive playing style.
• Enhance your vibrato and bending – Two essential techniques for emotional playing.
• Master classic rock rhythms – Learn the syncopated grooves that give the song its drive.
• Develop smooth legato playing – Improve your fluidity with hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Bluesy Bends

Start learning "The Hunter" today and bring the raw power of Free’s blues-rock guitar into your own playing!