'Live High' by Jason Mraz

"Live High" by Jason Mraz is a soulful, intricate piece that captures the artist's effortless fusion of reggae, jazz, and pop elements. Our Licklibrary lesson dives deep into each section of this song, offering note-for-note instruction that breaks down Mraz's unique stylistic approach. This song’s relaxed vibe and technical nuances provide an ideal platform for learning multiple guitar techniques, making it an excellent choice for guitarists of all levels looking to expand their skills. From finger-picking to syncopated rhythms, the techniques covered in this lesson will enhance your musical expression and expand your versatility as a guitarist. Tom Quayle breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Live High"

"Live High" incorporates a blend of foundational and advanced guitar techniques, each adding depth and colour to the song’s lush arrangement. Let's explore these techniques and how they contribute to the unique sound of "Live High."

Finger-Picking

One of the core techniques in "Live High" is finger-picking. Jason Mraz’s music often draws on a warm, acoustic finger-picking style, giving the melody a flowing, organic feel. In this lesson, you’ll focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm while bringing out individual notes. Mastering finger-picking will not only make this song sound true to form but also improve your dexterity and precision across a variety of styles.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Live High" has a subtle yet engaging rhythm that uses syncopation, creating a laid-back feel that’s characteristic of Mraz’s music. Syncopated rhythms add complexity to your playing by placing emphasis on off-beats, challenging your timing and helping you develop a sense of groove. By learning these syncopated patterns, you'll gain greater control over rhythm and timing, essential for creating captivating, dynamic performances.

Barre Chords

This song employs a number of barre chords, which help sustain smooth transitions between chord changes. Barre chords are a fundamental skill that every guitarist should master, as they allow you to play full chords in any key across the fretboard. Practicing barre chords within "Live High" will help you build finger strength, endurance, and control, key aspects for any player aiming to achieve a professional level of proficiency.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs add fluidity and expressiveness to the melody in "Live High." These techniques allow you to transition between notes smoothly, creating a cascading effect that gives the melody a lyrical quality. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are essential for creating legato lines and embellishing melodies. Learning these techniques will also improve your hand coordination and control, enhancing your ability to add emotion to any song.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes, adding a vocal-like quality to the melody. By practicing slides in this song, you'll learn to control your fretting hand's movements and create a seamless, flowing sound that’s both emotive and technically polished. Mastery of slides enhances your musical phrasing and makes your playing more expressive.

Open Chord Progressions

The song's foundation relies on open chord progressions, which provide a rich, resonant sound typical of acoustic performances. These chords make the song sound fuller and more resonant, especially when played with an acoustic guitar. Learning open chord progressions will benefit you by enhancing your knowledge of chord structures and increasing your adaptability to different musical genres.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios add texture to the song by breaking chords into individual notes, creating a sound that’s both rich and spacious. In "Live High," arpeggios are used to maintain a smooth flow between chords while adding a sense of rhythm. Practicing arpeggios improves finger independence and gives you a nuanced understanding of chord shapes, making it easier to apply them to other songs and improvisations.

The Guitarists Behind "Live High"

Jason Mraz, known for his soulful, versatile sound, often collaborates with skilled guitarists who bring his melodies to life. In "Live High," the guitar work complements Mraz's voice perfectly, layering rhythms and melodies with a warm, acoustic tone. His guitarists are adept at blending elements of jazz, reggae, and folk into a cohesive style that defines Mraz's unique sound. By studying the guitar techniques in "Live High," guitarists gain insight into how these musicians approach rhythm and phrasing, providing a roadmap to mastering Mraz's style and integrating it into your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Live High"

Below is a list of the specific guitar techniques you will explore in this lesson:

• Finger-Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Barre Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Open Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

This detailed lesson on "Live High" by Jason Mraz offers a comprehensive guide to improving your guitar skills, providing you with techniques that not only recreate the song’s intricate sound but also enhance your ability to play with precision and emotion. Each technique in this lesson builds your skills for both rhythm and lead guitar, making it an invaluable resource for players aiming to expand their musical range.