Believe by Lenny Kravitz
Dive deep into the mesmerising artistry of Lenny Kravitz’s song Believe, brought to life with a note-for-note guitar lesson on Licklibrary.com. This comprehensive lesson will equip you with the techniques and musical insights that make this track a standout masterpiece. Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned player, mastering these techniques will elevate your playing and deepen your understanding of expressive guitar work. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tuttorial.
Song Overview and Guitar Influence
Believe, a hallmark of Lenny Kravitz’s 1993 album Are You Gonna Go My Way, stands out for its emotional depth and dynamic instrumentation. The guitar work, often attributed to Kravitz himself and longtime collaborator Craig Ross, blends soulful melodies with rock-infused vigour. Ross’s fluid style and knack for tasteful phrasing greatly influenced Kravitz's sound, emphasising soulful vibrato, innovative progressions, and emotive bends.
Their playing reflects a fusion of classic rock, funk, and soul, resonating with the influence of legends like Jimi Hendrix and Curtis Mayfield. This rich interplay of styles provides a fertile ground for guitarists looking to develop both technique and emotional expression.
Key Guitar Techniques in Believe
Vibrato
Vibrato is a cornerstone of expressive guitar playing, and Believe showcases its power. Used to add depth and sustain to single notes, vibrato enhances the emotional resonance of your playing. Developing a smooth and controlled vibrato will allow you to channel the soulful quality of the track into your own style.
Alternate Picking
The song’s rhythmic passages often call for alternate picking, enabling precision and speed. This technique not only sharpens your accuracy but also fosters a more fluid picking hand. Mastering this approach is essential for delivering the song's intricate lines with clarity.
Learn more about Alternate Picking
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Melodic embellishments in Believe frequently rely on hammer-ons and pull-offs, creating smooth transitions between notes. These techniques enhance the fluidity of your playing and are crucial for replicating the song's intricate phrasing.
String Bending
The track features poignant string bends, an essential technique for capturing its emotional intensity. Learning to execute controlled bends will help you mimic the expressive quality of the original performance and improve your ear for pitch.
Learn more about String Bending
Slides
Slides are another hallmark of Believe, lending a seamless, flowing quality to transitions between notes. Mastering slides adds character to your playing and enhances the overall melodic appeal of the song.
Barre Chords and Arpeggiated Progressions
The rhythm guitar in Believe employs barre chords alongside arpeggiated chord progressions. These techniques form the harmonic foundation of the track and are vital for building chordal fluency and finger strength.
Learn more about Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
Rakes and Bluesy Bends
Subtle rakes and soulful bluesy bends enrich the song’s dynamic phrasing. Rakes introduce rhythmic flair, while bluesy bends add a raw, emotive quality to the melody. Both techniques are invaluable for developing a more expressive playing style.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
- Enhanced Expression: Techniques like vibrato, string bending, and bluesy bends will give your playing a more emotive and soulful character.
- Improved Fluidity: Hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides refine your legato playing, making transitions smoother.
- Rhythmic Precision: Mastering alternate picking and rakes sharpens your timing and accuracy.
- Strength and Stamina: Barre chords build hand strength, while arpeggiated progressions improve finger dexterity and picking coordination.
- Dynamic Range: Incorporating rakes and bends teaches you to modulate intensity, adding subtle nuances to your sound.
Guitar Techniques in Believe
Here’s a list of guitar techniques featured in our Believe guitar lesson:
- Vibrato
- Alternate Picking
- Hammer-Ons
- Pull-Offs
- String Bending
- Slides
- Barre Chords
- Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
- Rakes
- Bluesy Bends
Unlock the artistry of Believe with our in-depth guitar lesson and master the techniques that define this soulful classic.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Michael Casswell
It is with great sadness that we post the news of Michael Casswell's tragic death in a swimming accident while on holiday in Spain. All of us at Licklibrary are shocked and saddened by MIke's passing, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time. Michael...