It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over - Lenny Kravitz

LickLibrary.com is proud to present our detailed guitar lesson for Lenny Kravitz's classic hit "It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over." This iconic track captures the soulful essence of 70s-inspired rock and R&B while showcasing subtle yet impactful guitar work that’s perfect for learners who want to expand their musical vocabulary and technical abilities. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Song and Its Guitarists

"It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over" features Lenny Kravitz, a multi-talented musician whose artistry spans vocals, instrumentation, and production. Inspired by artists like Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye, Kravitz crafts a rich, layered soundscape reminiscent of classic Motown and soul ballads. While Kravitz himself played many instruments on the track, the guitar work serves as a foundation, delivering rhythm and textural depth. The understated yet effective parts highlight the importance of groove, dynamics, and melodic phrasing.

Kravitz’s influence on modern rock and soul is immeasurable. His ability to merge vintage tones with contemporary production techniques has made him a trailblazer for aspiring guitarists looking to blend genres seamlessly.

Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Our lesson dives deep into the techniques used in "It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over," breaking them down step-by-step so you can master the nuances that define the song. Each technique is essential not just for playing this track but also for enhancing your overall guitar proficiency.

Barre Chords

Barre chords form the rhythmic backbone of the song. These versatile chords allow you to cover multiple frets with a single finger, giving you access to a wide range of chord voicings. By mastering barre chords, you’ll gain the ability to play complex chord progressions across the neck with ease, enhancing your rhythm playing in various genres.

Chord Progressions

The lush harmonic structure of this song relies heavily on its elegant chord progressions. Understanding and practicing these progressions will improve your ability to navigate through changes smoothly, building both your ear and fretboard knowledge.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Subtle ornamentation in the guitar lines is achieved through hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques add a fluid, legato quality to your playing, making transitions between notes more expressive and natural.

Slides

Slides are used to connect melodic ideas seamlessly, giving the song its soulful vibe. Learning to incorporate slides into your playing will enhance your phrasing and add a vocal-like quality to your guitar solos and riffs.

String Bending

Although the bends in this track are subtle, they are effective in adding emotion to the melody. String bending teaches control and precision, helping you convey expressive nuances in your playing.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The arpeggios in "It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over" create a shimmering texture, complementing the song’s smooth vocal lines. Practicing arpeggiated chord progressions will refine your picking accuracy and teach you how to integrate arpeggios into rhythm guitar parts.

Syncopated Rhythms

The groove of this track relies on syncopation, where emphasis is placed on off-beats or unexpected accents. Mastering syncopated rhythms will enhance your sense of timing and enable you to craft dynamic, compelling grooves.

Finger-Picking

While not the dominant technique in this track, finger-picking adds a nuanced texture to specific sections. This technique helps improve dexterity, independence between fingers, and the ability to alternate between bass and melody lines seamlessly.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each of these techniques contributes to your growth as a guitarist:

• Barre Chords: Boosts your ability to play versatile rhythms.
• Chord Progressions: Deepens your harmonic understanding.
• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Makes your playing smoother and more expressive.
• Slides: Enhances phrasing with a fluid, vocal-like touch.
• String Bending: Develops control and emotional expression.
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions: Sharpens picking precision.
• Syncopated Rhythms: Improves timing and groove.
• Finger-Picking: Builds dexterity and melodic independence.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play this timeless track but also improve your overall musicianship, making you a more versatile guitarist.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

Here’s a list of guitar techniques featured in this lesson, along with internal links for further exploration:

• Barre Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• String Bending
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Finger-Picking

Dive into this comprehensive lesson and bring the soulful groove of Lenny Kravitz to your fingertips. Start your journey with LickLibrary.com today!