Easy Livin' by Uriah Heep

Take a deep dive into the classic rock anthem “Easy Livin’” by Uriah Heep with our comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com. Known for its energetic riffing and memorable hooks, this song is a perfect entry point for guitarists looking to sharpen their skills in classic hard rock rhythm and lead playing. With our detailed lesson, you’ll learn every nuance of this track, including the iconic guitar techniques that make it a timeless favourite among rock guitarists. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Legacy of Uriah Heep and Mick Box

“Easy Livin’” was released in 1972 on Uriah Heep’s album Demons and Wizards and features the dynamic playing of guitarist Mick Box. Renowned for his heavy yet melodic approach, Box brought a signature blend of bluesy phrasing, punchy riffs, and tasteful use of effects that helped define Uriah Heep’s sound. His influence reaches far into the rock and metal genres, inspiring players with his expressive vibrato, creative chord voicings, and theatrical performance style.

In this song, Box demonstrates a concise and effective use of technique that perfectly complements the band’s powerful vocal and keyboard presence. His ability to balance melody and aggression makes him a standout guitarist in the classic rock era and provides a rich learning ground for any guitarist seeking to channel vintage tone and feel.

Song Breakdown and Guitar Techniques

Our lesson takes you through each section of “Easy Livin’,” showing you how to lock in with the song’s rhythm and express its soaring lead moments with confidence. Below, we explore the key guitar techniques covered in this lesson and explain their value to any guitarist’s toolkit.

Power Chords

One of the foundational elements of this song is its use of power chords. These are essential for building strong rhythm guitar chops. In “Easy Livin’,” power chords drive the intro and verses with authority, allowing players to learn how to maintain tight timing and articulate punchy riffs in a band setting.

Why it matters: Learning power chords helps you develop left- and right-hand synchronisation and strengthens your control over muted strumming patterns.

Slides

Mick Box uses slides to transition between notes smoothly, especially during lead fills and connecting phrases. These slides add expression and a vocal-like quality to the guitar parts.

Why it matters: Practicing slides improves your fretboard navigation, phrasing, and helps to connect scale positions fluidly.

Vibrato

Box’s vibrato adds a personal flair to held notes, especially during solos. His controlled yet expressive vibrato gives the lead parts a singing quality that stands out in the mix.

Why it matters: Mastering vibrato gives your playing character and can transform simple phrases into emotionally compelling statements.

String Bending

Another lead technique found in “Easy Livin’” is string bending, used to target vocal-like intervals and emphasise key melodic points.

Why it matters: Bending improves pitch accuracy and ear training, helping you learn how to create tension and release within a solo.

Palm Muting

The chugging rhythm parts of “Easy Livin’” feature tight palm muting, especially in the verses. This technique adds dynamic control and tonal contrast to rhythm guitar parts.

Why it matters: Palm muting helps develop right-hand discipline and lets you explore subtle tonal variations through pressure and placement.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The short lead bursts and fills incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs, enhancing speed and fluidity without excessive picking.

Why it matters: These legato techniques help you build speed, finger independence, and create smoother melodic runs.

Why Learn “Easy Livin’”?

“Easy Livin’” is a compact masterclass in classic rock guitar. Whether you're a rhythm guitarist or aspiring lead player, it offers a balanced mix of foundational and expressive techniques. It’s not just about copying the notes—it’s about capturing the attitude and tone that define an era. By working through this song, you’ll gain insight into vintage guitar tones, band interaction, and economical phrasing that says more with less.

Plus, every technique taught here builds toward a broader skillset you can apply to hundreds of classic rock and modern songs. Whether you're performing in a band, recording, or jamming at home, the ideas and techniques in “Easy Livin’” will elevate your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used

• Power Chords
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Whether you're diving into classic rock for the first time or looking to brush up on essential techniques, our “Easy Livin’” lesson at Licklibrary.com is the perfect resource to push your playing forward.