Learn To Play Free

Are you ready to channel the raw, minimalist power of one of Britain’s most influential rock bands? Do you want to master the emotive, vibrato-laden solos that made Paul Kossoff a guitar hero? This comprehensive online guitar course from LickLibrary is your chance to dive deep into the heart of British blues-rock and learn the songs that have inspired generations of guitarists. This is your opportunity to learn the secrets behind Paul Kossoff’s legendary tone and phrasing. From the anthemic “All Right Now” to the soulful “Wishing Well,” you will learn to play five of Free’s most iconic songs, note-for-note. This step-by-step guitar course will give you the skills to play with the same passion and feel that defined the sound of Free.
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Michael Casswell Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Michael Casswell

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Introduction
2 Fire And Water
3 Mr. Big
4 All Right Now
5 The Hunter
6 Wishing Well

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is designed for intermediate guitarists who want to develop their phrasing, tone, and emotional expression. It is perfect for those who are fans of Free and the legendary guitar work of Paul Kossoff.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Want to master the art of minimalist, blues-infused rock guitar
  • Are looking to develop a more expressive and soulful playing style
  • Are fans of British blues-rock and the classic rock era
  • Want to learn how to create a powerful tone with minimal effects
  • Appreciate melodic and emotionally resonant guitar solos

This isn’t just about learning songs; it’s about understanding the art of “less is more” and the power of emotional expression. You will gain invaluable insights into Paul Kossoff’s unique approach to the guitar, empowering you to become a more expressive and soulful musician. This LickLibrary course is your key to unlocking the timeless music of Free.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

By completing this comprehensive Free guitar course, you will not only learn to play five of their most iconic songs but also gain a deep understanding of the minimalist, blues-infused style of Paul Kossoff. This guitar lesson serves as a masterclass in phrasing, vibrato, and tone, providing you with a unique set of skills that will add depth and emotion to your playing.

Technical Skills You’ll Develop:

  • Mastery of the minor pentatonic and blues scales
  • Paul Kossoff’s signature wide and expressive vibrato
  • The ability to create powerful and memorable riffs
  • The use of double stops and unison bends for added texture
  • An understanding of how to use space and phrasing to create emotional solos
  • Improved alternate picking and legato for fluid lead lines
  • The ability to create a huge sound with a simple setup
  • A solid foundation for exploring other blues-rock and classic rock artists
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1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with Free nor does Free perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play Free

Immerse yourself in the world of classic rock and blues guitar with the "Learn to Play Free" course offered by LickLibrary. Comprising note-for-note lessons of Free's hit tracks: "Fire and Water," "Mr. Big," "All Right Now," "The Hunter," and "Wishing Well," the course promises a deep dive into the techniques and musicianship of Free's lead guitarist, Paul Kossoff. This course is taught by Lick Library's Michael Casswell.

Fire and Water

The first song in our course, "Fire and Water," showcases Paul Kossoff's command over bluesy guitar phrasing. The guitar parts in this song are primarily based on the A minor pentatonic scale. Kossoff's approach to rhythm guitar playing is filled with chunky, driving power chords, and intricate lead lines that utilize expressive string bending and his signature vibrato. The solo section showcases Kossoff's unique approach to phrasing, and his excellent use of double stops and slides to add texture.

Mr. Big

In "Mr. Big," Kossoff brings the full arsenal of his blues-rock techniques. The song features a range of chord progressions and scales including the D minor and Bb major pentatonic scales. Kossoff's solo in this track is a testament to his skill with alternate picking and legato, allowing him to deliver fast and fluid lines that still retain a vocal-like quality. Kossoff's use of pre-bends and release is also a standout feature in this song.

All Right Now

One of Free's biggest hits, "All Right Now," is a showcase of Kossoff's ability to craft memorable riffs and solos. The opening riff is a classic, featuring power chords and a few tasteful hammer-ons and pull-offs. The solo section demonstrates Kossoff's expertise in phrasing, with a blend of minor pentatonic and blues scale runs. His tasteful use of unison bends in the solo brings a sense of depth and dynamism to the melody.

The Hunter

"The Hunter" highlights Kossoff's use of syncopated rhythms and palm-muting to drive the song. The song's main riffs are drawn from the E minor pentatonic scale and have a punchy, bluesy feel. The solo showcases Kossoff's characteristic sustain, along with his skillful use of octave melodies and pinched harmonics to create contrast and maintain listener interest.

Wishing Well

The final song in the course, "Wishing Well," showcases Kossoff's lyrical guitar playing. The song's distinctive intro riff uses a combination of barre chords, slides, and pull-offs, set over a D major to B minor chord progression. The solo in this song is a masterclass in using double stop bends and trills to add a vocal-like quality to guitar lines.

The "Learn to Play Free" course is a tribute to Paul Kossoff's musicianship and legacy. His blues-driven approach, characterized by fluid soloing, emotive string bending, and powerful riffs, has inspired generations of guitarists. This course is not just about learning songs; it's about understanding and applying the stylistic nuances that made Kossoff's guitar playing so distinctive and influential.

Techniques Used

  1. Vibrato
  2. Alternate Picking
  3. Legato
  4. Double Stops
  5. Slides
  6. Chord Progressions
  7. Pre-Bends
  8. Hammer-Ons
  9. Pull-Offs
  10. Unison Bends
  11. Syncopated Rhythms
  12. Palm Muting
  13. Sustain
  14. Octave Melodies
  15. Barre Chords
  16. Double Stop Bends
  17. Trills
  18. Power Chords
  19. String Bending


Each song in the course offers a wealth of insights into Paul Kossoff's style and the techniques that defined his playing. Whether you're an aspiring blues-rock guitarist or a seasoned player looking for new inspirations, this course provides valuable lessons that will improve your playing and deepen your understanding of blues-rock guitar.

Michael Casswell playing the guitar.

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...

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