Hi there, my name is Jonathan from Sheffield Guitar Studio, and I’m here to help you become the guitar player you aspire to be. In today’s lesson, we’re diving into a fascinating topic: how to learn and creatively adapt lead guitar licks from other musicians. Or, as I like to put it, how to "steal" licks and get away with it! This practice isn’t just acceptable; it’s something every guitarist should do to grow their skills. However, to truly benefit, you need a structured way to deconstruct and transform those licks into something personal and musical. Let’s explore how to do just that.
The Importance of Musicality in Guitar Playing
Simply knowing the music theory behind a lick isn’t enough. Musicality — how you phrase, articulate, and emphasize notes — is what sets apart great players. So, today, I’ll show you three methods to not only learn guitar licks but to make them uniquely yours.
Before we dive in, let me say this: If you enjoy this lesson, please like and share it with your friends. I’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions for future lessons.
Method 1: Restriction Exercises
For this lesson, we’re using a classic lick: the opening phrase from "Overall Junction" by the legendary Albert King. This lick, based on the E minor pentatonic scale, is straightforward yet highly effective.
The Exercise: Restrict yourself to playing only the notes from the lick in the exact order they appear. This forces you to focus on:
Phrasing: Alter the timing and rhythm of the notes.
Emphasis: Highlight specific notes with vibrato or bends.
Musicality: Explore how these subtle changes transform the lick.
Here’s an example of how this can work over a backing track. By varying the phrasing, rhythm, and dynamics, you can create something entirely new while staying true to the original.
Pro Tip: Insert pauses and think about where you can emphasize certain notes. This encourages creativity and helps you develop a more musical approach to playing.
Method 2: Exploring the Neck
Once you’ve mastered the lick in its original position (12th to 15th frets, first position of the E minor pentatonic scale), try playing it in other positions. This not only expands your understanding of the fretboard but also unlocks new sounds and ideas.
Step-by-Step:
Identify the notes of the lick (e.g., B, E, D, etc.).
Locate these notes in a different position, such as the third position of the E minor pentatonic scale.
Play the lick in this new position and explore how it feels and sounds over a backing track.
This approach helps you break out of familiar patterns and discover fresh ways to express yourself musically.
Method 3: Switching Between Minor and Major Pentatonic Scales
To further expand your creativity, transform the lick from the minor pentatonic scale to the major pentatonic scale. Some notes remain the same, but others shift, giving the lick a completely different feel.
Comparison:
Minor Pentatonic Scale: Includes notes like E, G, A, B, D.
Major Pentatonic Scale: Shares some notes (E, B) but replaces others (G becomes F#, A becomes G#, D becomes C#).
The Result: A major pentatonic version of the lick that feels brighter and more uplifting. Experimenting with these tonal shifts is a fantastic way to explore blues and other styles.
Key Takeaways
Every time you learn a new lick, push yourself to:
Adapt it rhythmically and dynamically (restriction exercises).
Explore it across different positions on the fretboard.
Experiment with minor and major pentatonic transformations.
These methods will help you maximize your learning and uncover fresh ways to play. Remember, the goal is to keep challenging yourself, unlocking new sounds, and expanding your musical vocabulary.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you found this lesson helpful, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!
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