Quick Licks
Jamie Hunt of BIMM Bristol brings you another varied selection of licks at easy (green), intermediate (orange), and advanced (red) levels.
EXAMPLE 1 JAMES VALENTINE (MAROON 5)
This progression features moving powerchords along the second, third, and fourth strings. An E note, on the open first string is included with each powerchord. This creates interest without needing to change the chord shape. Most of the phrase is played with down strokes; however, there are a few upstrokes that help with continuity when the rhythm gets busier. Use your middle pickup position, set your amp to clean, and add a long reverb.
EXAMPLE 2 VICKI PETERSON (THE BANGLES)
This riff alternates between a descending G Blues scale (G-Bb-C-Db-D-F) and powerchord phrases. The downstrokes add weight to the notes, while the pull-off on the fifth string brings fluidity to the chromatic note run. To get the tone use your bridge pickup, a moderate amount of gain, and some reverb.
EXAMPLE 3 ROBERT CRAY
The lick in the style of the great bluesman begins in shape 2 of the E Minor Pentatonic scale, and then moves into shape 1 of E Blues scale (E-G-A-Bb-B-D). Use hybrid picking for the style start of the double-stop sequence. This balances the clarity between the two fretted notes and creates a contrasting tone against the bright, opening phrase. For the sound, use your bridge pickup, a light overdrive, compression if you have it, and reverb.
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EXAMPLE 4 TREY ANASTASIO (PHISH)
For this lick in the style of the Phish guitarist we adopt E Dorian (E-F#-G-A-B- C#-D) as our home key and slide the Minor 3rds up to Major 3rds to get a rich Mixolydian sound. The b5 (Bb) and chromatic approach notes enhance the blues/ Ex 4 TREY ANASTASIO style jazz nuances. Take note
