Are you a beginner guitarist? Looking to add flair to your playing? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with 10 easy guitar licks specifically designed for beginners.
These licks serve as a great introduction to lead guitar techniques. From blues to rock and even a bit of country, we’ve got something for everyone.
Each lick is broken down into simple steps with tablature, making it easy to follow along.
So grab your guitar and get ready to take your playing to the next level!
Key Takeaways
- The second shape of the minor pentatonic scale starts from the 8th fret and uses the same notes (A, C, D, E, G) as the first shape.
- The ten easy licks provided in the article are designed to give beginners a fun and simple way to start playing lead guitar.
- It is important to focus on playing the notes cleanly and not worry about speed at this stage.
- The licks cover various techniques such as picking, string bending, hammer ons, pull offs, slides, and double stops.
Lick 1: Picked Notes and String Bending
Play the picked notes and string bending in Lick 1 to add dynamics and expression to your guitar playing.
Proper technique is crucial when playing picked notes and executing string bending. To achieve clean and accurate picked notes, ensure that you’re using the correct picking motion and angle. This will help you maintain control and precision.
When it comes to string bending, start with a firm grip on the string and apply consistent pressure while bending. It’s important to bend the string evenly to achieve the desired pitch. Additionally, practicing with a tuner can help you develop a better sense of pitch and improve your bending accuracy.
Remember to start with small bends and gradually increase the bending range as you gain more control. Mastering string bending in Lick 1 requires patience and practice, but with proper technique, you’ll be able to add a touch of expression and emotion to your guitar playing.
Lick 2: Repeated Pull Offs
To master Lick 2, start by practicing the repeated pull offs on the 5th and 8th frets of the B and E strings. This lick is a great way to add texture and fluidity to your playing.
One common mistake beginners make when practicing pull offs isn’t giving enough emphasis to the initial note. Make sure to give a strong, clear pull off motion when releasing the string.
Another mistake isn’t maintaining a steady rhythm. Practice playing the pull offs in time with a metronome to develop a consistent groove.
Once you have mastered the technique, you can incorporate repeated pull offs into your own solos by using them as embellishments between other notes or as a way to add flair to your melodies.
Experiment with different combinations and timings to create your own unique style.
Lick 3: Slides and Cross String Picking
Try incorporating slides and cross string picking into your guitar playing with Lick 3.
This lick focuses on the D and G strings. Start by sliding into the 7th fret of the D string, then play the 5th fret on the G string as the next note. Each pair of notes fits across one beat.
To improve your slide guitar playing, make sure to use the appropriate amount of pressure when sliding and maintain a smooth and consistent motion.
For developing accuracy in cross string picking, practice picking each note cleanly and evenly. Pay attention to your picking hand’s position and make sure to use a combination of wrist and finger movements to navigate between strings smoothly.
With practice, you’ll be able to master slides and cross string picking in no time.
Lick 4: Double Stops and String Bending
Mastering double stops and string bending is essential for adding a rock and roll flair to your guitar playing. In Lick 4, we’ll explore the use of double stops and string bending techniques to create a Chuck Berry style rock and roll lick.
Double stops involve playing two notes of the scale simultaneously, and in this lick, we’ll be playing the 5th fret of the B and E strings together. To achieve the desired sound, hit two notes per beat.
This technique adds depth and richness to your playing, allowing you to create a more dynamic and expressive sound. With practice, you’ll be able to incorporate double stops and string bending into your playing, giving your guitar solos that classic rock and roll sound.
Lick 5: Hammer Ons and String Bending
Now, let’s dive into Lick 5 and learn how to incorporate hammer ons and string bending into your guitar playing.
This lick is a great blues-style lick that uses the high end of the second shape Minor Pentatonic scale.
To start, play two sets of eighth note hammer ons running up the 8th and 10th frets of the B and E strings. This hammer on technique involves using your fretting hand to quickly tap the string and produce a note without picking it.
After the hammer ons, you’ll end the lick with three consecutive bends. String bending is a technique where you use your fretting hand to push or pull the string, raising its pitch.
By combining hammer ons and string bending, you can add a lot of expression and emotion to your guitar playing.
Practice this lick slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and control, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.
Lick 6: Hammer Ons and Slides
To add some flair to your playing, incorporate hammer ons and slides into your guitar licks.
In Lick 6, we’ll explore the use of these techniques to create faster and more dynamic phrases in your lead breaks.
Start by performing hammer ons on the 5th and 7th frets of the D and G strings. This technique involves using your fretting hand to sound the note without picking the string.
Next, slide from the 7th to the 9th fret on the G string, adding a smooth and seamless transition between the two notes.
Finally, end the lick on the 8th fret of the B string and the 9th fret of the G string.
Lick 7: Double Stops and Hammer Ons
Try incorporating double stops and hammer-ons into your guitar licks to add depth and texture to your playing.
Double stops involve playing two notes of the scale simultaneously, which can create a fuller and more harmonically rich sound. To improve finger strength for double stops, start by practicing them slowly and gradually increase your speed. This will help build up the necessary finger strength and coordination.
When it comes to mastering hammer ons and pull offs, it’s important to practice them with ease. Start by practicing them slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Focus on maintaining a relaxed and fluid motion, allowing the notes to ring out clearly.
Lick 8: Hammer On and Pull Off Flurries
Incorporate the hammer on and pull off flurries in Lick 8 to add a fast and energetic element to your guitar playing. The benefits of these techniques in guitar playing are numerous.
Hammer ons allow you to produce a smooth, legato sound by using one finger to strike a note and then quickly press down on a higher note without picking again. This technique is especially useful for playing fast passages and creating fluid lines.
Pull offs, on the other hand, involve using one finger to pluck a string and then quickly release it, allowing the lower note to sound. This technique is great for adding dynamics and creating melodic phrases.
To incorporate hammer on and pull off flurries into your solos, start by practicing them slowly and gradually increase the speed. Use them to embellish your melodies and add excitement to your playing. Experiment with different combinations and patterns to develop your own unique style.
Lick 9: Alternate Picking and Palm Muting
Use your index finger to practice alternate picking and palm muting in Lick 9 for a crisp and muted sound.
Alternate picking techniques involve using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes to strike the strings. This technique not only improves your speed and accuracy but also adds a dynamic and rhythmic quality to your playing.
Palm muting, on the other hand, involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to dampen the sound. This technique is commonly used in various musical genres, such as rock, metal, and punk, to achieve a tighter and more percussive tone.
Lick 10: Vibrato and Bend Release Techniques
Mastering vibrato and incorporating bend-release techniques will add depth and expression to your guitar playing.
Vibrato techniques involve bending a note slightly up and down to create a wavering effect. To achieve this, use your fretting hand to apply pressure on the string and then release it, repeating the motion rapidly. This technique can be applied to single notes or chords to create a more dynamic sound.
Bend release techniques, on the other hand, involve bending a note up and then releasing it back to its original pitch. This creates a smooth and expressive sound. To execute this technique, use your fretting hand to bend the string and then release the tension gradually.
Related article: https://riff-mag.com/guitar-riffs-vs-licks-what-is-the-difference/
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Perform String Bending in Lick 1?
To perform string bending in lick 1, place your finger on the string and push it towards the ceiling. Bend the note up to the desired pitch. Use your ear to guide you and practice slowly to build strength and accuracy. Mastering string bending takes time and patience.
Are There Any Specific Techniques to Focus on in Lick 3?
To focus on specific techniques in Lick 3, pay attention to the slide into the 7th fret of the D string and the subsequent play of the 5th fret on the G string. These notes should fit across one beat, emphasizing precision and timing.
What Is the Purpose of Using Double Stops in Lick 4?
The purpose of using double stops in lick 4 is to add a rock and roll flavor to your playing. They involve playing two notes simultaneously and can be hit twice per beat. In lick 1, you can perform string bending by bending the string on the third beat.
Can You Explain the Concept of Hammer Ons in Lick 5?
Hammer ons in lick 5 are a finger technique where you use the strength of one finger to sound a note without picking it. They create smooth and fluid lines, adding dynamics to your playing.
How Can Lick 8 Be Described in Terms of Style and Technique?
Lick 8 is an Eric Clapton-style flurry with hammer-ons and pull-offs on the 8th and 10th frets of the E string. Be sure to pick the 10th fret on the B string. Common mistakes include not executing the pattern consistently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 10 easy guitar licks for beginners are a great way to add flair to your playing and introduce you to various lead guitar techniques. By following the simple steps and guitar tablature provided, you can quickly learn and master these licks.
Remember, the focus is on playing the notes cleanly and getting comfortable with the techniques involved. So grab your guitar, practice these licks, and take your playing to the next level!
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