The Famous Lick Tutorial
In this lesson we explore the “Famous Lick” – a quintessential element in blues vocabulary. This lesson is designed to provide a deep understanding and practical application of this iconic lick which is widely used in blues improvisation.
Visualise The Triad
We start with an F7 chord and focus on visualising the triad; an integral part in understanding and mastering the construction and execution of this lick. The lesson then guides you through breaking down this lick into smaller, manageable sections, and we emphasise the importance of mastering each part before combining them.
Finger Strength & Dexterity
We discuss the importance of finger strength and dexterity, particularly for the third and fourth fingers which play a vital role in executing this lick with fluidity.
We provide exercises and tips to develop the necessary skill and agility in your fingers, especially for the more challenging parts of the lick.
Approach Patterns & Enclosures
We explore various ways to resolve the lick which adds variety and versatility to how the lick can be played. The lesson also covers variations of the lick, encouraging creativity and spontaneity in your playing.
Applying The Lick To The Slow Blues
Finally, we explore the practical applications of the lick in the 12 bar blues form. We examine its suitability over the different chords including F7, C7, and Bb7, and how to integrate it seamlessly into a slow blues improvisation.
We show how to use the lick effectively in various bars of a blues progression, especially proceeding chord transitions and in the turnaround section.
Lesson Downloads
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The Famous Lick Variations File Type: pdf
Related Lessons
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Jon demonstrates some signature right hand licks and phrases when playing the 12 bar blues. We discuss the theory and explore variations.
Practice Tips
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Start by understanding the structure of the Famous Lick. Break it down into smaller parts, focusing on one section at a time.
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Practice each part of the lick slowly, ensuring you understand the finger movements and fast rolled notes.
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Visualize the triad shapes for the chords over which you are playing the lick (F7, C7, Bb7). This will help you to visualise the foundational notes of the lick.
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Pay special attention to the movement in the third and fourth fingers, as they play a crucial role in this lick.
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Play the lick in all registers on the piano to understand how it sounds across different octaves.
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Apply the lick throughout the 12 bar blues form and experiment with the lick variations presented in the lesson.
