5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth by Sam Bell

Explore the complex and inspiring world of Allan Holdsworth with our exclusive guitar lesson package, "5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth," meticulously taught by the talented Sam Bell. This course is designed for guitarists looking to delve into the unique playing style of one of the most innovative musicians in the jazz fusion realm. Below, you'll find an in-depth look at the featured guitar techniques and the myriad benefits of learning them.

Overview of the Course

In this course, Sam Bell breaks down five distinctive licks that capture the essence of Allan Holdsworth's guitar technique. Each lick incorporates a variety of advanced techniques that Holdsworth famously used to create his ethereal and complex soundscapes. Not only will you learn these licks note-for-note, but you'll also gain a deeper understanding of how to apply these techniques in your own playing.

Technique Breakdown

Legato

One of the hallmarks of Holdsworth's style is his smooth, flowing legato. This technique involves playing notes with minimal picking, relying heavily on hammer-ons and pull-offs to create a seamless sound. Mastering legato can enhance your fluidity and speed, allowing for more expressive phrasing and a cleaner sound.

Chord Progressions

Holdsworth was known for his use of complex chord progressions that often included extended and altered chords. Learning these progressions can expand your harmonic vocabulary and improve your ability to compose and improvise over sophisticated changes.

Tapped Harmonics

This technique adds a sparkling, bell-like quality to the music. Tapped harmonics involve tapping the string at a nodal point of the fretboard to create high-pitched harmonic tones. Incorporating this technique can bring a new dimension of texture to your playing.

String Bending

String bending is another expressive technique covered in this course. Holdsworth's use of wide, controlled bends contributed significantly to his unique sound. This technique helps in expressing emotions through your guitar, making solos more impactful.

Hybrid Picking

Hybrid picking combines pick and fingers to play notes simultaneously or in quick succession. This technique allows for greater speed and accuracy in playing lines that include non-adjacent strings, offering a broader range of textures and dynamics.

Performance Context

Each lesson culminates in a performance by Sam Bell, demonstrating how these techniques can be integrated into a cohesive solo. Watching these performances provides students with context on how to apply what they've learned in a musical setting. It also helps in understanding the dynamic control and emotional expression that Holdsworth was famous for. Observing a skilled guitarist like Sam Bell execute these techniques in performance can inspire students and provide a clear model for how to use them effectively in their own playing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By learning these advanced techniques, guitarists can significantly enhance their playing skills. Techniques like legato and hybrid picking, for instance, not only improve your speed and fluidity but also your tonal variety and ability to play complex passages with ease. Understanding and applying Holdsworth's advanced chord progressions will expand your improvisational skills and harmonic understanding, which are crucial for any jazz or fusion guitarist.

Conclusion

"5 Licks in the Style of Allan Holdsworth" by Sam Bell is not just a guitar lesson; it's an opportunity to dive deep into the innovative style of one of the greats. Whether you are looking to expand your technical skills or add expressive depth to your playing, this course provides invaluable insights into mastering these techniques.

List of Guitar Techniques Used

1. Legato
2. Chord Progressions
3. Tapped Harmonics
4. String Bending
5. Hybrid Picking