Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads: A Dive into Neo-Classical Metal Mastery

"Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads" is a meticulously crafted guitar lesson series from Jamie Humphries, designed for guitarists eager to explore the neo-classical metal style of the legendary Randy Rhoads. Renowned for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Rhoads' playing style combined classical influences with heavy metal, creating a unique and influential sound. This series delves into essential techniques that define Rhoads’ playing: two-hand tapping, legato, pinch harmonics, and fast rock licks. Each lesson is structured not only to teach these techniques but also to capture the essence of Rhoads' innovative playing style.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 killer rock licks in the style of Randy Rhodes. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

  • Two Hand Tapping
  • Legato
  • Pinch Harmonics
  • Fast Rock Licks

Technique Breakdown

Two-Hand Tapping: Exploring New Realms on the Fretboard

Two-hand tapping is a technique that Randy Rhoads famously used to create lightning-fast, intricate melodies that seemed to leap off the fretboard. These lessons teach the fundamentals of this technique, enabling you to play fluid and rapid passages with both hands on the fretboard. You'll learn the nuances of tapping, including timing, precision, and how to incorporate it into your solos for a dramatic effect.

Legato: Smoothness and Fluidity in Playing

Legato, characterized by smooth and connected notes, is a hallmark of Rhoads' playing style. These lessons focus on developing a strong legato technique, using hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. You'll learn how to create fluid lines that flow effortlessly, a skill that adds expressiveness and speed to your playing without the reliance on picking every note.

Pinch Harmonics: Adding Scream and Sizzle to Your Sound

Pinch harmonics, or "squealies," were frequently employed by Rhoads to add a unique sonic quality to his playing. This series teaches the technique of creating these high-pitched, screaming harmonics, allowing you to replicate the distinct sound that Rhoads often used to accentuate particular notes or add flair to his solos.

Fast Rock Licks: Combining Speed with Melodic Sense

Fast rock licks are integral to Rhoads’ style, often combining his classical influences with the aggression of heavy metal. These lessons will guide you through developing fast-paced, yet melodic licks, showcasing how Rhoads blended speed with a strong sense of melody. You'll learn to execute these licks with precision, adding intensity and excitement to your playing.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Enhancing Musical Application

Practicing these techniques over a backing track is an essential aspect of this series. This approach helps you understand how to integrate these licks and techniques within a song, enhancing your timing, rhythm, and ability to improvise. Playing along with backing tracks prepares you for real-world playing situations, helping you to apply these techniques musically.

Randy Rhoads’ Guitar Style

Randy Rhoads’ guitar style is a fusion of classical music precision and heavy metal energy. Known for his innovative and influential playing, Rhoads’ approach to the guitar brought a new level of technicality and musicianship to heavy metal. By studying his style, you gain insights into a unique approach that combines technical skill with musical expressiveness.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

  • Develop the ability to play intricate two-hand tapping passages.
  • Enhance your playing with smooth and fluid legato techniques.
  • Learn to add intensity to your playing with pinch harmonics.
  • Gain the skill to play fast rock licks with a strong melodic sense.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads"

Upon completing "Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads," you will have honed your skills in the following techniques:

"Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads" is an essential course for any guitarist looking to delve into the realm of neo-classical metal guitar. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these lessons provide a comprehensive guide to mastering the innovative techniques of one of metal's most legendary guitarists.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Jamie Humphries

Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...

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