Quick Licks - Zakk Wylde: Unleashing the Beast in Guitar Playing

"Quick Licks - Zakk Wylde" is an expansive guitar lesson series taught by Andy James that is meticulously designed for guitarists who aspire to emulate the intense and aggressive style of the iconic Zakk Wylde. Renowned for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society, Wylde's playing is a perfect blend of technique and raw power. This series focuses on essential techniques including fast rock licks, vibrato, pinch harmonics, and alternate picking, all of which are central to Wylde's distinctive sound.

What You Will Learn In This Course

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

• Fast Rock Licks
• Vibrato
• Pinch Harmonics
• Alternate Picking

Technique Breakdown

Fast Rock Licks: Speed Meets Melody

Fast rock licks are a staple in Zakk Wylde's guitar arsenal. This segment of the series delves into developing speedy, articulate, and melodic licks, reminiscent of Wylde's signature playing style. You'll learn how to integrate scales and arpeggios into rapid-fire licks, blending speed with melody to create high-energy solos that are both technically impressive and musically compelling.

Vibrato: The Soul of Your Solos

Vibrato is a key element in adding expression to guitar playing, and Zakk Wylde's use of wide, intense vibrato is particularly noteworthy. These lessons focus on developing a controlled and expressive vibrato, ensuring each note you play carries the same depth and feeling as Wylde’s. Mastering vibrato will add a new level of expressiveness to your playing, making your solos more dynamic and emotionally resonant.

Pinch Harmonics: Adding Sizzle to Your Sound

Pinch harmonics, or "squealies," are a trademark of Wylde's sound, often used to add emphasis and character to his riffs and solos. This series teaches you the precise technique of creating these high-pitched, screaming harmonics. You'll learn the right-hand technique required to achieve consistent and clear pinch harmonics, a skill crucial for adding an aggressive edge to your playing.

Alternate Picking: The Gateway to Shred

Alternate picking is essential for playing fast and rhythmically precise licks. Wylde’s approach to alternate picking combines speed with accuracy, enabling him to execute rapid passages cleanly. The lessons focus on developing a consistent alternate picking technique, a foundational skill for any rock or metal guitarist looking to improve their speed and precision.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Real-World Application

Each technique is practiced over a backing track, providing essential context for learning. This approach helps you understand how these licks and techniques fit within a song, enhancing your timing, rhythm, and improvisational skills. It’s a crucial step in learning how to apply these techniques in real musical scenarios.

Zakk Wylde’s Guitar Style

Zakk Wylde is celebrated for his ferocious playing style that combines technical skill with raw power. His playing is characterized by blistering solos, heavy riffs, and an aggressive approach to guitar. By studying Wylde’s style, you’ll learn not just the techniques but also how to infuse your playing with a similar level of intensity and emotion.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering these techniques, you will:

• Enhance your soloing skills with fast rock licks.
• Add intensity to your playing with pinch harmonics.
• Develop agility and speed with alternate picking.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Zakk Wylde’s musical legacy and guitar techniques.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Zakk Wylde"

Upon completing "Quick Licks - Zakk Wylde," your skills will be enhanced in the following techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends

"Quick Licks - Zakk Wylde" is an essential course for any guitarist eager to delve into the realm of high-energy rock guitar playing. Whether you are looking to capture the essence of Wylde’s style or simply improve your technical abilities, these lessons provide a comprehensive guide to mastering some of the most impactful guitar techniques in rock music.