Master "The Sky is Crying" by Albert King with Licklibrary

Explore the heartfelt expressions and technical mastery of Albert King’s "The Sky is Crying" through our detailed Licklibrary guitar lesson. This iconic blues track not only showcases King's profound influence on blues guitar but also serves as an excellent learning piece for guitarists interested in mastering the nuances of blues techniques. This song lesson is taught by Mitch Laddie.

Core Guitar Techniques in "The Sky is Crying"

String Bending

String bending is a pivotal technique in this song, utilized extensively by Albert King to convey the emotional weight of the blues. Bending the strings allows for reaching pitches that are typically between the frets, mimicking the human voice's expressiveness and wailing quality. This technique is crucial for adding a lyrical, singing quality to your guitar solos, making them deeply expressive.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons provide a smooth transition from one note to another, adding fluidity and speed to guitar playing without the need for picking each note. In "The Sky is Crying," Albert King uses hammer-ons to articulate quick runs and embellish the melodic lines, enhancing the song's emotional depth and complexity. Learning this technique will enable you to play more expressively and efficiently.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used by King to sustain and enrich the tone of notes, adding a dynamic and soul-stirring quality to the melody. This technique involves oscillating a finger back and forth on a fretted note, creating a pulsating effect that breathes life into each note. Mastering vibrato can significantly enhance the emotional impact of your playing, giving it a powerful vocal-like quality.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves alternating downward and upward picking strokes, allowing for faster and more precise note playing. Albert King incorporates this technique to achieve a crisp, rhythmic articulation in faster passages. This is essential for any guitarist looking to increase their picking efficiency and accuracy in both lead and rhythm playing.

The Legacy of Albert King

Albert King is renowned for his profound impact on the blues genre, with a playing style characterized by deep bends and a forceful vibrato that have influenced countless guitarists. His approach to the guitar, often imitated but never duplicated, remains a cornerstone of blues music. King’s techniques, particularly his string bending and vibrato, are fundamental to understanding the emotional expressions central to the blues.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

The techniques featured in "The Sky is Crying" are essential for any guitarist aspiring to play the blues authentically. They offer a gateway not only to traditional blues styles but also to more contemporary expressions, allowing for versatility in any musical genre. Learning these techniques will enhance your ability to express emotions through music, improve your technical skills, and expand your expressive palette.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking

Enroll in our guitar lesson for "The Sky is Crying" by Albert King at Licklibrary to master these powerful blues techniques. This lesson not only teaches you how to play this emotionally charged song but also delves into the stylistic elements that make Albert King's guitar playing legendary. Expand your blues repertoire and expressiveness with the guidance of our expert instructors.