I Feel Free by Cream
Dive into the iconic guitar work of Cream’s I Feel Free with our in-depth note-for-note guitar lesson. This lesson is designed to equip guitarists with the techniques and nuances found in this classic song, ensuring you master its distinctive sound and energy. From intricate lead lines to rhythmic mastery, this tutorial highlights every element that makes the track an unforgettable rock masterpiece. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About Cream and I Feel Free
Cream, one of the most influential power trios in rock history, featured the legendary Eric Clapton on guitar. Known for their groundbreaking fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia, Cream's work has inspired generations of guitarists. Clapton’s playing on I Feel Free exemplifies his ability to combine technical prowess with emotional expression, laying the foundation for many rock guitar techniques that are still used today. Learning this song is not just about mastering a single track; it’s an opportunity to tap into the roots of rock guitar and explore techniques that have shaped music for decades.
Key Techniques Explored in the Lesson
Vibrato
Vibrato adds depth and emotion to your playing by varying the pitch of a note in a controlled manner. In I Feel Free, Clapton’s use of vibrato brings life to his sustained notes, adding richness to the melody. Practicing vibrato will enhance your ability to express emotion through your guitar, making your solos more dynamic and engaging.
String Bending
String bending is central to Clapton’s lead work in this song, allowing for fluid transitions between notes and expressive phrasing. This technique involves pushing a string to change its pitch, creating a vocal-like quality. Mastering string bending improves your control and tone, essential for emulating Clapton’s iconic style.
Learn more about String Bending
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking ensures efficiency and precision during faster passages, a critical aspect of the song's energetic riffs. By alternating your picking motion, you can achieve a smooth and consistent sound, making intricate parts easier to execute. This technique is key for building speed and accuracy across your playing.
Learn more about Alternate Picking
Slides
Slides are used throughout I Feel Free to create smooth transitions between notes and add a flowing quality to the lead lines. This technique enhances your phrasing and helps connect different parts of a solo seamlessly, giving your playing a polished feel.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
These techniques appear in the song’s embellishments, adding flair and speed to Clapton’s lines. Hammer-ons and pull-offs allow you to play notes fluidly without constant picking, enabling faster and more expressive runs. Practicing these will enhance your legato playing and help develop finger strength and independence.
Double Stops
Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, appear in Clapton’s rhythm and lead parts. This technique enriches your sound, providing harmonic depth and a fuller texture. It’s an excellent tool for creating powerful riffs and intricate melodic passages.
Open String Riffs
The rhythm section of I Feel Free makes clever use of open string riffs, contributing to the song’s driving energy. This technique helps create resonant, ringing tones while maintaining rhythmic complexity. Adding this skill to your repertoire can greatly enhance your rhythmic versatility.
Learn more about Open String Riffs
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
Mastering the techniques used in I Feel Free will not only allow you to play the song authentically but also expand your overall guitar skillset. These techniques are foundational to many genres, making them invaluable tools for any guitarist. Whether you're building speed with alternate picking, adding expression through vibrato, or enhancing your phrasing with slides and bends, these skills will elevate your playing to the next level.
Guitar Techniques Featured in the Lesson
Unlock the techniques behind Cream’s I Feel Free and bring Eric Clapton’s magic into your own playing. This lesson offers a perfect balance of technical challenge and musical inspiration, making it a must-learn for guitarists at any level!
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Michael Casswell
It is with great sadness that we post the news of Michael Casswell's tragic death in a swimming accident while on holiday in Spain. All of us at Licklibrary are shocked and saddened by MIke's passing, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this difficult time. Michael...