Mastering "Going Down" by Freddie King: A Comprehensive Guitar Lesson

"Going Down" by Freddie King is a cornerstone of blues rock, recognized for its compelling guitar riffs and dynamic solo sections. This guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com delves deep into the techniques that make the song a must-learn for aspiring blues guitarists. By focusing on specific guitar techniques such as slides, string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons, this lesson offers players a unique opportunity to enhance their musical expression and technical skills. This lesson is taught by Mitch Laddie.

The Techniques Explored

Slides

Slides are a fundamental aspect of the song's fluid sound. This technique involves moving from one note to another on the same string, creating a smooth transition that mimics the vocal lines found in blues music. Learning to execute slides accurately improves legato playing and helps in developing a more connected phrasing style.

String Bending

String bending is pivotal in "Going Down" for emulating the expressive wail of the blues. This technique, which involves pushing the strings up or down to change the pitch, is crucial for expressing emotion through guitar playing. Mastery of string bending allows guitarists to inflect notes in a way that adds soul and intensity to their playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds richness and sustain to the notes. In this song, vibrato is used to enhance long-held notes, making them more vibrant and expressive. This technique, which involves oscillating the pitch of the note, is essential for adding depth to the sound, making the guitar 'sing,' and is a key element in blues and rock styles.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons contribute to the fluidity and speed of guitar licks in the song. This technique involves plucking a note and then using a finger to 'hammer' onto the next fret without plucking again. It's great for fast passages and runs, making them smoother and more connected, essential for the agile maneuvers in blues-rock tracks.

The Influential Guitar Work of Freddie King

Freddie King, often heralded as one of the "Three Kings" of electric blues guitar alongside B.B. King and Albert King, is a monumental figure in the world of blues and rock. His aggressive, piercing guitar style and impassioned vocal abilities have made him a model for many guitarists in rock and blues genres. His work in "Going Down" showcases his skillful blend of raw blues power and sophisticated musical phrasing, influencing countless guitarists to explore the expressive possibilities of the electric guitar.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each of these techniques—slides, string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons—offers unique benefits:

• Slides enhance the fluidity of play, allowing for a more legato sound.
• String bending is key to emotive playing, helping musicians express feelings and dynamics through their instrument.
• Vibrato makes notes more expressive, offering a vocal quality to guitar sounds.
• Hammer-ons increase the ability to play faster and more smoothly, essential for solos and intricate melodic lines.

Learning these techniques through the lens of Freddie King’s "Going Down" not only enriches a guitarist’s technical skills but also deepens their expressive capabilities, making them versatile in both lead and rhythm sections.

Techniques Summary

Here is a list of guitar techniques covered in our lessons at Licklibrary.com. Click on each technique to learn more about how it is used and to find other songs and lessons that utilize it.

• Slides
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons

This lesson on "Going Down" by Freddie King is a perfect way to not only master these techniques but also to gain insights into the stylistic elements that define the blues rock genre. Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or an advanced player aiming to refine your skills, Licklibrary.com provides all the resources you need to excel.