All Right Now - Riff by Free - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson
Our All Right Now - Riff by Free guitar lesson on LickLibrary.com provides a note-for-note breakdown of one of the most recognizable rock riffs of all time. This lesson dives into the iconic techniques that Paul Kossoff used to bring this riff to life, including power chords, vibrato, string bending, and hammer-ons. By studying each of these techniques, guitarists will gain the skills needed to recreate Kossoff’s dynamic playing style and capture the full impact of this classic rock anthem. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.
Technique Breakdown
Power Chords
Power chords are central to the main riff in All Right Now, giving the song its strong, driving force. Power chords use only two or three notes, typically the root and fifth, which creates a bold and full sound. Kossoff uses power chords to lay down a solid rhythm, setting the foundation for the song’s energetic, anthemic feel.
Learning power chords is essential for guitarists, as they provide a foundation for many rock and blues songs. Mastering power chords improves finger strength and makes chord transitions smoother and faster, which is especially helpful for rhythm guitarists looking to add punch and precision to their playing.
Vibrato
Vibrato is another key technique in All Right Now, adding warmth and expressiveness to Kossoff’s sustained notes. Vibrato involves bending a note up and down slightly to create a subtle, wavering effect, adding depth and emotion to the sound. Kossoff’s tasteful use of vibrato in this song enhances the feel of each note, giving his playing a vocal-like quality that adds character to the riff.
For guitarists, learning vibrato is a valuable skill for adding personality to their playing. Mastering vibrato builds finger control and introduces an expressive quality that makes solos and riffs more engaging. It’s a foundational technique that every guitarist should develop to bring emotion and individuality to their sound.
String Bending
String bending is a significant part of Kossoff’s expressive style in All Right Now. Bending involves pushing the string across the fretboard to raise its pitch, adding tension and character to certain notes. Kossoff’s bends give his leads a gritty, soulful feel that enhances the song’s blues-rock vibe. In this track, his use of bending adds a dynamic quality to his phrases, making each note feel more intense and impactful.
For guitarists, mastering string bending improves finger strength and allows for a more expressive approach to solos and lead lines. Learning this technique gives players greater control over pitch, making it possible to create nuanced and emotive phrases that bring depth to any performance.
Hammer-Ons
Hammer-ons are a subtle but essential part of All Right Now, allowing Kossoff to connect notes smoothly and add fluidity to his phrases. A hammer-on involves pressing down on a fret to produce a note without picking it, creating a seamless transition between notes. This technique helps add a natural, flowing quality to Kossoff’s riff, making it sound polished and effortless.
For guitarists, practicing hammer-ons is beneficial for building finger dexterity and speed. Mastering this technique enables players to create smoother, more connected phrases, which is especially useful in solos and fast melodic lines. Hammer-ons add finesse to your playing, making it sound more fluid and polished.
About Paul Kossoff and His Influence
Paul Kossoff, the legendary guitarist of Free, was known for his soulful and expressive playing style. His work on All Right Now showcases his ability to combine power and subtlety, creating a riff that’s both catchy and impactful. Kossoff’s use of techniques like string bending, vibrato, and hammer-ons added depth and emotion to his sound, which has inspired countless guitarists across rock and blues genres. Learning his approach to All Right Now not only offers valuable insight into his unique style but also helps guitarists develop a more expressive, refined approach to their playing.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...