Fire And Water – Free

Master the Iconic Guitar Work of Paul Kossoff

Fire and Water by Free is one of the most soulful and expressive rock tracks of the 1970s. With its raw power and emotive guitar work, this song showcases the brilliance of Paul Kossoff, a guitarist known for his impeccable phrasing, rich tone, and expressive vibrato. This Licklibrary lesson will guide you through every note, helping you master the song’s signature licks and techniques. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Paul Kossoff and His Influence

Paul Kossoff was the heart and soul of Free's guitar sound. Known for his searing bends, deep vibrato, and incredible touch, he had an unmistakable ability to make every note sing. His playing style was heavily blues-influenced, with a focus on emotive phrasing and feel over technical speed. Kossoff’s approach influenced countless guitarists, including Gary Moore and Joe Bonamassa, who have praised his ability to convey deep emotion through his guitar. Fire and Water is an excellent example of his mastery, offering a lesson in both technique and expression.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

String Bending

Kossoff's expressive string bends are a major component of his signature sound. Learning to execute precise bends not only improves your intonation but also enhances your ability to express emotion through your playing.

Vibrato

His vibrato technique was wide and controlled, adding depth to sustained notes. Developing a strong vibrato will give your playing a more professional and polished feel.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Kossoff’s smooth legato playing can be heard throughout the song. Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs allows you to play faster, more fluid phrases without relying on excessive picking.

Double Stops

The song incorporates double stops, where two notes are played together to create thicker and richer tones. This is a great way to add harmonic interest to solos and riffs.

Slides

Slides are used to add smooth transitions between notes and connect phrases seamlessly. This technique enhances phrasing and helps create a vocal-like quality in your solos.

Chord Progressions

Kossoff’s chord choices are simple yet powerful. Learning these classic rock chord progressions will help you understand how to construct songs and write your own music in a similar style.

Bluesy Bends

Blending major and minor tonalities, bluesy bends are used to add expressive phrasing to solos. This technique enhances the overall feel of your playing, making it sound more soulful and dynamic.

Sustain

Paul Kossoff was known for his ability to sustain notes with control, allowing them to ring out with emotion. Learning to properly use sustain in your playing will help you create a more dramatic and impactful sound.

Why Learn Fire and Water?

• Master essential rock and blues techniques – from vibrato to expressive bending.
• Improve your phrasing and note articulation, just like Paul Kossoff.
• Enhance your musical expression and emotion through dynamic control and sustain.
• Develop a stronger sense of timing and feel, essential for any guitarist.
• Build confidence in playing blues-influenced rock solos and chord progressions.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends
• Sustain

Start Learning Today

Take your guitar playing to the next level by mastering Fire and Water. Whether you’re a fan of Free, Paul Kossoff, or classic rock guitar in general, this lesson will refine your skills, improve your expression, and bring new life to your playing. Join us at Licklibrary and dive into this timeless classic today!