Mr. Big by Free

Master the Guitar Techniques of 'Mr. Big' by Free

LickLibrary brings you a deep dive into "Mr. Big" by Free, an iconic track filled with bluesy swagger, soulful phrasing, and masterful guitar work. This lesson will guide you through each note, allowing you to capture the essence of Paul Kossoff's legendary playing.

"Mr. Big" is a standout track from Free's 1970 album Fire and Water, featuring a powerhouse bass-driven groove and expressive guitar work. The song showcases Paul Kossoff’s signature vibrato, dynamic phrasing, and emotive string bends—techniques that every aspiring blues-rock guitarist should master.

In this lesson, you will learn the key techniques that define the song, each broken down in detail to help you integrate them into your playing style. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Paul Kossoff – The Guitarist Behind the Magic

Paul Kossoff, Free’s lead guitarist, was known for his deeply expressive playing, rich vibrato, and powerful blues phrasing. Despite his short career, his impact on blues-rock is undeniable, influencing generations of guitarists, including Slash, Joe Bonamassa, and Gary Moore. His approach to melody and dynamics makes learning his licks a valuable exercise for any guitarist looking to improve their touch and feel.

Kossoff’s playing in "Mr. Big" perfectly demonstrates his ability to make every note sing. His deep vibrato, smooth slides, and fluid phrasing give the song a vocal-like quality. By studying his technique, you’ll not only learn how to play the song but also how to express emotion through your instrument.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Kossoff’s vibrato is one of the most distinctive elements of his playing. His wide, expressive vibrato gives sustain and character to each note, making the guitar almost "speak" in a bluesy manner. Mastering this technique will help you add depth and emotion to your playing.

String Bending

One of the defining aspects of "Mr. Big" is its powerful, well-controlled bends. Kossoff was a master of bending notes to precise pitches, creating an expressive vocal quality in his solos. Learning to execute smooth and controlled bends will improve your ear for pitch and enhance your lead guitar phrasing.

Slides

Slides add fluidity to Kossoff’s lead work, allowing seamless transitions between notes. This technique enhances phrasing and makes your playing sound more connected and expressive. Incorporating slides into your solos will help you achieve a more natural and bluesy flow.

Double Stops

Kossoff frequently used double stops to create rich, harmonised phrases. These two-note harmonies add depth to a solo, allowing you to fill out your sound and create more powerful licks.

Sustain

The ability to hold a note and let it ring out with controlled vibrato is crucial in blues-rock. Kossoff’s mastery of sustain adds drama and intensity to his playing. Learning this skill will help you make every note count and maximise the emotional impact of your solos.

Power Chords

While "Mr. Big" is primarily a lead-driven song, the rhythm sections include strong power chords that create a solid backbone. Understanding how to execute tight and punchy power chords will improve your rhythm playing and give you more confidence when structuring a song.

Pull-Offs

The solo work in "Mr. Big" features fluid pull-offs that contribute to the song’s smooth phrasing. Mastering pull-offs will allow you to play faster and more effortlessly, helping you achieve legato-style phrasing.

Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends are at the core of Kossoff’s style, giving his playing a raw, vocal-like quality. Learning how to control these bends will enable you to express more emotion through your guitar and create a more soulful sound.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Sustain
• Power Chords
• Pull-Offs
• Bluesy Bends

By learning "Mr. Big," you’ll not only master a classic rock song but also develop crucial lead and rhythm guitar techniques that will elevate your overall playing ability. Whether you're a blues-rock enthusiast or just looking to add more expressive phrasing to your solos, this lesson will help you hone your skills and bring new life to your guitar playing. Dive in and start mastering this timeless classic today!