Wishing Well by Free

Learn to Play "Wishing Well" by Free - A Classic Rock Masterclass

Our note-for-note guitar lesson for Wishing Well by Free is the perfect way to capture the soulful blues-rock magic of this iconic song. Originally released in 1972 on the album Heartbreaker, Wishing Well is known for its emotive guitar work, powerful vocal delivery, and groove-laden rhythm. This lesson breaks down every nuance of the song, covering its signature riffs, expressive bends, and classic rock phrasing so you can master the techniques used by the legendary Paul Kossoff. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Paul Kossoff

Paul Kossoff was the driving guitar force behind Free, and his playing style was deeply rooted in expressive blues phrasing, sustain, and vocal-like vibrato. Kossoff was known for his incredible feel rather than flash, and his ability to make each note sing with emotion is what set him apart. His influence can be heard in later guitarists such as Gary Moore and Joe Bonamassa, who both cite him as a key inspiration. His playing on Wishing Well showcases his signature use of vibrato, string bending, and melodic phrasing, making it a fantastic piece to study for those looking to improve their expressive lead playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Kossoff’s use of vibrato is one of his most defining traits. His slow, wide vibrato adds a vocal-like quality to his notes, giving them extra sustain and emotion. Learning this technique will improve your ability to express yourself through the guitar and enhance the overall feel of your playing.

String Bending

The lead parts of Wishing Well are filled with string bending, from smooth quarter-step bends to expressive full-step bends. These bends allow the player to mimic the dynamics of a singer, adding tension and drama to solos. Mastering controlled bends will help you develop greater pitch accuracy and expressive phrasing.

Double Stops

A key element of the song’s lead work includes double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously to create a fuller, more harmonically rich sound. This technique is widely used in blues and rock playing and is essential for achieving a classic rock tone.

Power Chords

The rhythm section of Wishing Well heavily relies on power chords, which drive the song’s energy and give it a strong foundation. Learning power chords is essential for any rock guitarist, as they are fundamental in shaping the genre’s rhythm playing.

Slides

Paul Kossoff’s lead playing often incorporates slides to connect notes smoothly. This technique adds a fluid, vocal-like quality to solos and helps in making phrases sound more connected and expressive.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout the solos and fills in Wishing Well, hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth and legato-style phrases. These techniques improve finger strength and dexterity while allowing for faster, more fluid note transitions.

Chord Progressions

The backbone of Wishing Well is its classic chord progression, which lays the groundwork for both the rhythm and lead sections. Understanding chord progressions is crucial for songwriting and improvisation, helping you to craft compelling musical ideas.

Bluesy Bends

Kossoff’s blues background shines through in his use of bluesy bends, which add a raw and emotional touch to his solos. Learning how to execute blues-style bends will help you bring more expression to your lead playing and deepen your understanding of classic blues-rock phrasing.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm guitar work in Wishing Well incorporates syncopated rhythms, which add a dynamic and groove-oriented feel to the song. Mastering syncopation will help you develop a stronger sense of timing and improve your rhythm playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Double Stops
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Chord Progressions
• Bluesy Bends
• Syncopated Rhythms

By learning Wishing Well, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of blues-rock phrasing, expressive lead playing, and dynamic rhythm work. Whether you're a beginner looking to build your technique or an advanced player wanting to refine your feel and tone, this lesson will give you invaluable skills that can be applied across multiple musical styles. Dive into this note-for-note lesson and bring the legendary sound of Paul Kossoff to your playing today!