Big Block by Jeff Beck

Introduction

Jeff Beck's "Big Block" is an electrifying instrumental piece that showcases his masterful guitar technique and unique approach to phrasing. Found on his 1989 album Jeff Beck's Guitar Shop, this track features a heavy, bluesy riff combined with expressive lead guitar work, making it a fantastic song for guitarists looking to expand their skill set. At LickLibrary.com, we provide a note-for-note breakdown of "Big Block," helping guitarists learn the intricate details of Beck’s signature playing style.

This lesson focuses on essential techniques used in the song, such as string bending, vibrato, alternate picking, legato, harmonics, and whammy bar tricks, among others. By mastering these techniques, players will develop a more expressive and dynamic approach to their own playing. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vibrato is a key element in Jeff Beck’s playing, adding expressiveness and emotion to his notes. In "Big Block," Beck frequently applies slow and wide vibrato to sustain notes and create a vocal-like quality. Learning vibrato improves a guitarist’s ability to add personality and character to their solos, making them more engaging and musical.

String Bending

Beck’s use of string bending is incredibly nuanced, often involving pre-bends and bluesy bends to create smooth, expressive phrasing. This technique is crucial for guitarists who want to add more emotion to their solos and develop better pitch control.

Alternate Picking

The song's heavier sections require alternate picking, which allows for faster, more efficient picking motion. This technique is essential for playing speedy licks and intricate note passages with precision and clarity.

Legato

Legato playing in "Big Block" helps to create fluidity in Beck’s lead lines. By utilising hammer-ons and pull-offs, guitarists can achieve a smooth, seamless sound that enhances their melodic phrasing and speed.

Tapped Harmonics

Beck frequently uses tapped harmonics to produce bell-like tones that cut through the mix. Mastering this technique helps guitarists add a unique sonic texture to their playing and expand their harmonic vocabulary.

Double-Stop Bends

A signature of blues and rock guitar playing, double-stop bends are used in "Big Block" to create rich, expressive phrases. This technique enhances a guitarist’s ability to play harmonised leads and add thickness to their sound.

Unison Bends

Beck’s use of unison bends adds intensity to his solos by making the guitar lines more vocal-like. This technique strengthens a player’s ear training and control over bends, ensuring accurate pitch and expressive phrasing.

Pinched Harmonics

Throughout "Big Block," Beck uses pinched harmonics to add aggressive, high-pitched overtones to his lead lines. Learning this technique helps players add bite and sustain to their solos, making them sound more dynamic and powerful.

Tremolo Picking

Some of the faster passages in "Big Block" require tremolo picking, which involves rapidly picking a single note. This technique is excellent for improving speed, endurance, and precision in lead playing.

Whammy Bar Tricks

One of Beck’s signature moves involves using the whammy bar to create pitch dives, warbles, and expressive note manipulation. Mastering whammy bar tricks allows guitarists to add unique textures and sustain control to their solos.

The Guitarists Behind "Big Block"

Jeff Beck is the driving force behind "Big Block," showcasing his ability to blend blues, rock, and experimental techniques seamlessly. His work on Guitar Shop was a major influence on guitarists worldwide, with his fluid legato phrasing, aggressive attack, and unconventional whammy bar techniques setting new standards for electric guitar playing.

Accompanying Beck on this track are Terry Bozzio on drums and Tony Hymas on keyboards, providing a solid rhythmic and harmonic foundation. Beck’s ability to make the guitar sing without vocals was revolutionary, and his work continues to inspire guitarists across multiple genres.

Guitar Techniques List

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Tremolo Picking
• Whammy Bar Tricks

By following this note-for-note lesson on LickLibrary.com, players will not only learn to play "Big Block" accurately but also enhance their guitar skills with techniques that are essential for rock and blues guitarists. Whether you're a fan of Jeff Beck or just looking to expand your technical repertoire, this lesson is a must-watch for any serious guitarist!