Cause We've Ended As Lovers - Jeff Beck

Introduction

Jeff Beck's breathtaking instrumental piece "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" is a masterpiece that showcases his unparalleled touch, phrasing, and emotive playing. This Licklibrary.com lesson provides a note-for-note breakdown of the song, covering essential guitar techniques that define Beck’s unique sound. Whether you're an intermediate or advanced guitarist, studying this song will enhance your expressiveness, control, and dynamic phrasing—key elements in mastering guitar. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Jeff Beck and the Song

Jeff Beck, known for his versatile and expressive guitar work, recorded "Cause We've Ended As Lovers" on his seminal 1975 album Blow by Blow. The song, originally written by Stevie Wonder, became one of Beck’s most iconic performances, blending blues, jazz, and fusion influences. His fluid phrasing and vocal-like bends set a new standard for melodic guitar playing.

The track also highlights Beck’s use of volume swells, harmonics, and microtonal bends, techniques that define his unmistakable style. His influence on guitarists like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Eric Johnson is undeniable, making this a must-learn song for players who seek to improve their expression and touch.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

String Bending

String bending is essential to Jeff Beck's playing, allowing the guitar to mimic vocal nuances. Mastering bends ensures your solos sound more expressive and connected, making your lead lines sing rather than just play notes.

Vibrato

Beck’s use of vibrato is legendary. By applying controlled vibrato to sustained notes, you’ll add depth and emotion to your playing, making simple melodies sound rich and dynamic.

Slides

Smooth slides between notes help create fluid phrasing. Beck uses slides extensively to transition seamlessly between phrases, making the guitar lines feel effortless and connected.

Double Stops

By playing two notes simultaneously, double stops add richness and harmonic depth. In this song, they create a fuller and more expressive melodic feel.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

These legato techniques allow for smoother note transitions without relying on constant picking, making phrases sound more connected and natural.

Volume Swells

Beck is famous for using the volume knob to create violin-like swells. This technique removes the attack from notes, resulting in a singing sustain and orchestral feel.

Unison Bends

Unison bends involve bending one string to match the pitch of another, creating a wide, dramatic sound. This technique enhances lead lines with added texture and harmonic complexity.

Harmonics

Beck frequently employs harmonics—both natural and tapped—to produce bell-like chimes and ethereal overtones, adding depth to his phrasing.

Rakes

Raking across muted strings before striking a note gives a percussive attack and dynamic emphasis, helping notes stand out and feel more impactful.

Finger Picking & Hybrid Picking

Rather than using a pick exclusively, Beck often fingerpicks or combines picking with fingers (hybrid picking) for greater dynamics and control.

Bluesy Bends

A key part of Beck's style, these microtonal bends add a bluesy, vocal-like quality, enhancing expressiveness and phrasing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Unison Bends
• Harmonics
• Rakes
• Finger Picking
• Hybrid Picking
• Bluesy Bends

Mastering these techniques will dramatically improve your control, expression, and melodic phrasing, bringing your guitar playing closer to Jeff Beck’s legendary style. Dive into our note-for-note lesson and experience the magic of Cause We've Ended As Lovers!