Master "Come When I Call" by John Mayer with LickLibrary

Unlock the sophisticated bluesy groove of John Mayer’s "Come When I Call" with LickLibrary's comprehensive guitar tutorial. This lesson is meticulously crafted to delve into the nuances of Mayer’s guitar technique, highlighting essential skills such as string bending, hammer-ons, vibrato, and alternate picking. Each of these techniques is integral to capturing the dynamic and expressive style that Mayer is known for, making this tutorial a must-have for guitarists aiming to elevate their play to new heights. Tis lesson is taught by Mitch Laddie.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Come When I Call"

String Bending

String bending is a quintessential technique in John Mayer’s guitar repertoire, especially prominent in "Come When I Call." This technique, which involves bending the string to raise the pitch, adds a vocal-like expression to guitar lines, making them sing. Mastery of string bending allows you to infuse your solos with emotion and personality, echoing the expressive quality Mayer achieves in his performances.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are used frequently in this song to produce fluid, legato lines that flow seamlessly across the fretboard. This technique involves plucking a note and then using another finger to hammer down on the next fret without picking again. Learning hammer-ons will enable you to play faster and more smoothly, mirroring Mayer’s effortless transitions and rapid melodic phrases.

Vibrato

Vibrato in "Come When I Call" is subtle yet effective, employed by Mayer to enhance sustained notes and add depth to the melody. This technique involves oscillating a finger back and forth on a fretted note, creating a slight pitch variation that enriches the sound. Vibrato is key to making your notes resonate with more intensity and emotion, offering a way to make simple lines stand out with greater musical impact.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is essential for achieving the agility and speed in Mayer’s guitar solos and rhythmic parts. This technique, which involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allows for more efficient picking across strings. Mastery of alternate picking is crucial for executing the intricate licks and fast-paced runs that are signature to Mayer’s playing style.

John Mayer's Influence on Guitar Playing

John Mayer is not only recognized for his songwriting but also for his profound guitar skills, which blend elements of blues, rock, and pop. His approach to guitar playing is highly nuanced, with a focus on tone and feel, often drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix. Mayer's ability to convey complex emotions through simple melodic phrases makes studying his techniques particularly beneficial for guitarists looking to enhance their expressive capabilities.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By focusing on these guitar techniques, learners can expect several benefits:

• Enhanced Musical Expression: Techniques like vibrato and string bending are crucial for adding emotional depth to your playing.
• Increased Technical Proficiency: Skills such as alternate picking and hammer-ons will improve your dexterity and speed, broadening your playing capabilities.
• Greater Versatility: These techniques are applicable across a range of musical styles, making you a more adaptable and skilled musician.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

This tutorial not only enriches your repertoire but also equips you with fundamental guitar skills, all linked for further exploration:

• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking

Join us at LickLibrary to master "Come When I Call" by John Mayer and tap into the expressive power of these essential guitar techniques. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this lesson promises to boost your technical prowess and deepen your musical expression.