Live Forever - Oasis

About the Song and Guitarists

"Live Forever" is one of the most iconic tracks by Oasis, capturing the heart of the Britpop movement in the 1990s. Written by Noel Gallagher, the song showcases his penchant for crafting emotionally charged melodies combined with simple yet evocative guitar work. Noel Gallagher’s playing is celebrated for its ability to balance melodic simplicity with intricate layers, making his style both approachable and inspiring for guitarists of all levels.

Gallagher’s influence stretches beyond Oasis, shaping a generation of guitarists with his melodic sensibilities and innovative use of chord progressions. His preference for memorable riffs and his intuitive grasp of emotional phrasing make "Live Forever" an ideal song to study for guitarists looking to improve their craft. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Live Forever"

The guitar lesson for "Live Forever" by Oasis dives deep into the essential techniques that make this track resonate with guitarists and listeners alike. These techniques not only replicate the song but also equip you with transferable skills to enhance your overall guitar-playing ability.

Chord Progressions

The foundation of "Live Forever" is its distinctive chord progressions. These progressions highlight the emotive power of chord movement, helping players develop a keen sense of musical storytelling. Mastering these progressions improves your ability to craft and play engaging, song-like structures on the guitar.

Arpeggios

The verses feature subtle arpeggios that break down chords into individual notes, creating a shimmering, textured sound. Learning arpeggios enhances your picking accuracy and gives you the tools to bring variety to your chordal playing.

Slides

Gallagher employs slides to transition smoothly between notes, adding a vocal-like quality to the melody. Practicing slides will improve your fretboard navigation and add a fluid expressiveness to your solos and riffs.

String Bending

The melodic leads are enriched with string bending, a technique used to create emotive shifts in pitch. String bending is essential for adding personality and emotion to your playing, making solos feel more alive.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The embellishments in the lead sections often include hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques build finger strength and fluency, allowing for smoother, more articulate phrasing.

Vibrato

Noel’s melodic lines are brought to life with tasteful vibrato. This technique is vital for adding emotion and sustain to your notes, giving your solos a dynamic, expressive quality.

Open String Riffs

The interplay of melody and rhythm in the song features open string riffs, which add a ringing, resonant quality to the playing. Learning this technique helps improve your rhythm and melodic integration, making your guitar work more engaging.

Palm Muting

The rhythm parts utilise palm muting to control dynamics and create a driving pulse. Mastering this technique sharpens your rhythm-playing skills and improves your control over tone and texture.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

1. Chord Progressions: Develop a deeper understanding of harmony and song structure.
2. Arpeggios: Enhance picking accuracy and melodic creativity.
3. Slides: Achieve smooth transitions between notes for a polished sound.
4. String Bending: Infuse solos with emotional intensity.
5. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Boost finger agility and legato phrasing.
6. Vibrato: Add personality and sustain to your playing.
7. Open String Riffs: Combine rhythm and melody seamlessly.
8. Palm Muting: Improve control over dynamics and rhythmic articulation.

Techniques Featured in the Lesson

Here is a list of the techniques you’ll learn in the "Live Forever" lesson. Click the links to explore each technique in detail:

• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Open String Riffs
• Palm Muting

This comprehensive lesson not only helps you master "Live Forever" but also equips you with versatile techniques to enrich your overall guitar-playing journey.