Roll With It – Oasis

The “Roll With It” guitar lesson dives deep into recreating the energetic and anthemic sounds of Oasis’ classic hit. Known for its uplifting rhythm and iconic Britpop vibe, “Roll With It” provides a rich learning experience for guitar players looking to master song-driven techniques and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Oasis. This lesson focuses on the song’s driving rhythm guitar parts, melodic embellishments, and the subtle nuances that make the track stand out. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

“Roll With It” was performed by Oasis' lead guitarist Noel Gallagher, whose playing style defined much of the band’s Britpop sound in the 1990s. Gallagher’s use of melody, layered chord structures, and rhythmic precision has inspired countless guitarists. His ability to create accessible yet emotionally resonant guitar parts helped solidify Oasis’ status as one of the era’s defining bands. This lesson explores Gallagher’s distinct approach, emphasising both technical proficiency and musical feel.

Techniques Covered in “Roll With It”

1. Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of the song, giving it a strong and punchy foundation. The lesson explores how to play these chords cleanly and efficiently, ensuring your transitions are smooth. Mastering power chords not only builds confidence but also improves hand strength and coordination, essential for rhythm-focused playing.

2. Palm Muting

Palm muting adds a rhythmic drive and percussive quality to the song's strumming pattern. This technique is dissected in detail, highlighting how to balance muted and open strums effectively. Learning palm muting enhances your control over dynamics and timing, vital for playing rock and pop styles.

3. Chord Progressions

“Roll With It” employs classic chord progressions that create its uplifting and sing-along feel. The lesson delves into these progressions, breaking them down to make them approachable for all skill levels. Understanding chord progressions expands your songwriting toolkit and helps you recognise patterns in other songs.

4. Slides

Guitar slides are used throughout the song to transition between chords and notes fluidly. This lesson demonstrates how to execute slides with precision and sustain, allowing you to connect phrases seamlessly. Slides enhance your fretboard fluency and add expression to your playing.

5. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Subtle melodic embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs appear in the guitar parts, adding texture and interest. The lesson explains the proper technique for these articulations, improving finger strength and agility while enabling smoother lead runs.

6. Sustain

The use of sustain in “Roll With It” creates a soaring, anthemic quality. This lesson shows how to control sustain through finger pressure and amp settings. Developing sustain awareness enhances your ability to add emotional depth to your playing.

7. Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s rhythmic structure includes syncopation that creates a groovy and engaging feel. You’ll learn how to lock into these rhythms, improving your timing and ability to groove with a band.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Improved Rhythm Playing: Techniques like power chords, palm muting, and syncopated rhythms build a strong foundation for rhythm guitar, crucial for playing in a band or accompanying vocals.
• Enhanced Musical Expression: Slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and sustain allow you to add personality and dynamics to your playing, making it more expressive and unique.
• Broader Musical Understanding: By studying Noel Gallagher’s approach, you gain insight into crafting melodic yet accessible guitar parts that resonate with listeners.
• Versatile Skillset: The techniques covered in this lesson are applicable across various genres, enabling you to adapt and grow as a guitarist.

Guitar Techniques in “Roll With It”

Here’s a complete list of guitar techniques used in the “Roll With It” lesson:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Sustain
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only play “Roll With It” with authenticity but also expand your guitar-playing horizons significantly. Dive into this lesson and roll with the skills you’ll acquire!