Master "Freedom" by Robben Ford with LickLibrary

LickLibrary proudly presents an in-depth guitar tutorial for Robben Ford’s hit song "Freedom." This tutorial is designed not only to teach you how to play "Freedom" note-for-note but also to deeply explore and master several essential guitar techniques that Ford himself employs throughout the song. These include string bending, hammer-ons, vibrato, and alternate picking. Each technique is dissected within the context of the song to help you apply them in your playing and beyond. This lesson is taught by Mitch Laddie.

Essential Guitar Techniques in "Freedom"

String Bending

String bending is a core technique in any guitarist's arsenal, particularly in the blues and rock genres. In "Freedom," Robben Ford uses bending not just for melodic purposes but to convey emotional depth and sonic interest. This tutorial focuses on helping you achieve precise pitch and control in your bends, enhancing the expressiveness of your playing.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are featured prominently in "Freedom" to produce fluid, legato lines that are characteristic of Ford’s playing style. This technique allows for more speed and smoothness in playing, reducing the pick's involvement and emphasizing finger strength and accuracy on the fretboard.

Vibrato

Vibrato adds a rich, dynamic quality to sustained notes and chords. Ford’s use of vibrato in "Freedom" brings life and vibrancy to his phrases, and learning this technique can help sustain notes longer and with more intensity, making your solos more impactful and emotionally resonant.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is crucial for playing faster licks and riffs efficiently. Throughout "Freedom," Robben Ford employs this technique to maintain rhythm and increase picking efficiency, offering a practical method to handle fast passages. This lesson will help you develop a more reliable and faster picking hand.

Robben Ford’s Musical Influence

Robben Ford is an illustrious figure in the music world, known for his sophisticated blues guitar techniques and his ability to meld jazz, blues, and rock elements seamlessly. His playing is nuanced and highly expressive, with a tone that is both smooth and piercingly clear. Studying Ford’s techniques offers valuable lessons on the interplay between technical skill and expressive phrasing, making his tracks ideal for developing guitarists looking to elevate their musical expression and technical proficiency.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Engaging with these guitar techniques through "Freedom" provides several advantages:

• Technical Improvement: Each technique enhances specific aspects of guitar playing, from speed to expressiveness.
• Versatility: Learning these skills will equip you with the tools needed to adapt to various musical styles and complexities.
• Expressive Capability: Techniques like vibrato and string bending allow you to play with more feeling and subtlety, vital for effective musical communication.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

This tutorial not only boosts your song repertoire but also enhances your technical skills. Here are some of the pivotal techniques you will master:

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

Join us at LickLibrary to learn "Freedom" by Robben Ford and discover the richness of blues guitar through these foundational techniques. This tutorial promises to not only enhance your technical ability but also deepen your appreciation and understanding of what makes Robben Ford’s guitar playing truly captivating. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to refine your skills, this lesson is tailored to help you grow as a musician.