Learn to Play "Black Friday" by Steely Dan

Steely Dan’s Black Friday is a masterclass in blues-rock phrasing, dynamic soloing, and grooving rhythm work. The song, found on the 1975 album Katy Lied, features signature guitar work that blends blues-inspired licks with smooth, articulate phrasing. If you’re looking to improve your rock and blues playing, this lesson will break down the essential techniques used in Black Friday, allowing you to capture the feel and articulation of this timeless classic. Tom Quayle breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists Behind "Black Friday" and Their Influence

The lead guitar work on Black Friday was performed by Walter Becker, one of the founding members of Steely Dan. Known for his tasteful, fluid solos, Becker’s playing blends blues with sophisticated jazz influences, crafting lines that are both expressive and technically engaging. His style is a perfect example of how to approach soloing with melody and emotion, rather than relying solely on speed.

Steely Dan’s recordings often feature contributions from session guitarists, and their music has been shaped by elite players such as Larry Carlton, Jeff Baxter, and Denny Dias. Their approach to phrasing, tone, and musicality has influenced generations of guitarists, particularly in blending rock with jazz elements. If you want to elevate your soloing with a more refined touch, studying Black Friday is an excellent way to expand your guitar vocabulary.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Bluesy Bends

Bending is a crucial part of the Black Friday solo, allowing for expressive, vocal-like phrasing. The bends in this track often target specific chord tones, making them feel both intentional and emotive. Mastering these will improve your control over pitch and add a smooth, expressive quality to your lead playing.

String Bending

Throughout Black Friday, you’ll find a variety of bends that add drama and fluidity to the soloing. Learning how to execute controlled bends will improve your ear training and intonation, ensuring your leads sound polished and professional.

Slides

Slides play a significant role in connecting phrases smoothly, making solos sound less robotic and more fluid. Whether used in licks or rhythm parts, slides help create seamless transitions between notes and add to the song’s bluesy feel.

Double Stops

Double stops are a key part of Black Friday’s guitar vocabulary, adding depth and a punchy, harmonised effect to lead lines. By incorporating these into your playing, you can make your solos sound fuller and more dynamic.

Alternate Picking

The song’s rhythm work requires precise alternate picking, ensuring a tight and punchy feel. This technique helps improve overall speed and articulation, making it a fundamental skill for all lead and rhythm players.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are used in several quick blues licks throughout the solo, allowing for fluid phrasing and a more connected sound. Mastering this technique will improve your ability to play fast, expressive runs without relying solely on picking.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are frequently used in the main licks to create smooth and articulate melodic phrases. These help in achieving legato playing, making your solos sound more effortless and fluid.

Chord Progressions

The song features a driving blues-rock progression that outlines the chord changes clearly in the lead playing. Understanding these progressions will help you improve your ability to play over chord changes and enhance your improvisational skills.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Bluesy Bends
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons
• Chord Progressions

By learning Black Friday note-for-note, you’ll develop better phrasing, improve your technical precision, and gain deeper insight into blues and rock soloing. Whether you're looking to refine your technique or understand how great guitarists craft their solos, this lesson will provide valuable skills to enhance your playing.