Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads: Mastering Hard Rock Techniques

"Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads" offers an in-depth exploration of the signature techniques that made Randy Rhoads a guitar legend. This comprehensive guitar lesson series taught by Jamie Humphries is specifically designed for guitarists looking to master the high-energy, technical style of Rhoads, focusing on key elements such as two-hand tapping, legato, pinch harmonics, and fast rock licks. These lessons provide both step-by-step instructions and practical applications, making them an invaluable resource for players aiming to incorporate Rhoads' iconic style into their playing.

What You Will Learn In This Course

35 killer rock licks in the style of Randy Rhodes. This course also includes a backing track to play over. The techniques you will learn include:

• Two Hand Tapping
• Legato
• Pinch Harmonics
• Fast Rock Licks

Technique Breakdown

Two-Hand Tapping

Two-hand tapping is a technique that allows guitarists to play rapid, intricate melodies with both hands on the fretboard. Randy Rhoads utilized this technique to great effect, creating solos that combined both speed and melody in a seamless fashion. These lessons will guide you through the fundamentals of two-hand tapping, including hand synchronization, accuracy, and incorporating it into your solos. Mastering this technique will not only enhance your soloing capabilities but also expand your creative horizons.

Legato

Legato, characterized by smooth and connected notes, is another hallmark of Rhoads' playing style. This technique, involving hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides, allows for rapid note sequences with a fluid, seamless sound. The lessons in this series will help you develop a more expressive legato technique, enabling you to execute fast runs with clarity and precision, all while maintaining musicality.

Pinch Harmonics

Pinch harmonics, often referred to as “squeals,” add a high-pitched, screaming sound to your guitar playing. Rhoads frequently used this technique to add emphasis and character to his solos. These lessons will teach you how to properly execute pinch harmonics, explaining the right-hand technique required to achieve this distinctive sound. This technique is key to adding an aggressive edge to your solos.

Fast Rock Licks

Randy Rhoads was known for his fast, aggressive rock licks that demanded both speed and agility. These lessons break down his approach to crafting these licks, focusing on alternate picking, scale runs, and string skipping. You’ll learn how to build speed without sacrificing precision, an essential skill for any hard rock or metal guitarist.

Practicing Over a Backing Track: Contextual Learning

Each of these techniques is practiced over a backing track, providing you with the context necessary to understand how they fit within a song. Playing over backing tracks is not only more engaging but also helps develop your timing, rhythm, and improvisational skills. It’s a crucial step in learning how to apply these techniques in real musical scenarios.

Randy Rhoads’ Guitar Style

Randy Rhoads revolutionized the world of hard rock and heavy metal guitar with his innovative playing style. His ability to blend classical influences with hard rock energy resulted in a unique and powerful sound. Rhoads’ playing was marked by precision, creativity, and intensity. Studying his style provides valuable insights into combining technical prowess with musical expression.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning these techniques will help you:

• Enhance your soloing skills with two-hand tapping and legato.
• Add intensity to your playing with pinch harmonics.
• Develop agility and speed with fast rock licks.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Randy Rhoads’ musical legacy and guitar techniques.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads"

Upon completing the "Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads" series, you will have honed your skills in the following techniques:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Dive Bombs
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Bluesy Bends

"Quick Licks - Randy Rhoads" is an essential course for any guitarist eager to delve into the realm of high-energy rock guitar playing. Whether you are looking to capture the essence of Rhoads' style or simply improve your technical abilities, these lessons provide a comprehensive guide to mastering some of the most impactful guitar techniques in rock music.