Lick Breakdown

Lick Breakdown Guitar Lessons

A great way to become a better guitarist is to learn existing licks, solos and riffs from other players. As well as being able to nail an awesome sounding solo, you will pick up lots of tips and techniques along the way that will help you to improve your guitar playing. Our lick breakdowns cover all types of playing styles, with backing tracks and tabs included to help you pick things up quickly and have fun in the process.
  • Black Line Riff
    Intermediate
    Backing Track
    Black Line Riff
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 20 Mins

    In this lesson, I break down a key section from a track called “Black Line” by my band, McRocklin and Hutch.

    This riff is based on F# minor but includes one note outside of the scale that makes all the difference and sets the tone for a lot of the themes in this song.

  • Black Line Melody
    Intermediate
    Backing Track
    Black Line Melody
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 15 Mins

    In this lesson, I’m going to break down a more melodic section from my track ‘Black Line’. This section focuses more on lead playing than the riff-heavy first half.

    Over time, I’ve added some variations and embellishments to this section, especially when playing it on live streams. While the recorded version on the album may sound more simplified, my current approach incorporates different techniques and sounds that I’m going to break down in detail for you here.

  • user avatar
    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 12 Mins

    In this lesson, I’m diving into the solo drop from “Spectrum,” a track by McRocklin and Hutch. Brace yourself for an intense section that pushes your skills to the limit – from your left hand’s precision to the finesse your right hand brings.

    This section introduces string skipping, a technique I’m passionate about, and it’s not just about breaking down the lick. We’re going beyond that – exploring awesome variations that’ll help you craft your own super fresh licks!

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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 10 Mins

    Welcome to this lesson where I’ll be dissecting a slide-based lick that’s all about dynamic alternate picking and the magic of outside notes. The result is a swing-style vibe with more than a few hints of EVH thrown in for good measure.

    Within this lick, there are a wide range of techniques and ideas we can explore. From commanding big bends to playful triplets, and bluesy sequences featuring a unique upstroke technique, each element contributes to crafting a truly distinct sound. Rest assured, I’ll break down the entire thing for you every step of the way.

  • Come Solo Breakdown
    Intermediate
    Backing Track
    Come Solo Breakdown
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 39 Mins

    In this lesson, we dive deep into a massive shred solo from the McRocklin and Hutch track “Come”. This track isn’t the fastest, sitting at around 90 BPM, but as guitarists, it’s our job to inject the pace and excitement into it – this solo, packed with various techniques, does just that!

    I’ll walk you through all the techniques involved – the epic bends, slick slides, smooth slurs, and the art of pushing and pulling. But here’s the real gem: I’ll show you how to take seemingly simple pentatonic notes and transform them into something so exciting that you’d never think it’s just your standard pentatonic scale. It’s a trick I love to employ, and I’m going to break it down for you step by step.

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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 10 Mins

    This lick is packed full of sweeping, lightning-fast runs and unexpected slides – it’s like a full-blown fireworks display across the neck. If you struggle with making your transitions from alternate picking to sweeping or sliding smooth and seamless, this lesson is a must-watch.

    But that’s not all! I’ll also reveal a subtle eye-coordination trick that I personally rely on a lot in my playing. It’s all about enhancing your eye-to-hand accuracy, making it much easier to glide around the neck without making mistakes. This is a Fast Frets lesson, so you don’t need hours of free time to reap the benefits.

  • Fight Tournament Solo Breakdown
    Intermediate
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 32 Mins

    In this lesson, I dissect every nuance of the guitar solo featured in my recent collaboration with the incredibly talented Dream Kid. These licks are steeped in 80s nostalgia but surprisingly about 99% of the solo relies on simple pentatonic lines. The magic, however, lies in the delivery, the phrasing, and the finer details.

    Throughout this in-depth breakdown, you’ll discover how to infuse your playing with the same level of emotion and excitement. Those little licks and riffs you might have overlooked will be transformed as you take your guitar playing to the next level.

  • Locked In Solo Challenge
    Intermediate
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 34 Mins

    It’s the launch of the Locked In Solo Challenge! In this lesson, I’ll break down a massive, stretchy lick featuring sweeping, sliding, hammer-ons, and more. Mastering this lick will give you the edge in the solo challenge.

    Plus, there’s ample space for you to jam and showcase your unique guitar personality over the backing track. Get ready for the Locked In Solo Challenge—it begins now! Join me inside for some musical exploration. Let’s dive in and elevate your solo game!

  • You and Me End Solo
    Intermediate
    Backing Track
    You and Me End Solo
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 25 Mins

    In this lesson, I break down the end solo from the McRocklin and Hutch track “You and Me.” It’s a mix of pentatonic, sweeps, tapping, and a minor outro.

    But that’s not all, because I also share insights into some of the challenges I faced when constructing this solo, which I hope will provide valuable insights that you can apply to your playing, especially when creating your own killer solos.

  • Lucy’s Breath
    Intermediate
    Backing Track
    Lucy’s Breath
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    Thomas McRocklin
    • 2 Videos
    • 44 Mins

    It’s time to take a trip back to the ’90s as I break down a track called “Lucy’s Breath” from my 91-95 album. This song is all about energy, pace, and excitement, where simplicity in notes creates killer riffs and exciting solos. You’ll also notice some Steve Vai influence, as this song was conceived during my time living with him. So, we’ll explore those influences too.

    From the solo to the riff and chorus, we’re going to dissect it all. And there might even be a few happy accidents to uncover along the way. So let’s dive in and explore the magic of “Lucy’s Breath.” See you inside for some ’90s nostalgia!

Thomas McRocklin

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