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Quick licks: easy #12

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By Guitar Techniques ( Guitar Techniques ) published 1 March 2012

James Brown and Fleetwood Mac style

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Easy lick one: James Brown-style funk

Easy lick one: James Brown-style funk

Make it Funky! Turn it loose with this classic Jimmy Nolan and James Brown inspired riff. Watch getting to the D9 chord in time, and remember the key here is completely in the feel - it's the syncopations, not the technical requirements, that may require extended practice.

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Page 1 of 2
Easy lick two: Fleetwood Mac attack!

Easy lick two: Fleetwood Mac attack!

This one uses fingerpicking and is modelled on Lindsay Buckingham's hit-making guitar style. The example is in A minor using a constant open fifth string against thirds on the third and fourth strings. keep it relaxed and melodic at 120bpm using a warm, clean valve amp sound.

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Page 2 of 2
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John McVie
Why Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic riff is one of music’s greatest ever moments
James Brown (1933-2006) performs live on stage with the J.B.'s, including bass guitarist Bootsy Collins on left and guitarist Catfish Collins (1943-2010) behind on right, in East Ham, London in March 1971
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Justin Hawkins [left] of the Darkness plays an open G on his offset electric and closes his eyes as he performs onstage; soul-reggae icon Johnny Nash [right] frets a chord on his acoustic and wears a patched denim jacket.
How Darkness’ Justin Hawkins learned diminished chords from a reggae-soul icon
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Status Quo Performing in Hyde Park, 2001
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