Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Heart of Gold
  • Vince Clarke's favourite synth
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The Beatles' medley masterpiece
  1. Tutorials
  2. Guitar Lessons & Tutorials

Quick licks: intermediate #12

News
By Guitar Techniques published 9 March 2012

Rush and Jim Croce-style riffs

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Intermediate lick one: Alex Lifeson riff

Intermediate lick one: Alex Lifeson riff

A Lifeson style riff based on late 70s to early 80s Rush. The add 11 chords are immediately recognisable and the key is to keep the upper melody line prominent. Use a crunchy valve amp tone, some vintage chorus effect, and a confident pick attack to make it all work.

Page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2
Intermediate lick two: Jim Croce acoustic

Intermediate lick two: Jim Croce acoustic

The late US guitarist-songwriter Croce's trademark acoustic style used fingerpicked chords and parallel sixth intervals (both seen here). This example can give you a solid foundation in fingerpicking so go slowly, watch all of the given fingerings and work your way up to the 135bpm tempo indicated.

Page 2 of 2
Page 2 of 2
Guitar Techniques
Read more
Alex Lifeson and Geddy Lee of Rush rock double-necks during a 2026 reunion show in LA.
Artists Rush’s Geddy Lee, Paul Gilbert and John Petrucci on the guitar genius of Alex Lifeson
 
 
Chords
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials Confused by guitar tabs and notation? Use this complete guide to reading music for guitar
 
 
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson Custom Alex Lifeson 1976 ES-355 Reissue
Artists Epiphone and Alex Lifeson team up for a replica of the Rush guitarist’s iconic 1976 ES-355
 
 
A-Ha
Artists How to re-create one of the most infectious synth riffs of all time
 
 
Eric Johnson wears headpnones as he takes a solo on his Strat during the 2023 G3 Tour.
Artists Eric Johnson on why pick choice and picking style are fundamental to your playing – and how his favourite jazz player got his sound by using his thumb
 
 
Scale
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials "Don't play scales just to get faster. Speed is a happy by-product of playing more accurately": Beginner Guitar Lessons - nailing scales
 
 
Latest in Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Chords
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials Confused by guitar tabs and notation? Use this complete guide to reading music for guitar
 
 
Scale
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials "Don't play scales just to get faster. Speed is a happy by-product of playing more accurately": Beginner Guitar Lessons - nailing scales
 
 
Guitar maintenance
Guitars "There isn't one correct answer": 6 things you need you need know about how to clean and condition your guitar fretboard
 
 
Tom Morello
Artists How Tom Morello used his guitar to drill into the off-limits domain of the turntablist
 
 
Close up of a person playing guitar
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials With a massive 89% discount, $99 for a year's worth of Guitar Tricks online lessons is the best way to upgrade your guitar playing this Black Friday
 
 
Close up of a person holding an acoustic guitar bathed sunlight
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials Ignite your inner guitar god for just 27 cents a day with TrueFire’s July 4th sale - save 60% on online lessons
 
 
Latest in News
Graham Coxon of The Waeve performs on the Castle Stage during Day 2 of Victorious Festival on August 24, 2025 in Southsea, England.
Guitarists “Ray Davies is the best songwriter we ever had”: Graham Coxon on his influences and why his new album is coming out late
 
 
Taylor Swift attends the SongWriters' Hall of Fame induction ceremony 2026
Singers & Songwriters “I will never be able to express my gratitude”: Taylor Swift pays tribute to her parents at Songwriters Hall Of Fame ceremony
 
 
Mike Stock
Artists Producer Mike Stock on the secret sauce in Rick Astley's biggest song and hating being called a 'hit factory'
 
 
Elvis Costello and Olivia Rodrigo composite image
Singers & Songwriters "Too silly to talk about”: Elvis Costello won’t be suing Olivia Rodrigo over supposed plagiarism
 
 
Anika Nilles of Rush performs during the opening night of their first American tour in 11 years at The Kia Forum on June 07, 2026 in Inglewood, California
Drummers “I thought, 'I have no idea how I'm learning that'”: How Anika Nilles prepared for the Rush tour
 
 
JJ Bull playing keyboard
Singles And Albums The Unofficial Scotland World Cup song is a tribute to LCD Soundsystem
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...