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
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
More
  • NAMM 2026: Rumours, predictions and live updates
  • Mad World
  • The Cure's "happy land"
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tutorials
  2. Guitar Lessons & Tutorials

Quick licks: intermediate #7

News
By Guitar Techniques ( Guitar Techniques ) published 26 October 2011

Merle Travis picking and Clapton lead

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

Intermediate lick one: Merle Travis picking

Intermediate lick one: Merle Travis picking

A Merle Travis influenced fingerstyle exercise that requires palm muting the bass notes to make them stand out. You'll want to create as much independence as possible between the treble and bass strings and give this exercise a relaxed swing at 95 bpm.

Page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2
Intermediate lick two: Cream/Clapton lead

Intermediate lick two: Cream/Clapton lead

A gem in the style of Eric Clapton's classic Cream era. The entire lick is played an octave above where it is written at the 17th fret position in the A blues scale (A, C, D, Eb, E, G, A). Be sure to apply a singing vibrato where indicated. Bridge humbucker and Marshall distortion are ideal.

Page 2 of 2
Page 2 of 2
Guitar Techniques
The worlds best high-quality guitar tuition from the UKs foremost teachers and players image
The worlds best high-quality guitar tuition from the UKs foremost teachers and players
Subscribe and save today!
More Info
Latest in Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Tom Morello
How Tom Morello used his guitar to drill into the off-limits domain of the turntablist
 
 
Close up of a person playing guitar
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
Ignite your inner guitar god for just 27 cents a day with TrueFire’s July 4th sale - save 60% on online lessons
 
 
MusicNomad fret tuition
Can you fix your guitar's frets yourself? We try three innovative approaches from MusicNomad to investigate how they might conquer a major cause of fret buzz
 
 
George Harrison
How to play like George Harrison on The Beatles' Abbey Road
 
 
MusicNomad guitar fret cleaning
"You owe your guitar the chance to be its best": How to clean and polish your guitar frets a better way
 
 
Latest in News
Eric Clapton (left) performs on stage as guest guitarist with Roger Waters (right) on Waters' 'Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking' tour, Ahoy, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 19th June 1984
“He was a bit resentful”: Old colleague of Pink Floyd spills the beans on his relationship with band members
 
 
Rane System One standalone two-channel DJ system
Rane’s System One is a standalone DJ system with motorised platters aimed at scratch and open-format DJs
 
 
Take That circa 1990
“A look at the highs and the heartbreaks”: Trailer for new Take That Netflix documentary is online
 
 
Akai Professional MPC XL first look review
Akai’s MPC XL is its new flagship standalone production station – watch our first look review
 
 
The OR60 is the new 60-watt all-tube, single-channel head from the legendary British amp brand Orange
Orange Amps rolls out the OR60, a single-channel 60-watt tube powerhouse officially approved by Down/COC’s Pepper Keenan
 
 
UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of Celine DION (Photo by Phil Dent/Redferns)
"I didn't like the song - I still don't": Producer David Foster says he turned down My Heart Will Go On
 
 

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
  • 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...