Mr. Big by Free | rhythm
An electric guitar lesson on how to play “Mr. Big” by Free originally from their 1970 album "Fire and Water."
This lesson is for the version from the movie soundtrack for Demolition, which uses the Sunderland 1970 live version. I was watching a movie the other day called Demolition. It stars Jake Gyllenhaal and there’s a scene where he’s hanging out with his girlfriend’s 15 year-old son. Gyllenhaal’s character looks out of a window and sees the kid playing drums in the garage. He’s jamming along with a track and it turns out its Mr. Big by Free! Such a great scene! Later in the same scene Gyllenhaal is seen dancing down the streets of New York listening to Mr. Big on his Ipod. So great and so funny too! It completely captures the essence of great rock music which is more an attitude and a feeling than it is technical musicianship. The Stones said it best, “I know it’s only rock’n’roll…but I like it!” Anyways, Free were a fantastic band and this tune is just stripped down drums, bass and guitar with Paul Rogers supplying a killer vocal. It’s not complicated to play, but you have to nail the feel of it and that’s always harder than just fingering the chords!
Muting is super important in this one as it allows room for the bass and drums to do their thing. I really love this kind of music. It’s simple, but it’s got huge feel and attitude. Hard to believe that Andy Fraser, the bass player was just eighteen when they recorded this. If you really listen, the bass part on this track is awesome! He helped form the band in 1968 at just fifteen.! I had a lot of fun making this video so I hope you enjoy it and have fun playing this killer rock and roll classic. Cheers Andy |
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