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
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Christine McVie's masterpiece
  • Macca vs Phil Collins
  • Music theory tricks
  • Kiss From a Rose
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • Yes
  1. Tutorials
  2. Guitar Lessons & Tutorials

Quick licks: easy #10

News
By Guitar Techniques
Published 3 January 2012

Santana-inspired lead and Smiths-style indie riffing

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

Easy lick one: Santana lead

Easy lick one: Santana lead

This lead example is similar to something the soulful Latino might play on a cool instrumental ballad. Follow the fingerings given as the line is entirely from one scale (Eb major) and it fits nicely within the 7th and 8th fret areas. Dial in some gain for singing sustain and go for it!

Page 1 of 2
Page 1 of 2
Easy lick two: Smiths riff

Easy lick two: Smiths riff

Inspired by The Smiths, this tribute to their innovative guitarist Johnny Marr uses open position chords and a quick strumming pattern. Practise changing chords slowly at first, working up to 100bpm. Try a little chorus and a lush clean amp tone to nail this one.

Page 2 of 2
Page 2 of 2
Guitar Techniques
Read more
Carlos Santana
Artists Carlos Santana on Miles and McLaughlin, Hendrix and SRV, and his quest for eternal melody
 
 
Music theory basics: understanding intervals, and how they define the distance in pitch between two notes
Music Theory And Songwriting 10 music theory tricks every producer and songwriter should know
 
 
Chords
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials Confused by guitar tabs and notation? Use this complete guide to reading music for guitar
 
 
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- Episode 1904 -- Pictured: Musical guest Paul McCartney performs "Days We Left Behind" on Saturday, May 16, 2026 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Getty Images)
Artists Paul McCartney shows you how to play the mystery guitar chord that kickstarted his new album
 
 
The Darkness in 2003
Artists “When he sang the chorus for the first time, I said, ‘No – it sounds ridiculous!’”
 
 
Matteo Mancuso plays his Yamaha Revstar onstage in Milan, 2026.
Artists Has Matteo Mancuso arrived as world’s greatest player?
 
 
Latest in Guitar Lessons & Tutorials
Guitar Tricks Summer Black Friday promo
Guitar Lessons & Tutorials Get almost $1k of guitar tuition from our number one online platform for only $99 with this epic Summer Black Friday deal – over 11,000 lessons, plus bonus gifts
 
 
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
 
 
Latest in News
Early Oasis Camcorder footage
Bands “Pure gold!”: Early camcorder footage of early Oasis has been unearthed and made available to watch
 
 
Travis Barker
Drummers “I’ve never left a show thinking ‘I wish I didn’t play the way I did’”: Travis Barker on his raucous drumming style
 
 
Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, and Ronnie Wood attend the exclusive launch event of The Rolling Stones new album “Foreign Tongues” at The Weylin on May 05, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.  (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for UMG)
Singles And Albums “Ronnie’s guitar part came from hearing Keith’s riff": Mick Jagger talks about the guitar work on new Stones song
 
 
Suno text prompt
Tech We have “a clear set of principles” says Suno CEO, in attempt to limit reputational damage after legal defeat
 
 
1010music Blackbox 2
Tech 1010music Blackbox 2 adds a better screen, onboard battery and USB audio streaming
 
 
Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher perform onstage at the Oasis Live '25 - Toronto concert at Rogers Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Gigs & Festivals “Oasis’ schedule is booked”: The Gallaghers’ masterplan for 2027 is allegedly already in place
 
 

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...