Rick Nielsen's Cheap Licks : Basic Rock Licks, Riffs, Soloing Ideas, and Guitar Talk With Cheap Trick's Legendary Guitarist!

This guitar instructional book and video package by Rick Nielsen, legendary guitarist of Cheap Trick, offers a direct look into his distinctive rock playing style. Designed for guitarists interested in classic rock phrasing, riffs, and expressive lead ideas, it presents a collection of essential licks and soloing concepts shaped by decades of performance and influence. Players exploring foundational rock vocabulary will find this book especially engaging, with stylistic roots connected to icons like Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and Jimi Hendrix.

The book includes guitar tablature for all examples, making it accessible for players who prefer a visual, fretboard-based approach to learning. Alongside the written material, the included online video content features Rick Nielsen demonstrating concepts and performing each example, offering a practical understanding of timing, articulation, and tone. The combination of TAB and video supports flexible use for both independent practice and guided learning.

Through focused exploration of pentatonic scales, hammer-ons, pull-offs, double stops, chromatic movement, and chord-based ideas, this collection helps develop both technical control and musical phrasing. The material encourages players to expand improvisational skills while building a deeper connection to rock guitar traditions. Its structure supports steady progress, making it well suited for developing players refining their style and confidence.

Song List
Pentatonic Scales * Hammer On and Pull Off Licks * Double Stops * Country Style Licks * Early Rock and Roll * Sixth Licks * Suspended Chords * Chromatic Ideas * Octave Techniques

With its blend of instruction, demonstration, and personal insight, this book serves as both a learning tool and a source of inspiration.