Welcome back, guitar enthusiasts! This week, we’re delving into the soulful and electrifying world of Lenny Kravitz. Known for his retro-inspired rock sound and genre-blending style, Kravitz has made a significant impact on the music industry. Whether you’ve been a fan since “Are You Gonna Go My Way” or are just discovering his music, we’ve got everything you need to master the iconic sound of Lenny Kravitz.

A Brief History of Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz’s journey to becoming a rock icon began in New York City. Born in 1964, Kravitz was surrounded by music from a young age, influenced by his mother, actress Roxie Roker, and his father, TV producer Sy Kravitz. His parents exposed him to a wide array of music genres, from jazz and classical to rock and R&B. This eclectic musical environment helped shape his unique sound, which blends elements of rock, funk, soul, reggae, and blues.

Kravitz’s early influences included rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles. Hendrix’s experimental guitar techniques and charismatic stage presence left a lasting impression on Kravitz, inspiring him to push the boundaries of his own music. The raw power and intricate riffs of Led Zeppelin also played a significant role in shaping his approach to rock guitar.

In addition to rock, Kravitz was deeply influenced by soul and funk music, particularly the works of Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and Prince. Marvin Gaye’s smooth vocals and socially conscious lyrics resonated with Kravitz, while Curtis Mayfield’s sophisticated arrangements and soulful guitar playing influenced his musical style. Prince, known for his genre-blending abilities and flamboyant performances, served as a major inspiration for Kravitz’s eclectic sound and stage persona.

Kravitz released his debut album, “Let Love Rule”, in 1989, which set the stage for a career marked by a distinctive blend of rock, funk, soul, and psychedelic influences. The album was a commercial success and established Kravitz as a fresh voice in the music industry. His follow-up albums, “Mama Said” (1991) and “Are You Gonna Go My Way” (1993), solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative artist.

Throughout his career, Kravitz has collaborated with numerous artists, further expanding his musical horizons. His work with Madonna on the hit single “Justify My Love” and with Mick Jagger on the album “Wandering Spirit” showcased his ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles. These collaborations, along with his solo work, have earned him multiple Grammy Awards and a dedicated global fanbase.

Lenny Kravitz’s music continues to evolve, reflecting his diverse influences and relentless pursuit of artistic expression. His ability to fuse various genres into a cohesive and unique sound has cemented his place as one of the most influential musicians of his generation.

Signature Guitar Techniques of Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz is renowned for his versatile guitar techniques, which seamlessly blend different musical styles. Let’s break down a few key techniques to get you started on mastering his sound:

Funky Rhythms:

• Technique: Kravitz often incorporates funky, percussive strumming patterns into his playing. This involves using your picking hand to mute the strings while strumming to create a percussive effect. To practice, strum down with your pick while lightly resting your palm on the strings to mute them, then release the pressure slightly to let the chords ring out.
• Why It Works: This technique adds a rhythmic layer to the music, making it more engaging and danceable. It’s a technique heavily influenced by funk and soul music, which are integral parts of Kravitz’s sound.
• Example: The main riff in “Are You Gonna Go My Way” showcases Kravitz’s ability to combine rock and funk rhythms seamlessly. Focus on tight, muted strums and syncopated accents.

Classic Rock Riffs:

• Technique: Drawing inspiration from rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, Kravitz’s riffs often feature power chords, slides, and bluesy licks. Using a combination of major and minor pentatonic scales can help achieve this sound. Practice shifting smoothly between the scales and incorporating slides.
• Why It Works: These riffs are powerful and driving, providing the backbone for many of Kravitz’s hits. The use of power chords adds a gritty, raw energy to the music.
• Example: The riff in “Fly Away” is a prime example of Kravitz’s use of classic rock elements. Practice power chords and incorporate slides to capture that gritty rock sound.

Bluesy Bends:

• Technique: Kravitz frequently uses string bending to add emotion and expressiveness to his solos. Focus on bending the string up a whole tone or a semi-tone and adding vibrato at the peak of the bend for extra expressiveness. Practice bending the G string up to match the pitch of the note two frets higher on the same string.
• Why It Works: Bending notes in a bluesy manner adds a vocal-like quality to the guitar, which is both expressive and dynamic. This technique is deeply rooted in blues music, a major influence on Kravitz.
• Example: Listen to the solo in “Believe” for inspiration. Practice bending the strings with precision and adding vibrato at the peak of the bend.

Soulful Licks:

• Technique: Infusing his solos with soul and feeling, Kravitz’s lead work often features melodic licks, smooth transitions, and the use of minor and major pentatonic scales. To practice, focus on slow, deliberate bends and slides, and try to connect notes smoothly.
• Why It Works: These licks add a melodic and emotional layer to the music, creating memorable and singable solos. The smooth transitions between notes help to maintain a flowing and cohesive solo.
• Example: The solo in “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” is filled with expressive, melodic lines. Focus on phrasing and dynamics to emulate his soulful approach.

Learn “Are You Gonna Go My Way”

We’re excited to share an insightful video lesson by Marty Schwartz. In this video, Marty breaks down one of Lenny Kravitz’s most iconic songs, “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

In this lesson, Marty starts by explaining that the song is in the key of E minor pentatonic and demonstrates how to bend the 2nd fret of the G string up a whole step. He then walks through the main riff, emphasizing the importance of the open E and D strings, and how to integrate these into the lick. Marty also covers the higher octave riffs, the simplified verse lick, and the distinctive chord progressions used in the bridge.

Check out the full lesson below to see Lenny Kravitz’s techniques in action and learn from a master teacher:

Lenny Kravitz Gear and Equipment

Lenny Kravitz’s gear is as eclectic as his playing style. Here’s a breakdown of some of the essential equipment you’ll need to get his sound:

Guitars:

• Premium Option: Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar: Known for its rich, warm tone and sustain, the Les Paul Custom is a staple in Kravitz’s arsenal. This guitar is perfect for achieving the thick, powerful sound that Kravitz is known for.

Budget Option: Epiphone Les Paul Standard: A more affordable alternative that still delivers great tone and playability.

• Premium Option: Gibson Flying V: Lenny used a cream white Flying V during the Pinkpop festival in 1993 for “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and other performances. It’s frequently seen in his live shows.

Budget Option: Epiphone Flying V: This model offers a similar vibe and feel to the Gibson Flying V but at a more accessible price point.

Amps:

• Premium Option: Fender 65 Twin Reverb Guitar Amplifier: This iconic amp is known for its rich, clean tones and is a staple in Kravitz’s setup. It provides a versatile sound suitable for various styles.

Budget Option: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 112 Enclosure 80W: A powerful and budget-friendly amp that delivers a wide range of tones, perfect for capturing Kravitz’s sound.

Effects Pedals:

• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah: Essential for those funky, expressive solos that Kravitz is known for. This pedal adds a dynamic range to your playing.

•  Vox V847A Wah: A high-quality wah pedal known for its classic tone and durability, featuring an AC jack for added convenience.

• Dunlop M101 MXR Phase 90 Pedal: Another great phaser option, the MXR Phase 90 pedal is known for its rich, warm phase effects, perfect for adding depth to your sound.

Timeline of Lenny Kravitz’s Career Highlights

• 1989: Release of debut album “Let Love Rule”
• 1991: Release of “Mama Said”
• 1993: Release of “Are You Gonna Go My Way”
• 1998: Release of “5,” featuring the hit “Fly Away”
• 2001: Release of “Lenny”
• 2004: Release of “Baptism”
• 2008: Release of “It Is Time for a Love Revolution”
• 2014: Release of “Strut”

In 2018, he released the album “Raise Vibration,” which blended rock, funk, soul, and psychedelia. This album was well-received and showcased Kravitz’s ability to integrate various musical influences while delivering powerful, socially conscious messages​.

Most recently, in May 2024, Kravitz released his 12th studio album, “Blue Electric Light.” This album features a diverse range of sounds, including rock, funk, and techno influences, highlighting Kravitz’s continual evolution as an artist. The album has been praised for its experimental approach and Kravitz’s multi-instrumental talents, as he played nearly all the instruments himself, except for horns​ (All Music Magazine)​.

These releases demonstrate Kravitz’s ongoing creativity and relevance in the music industry, further solidifying his legacy as a versatile and influential musician.

Lenny Kravitz Away from the Guitar

Lenny Kravitz is not just a guitarist; he is a multifaceted artist and actor. Away from the stage, Kravitz has been involved in various film projects, including roles in “The Hunger Games” series and “Precious.” He is also a talented interior designer and the founder of Kravitz Design Inc., which focuses on commercial and residential design projects. Kravitz’s creativity extends beyond music, influencing fashion, design, and cinema, making him a true Renaissance man.

The Legendary Lenny Kravitz: Final Thoughts

Lenny Kravitz’s legacy is built on his incredible talent and relentless pursuit of artistic expression. His pioneering techniques and unique sound have left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring countless guitarists to explore new sonic possibilities. By integrating his innovative approaches into your own playing, you can capture a bit of that Kravitz magic. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, Kravitz’s techniques and gear offer endless opportunities for creative expression. So pick up your guitar, plug in your effects, and start experimenting—there’s no better way to honor the legacy of Lenny Kravitz than by pushing the boundaries of your own musical creativity.

Join the Conversation

Have you tried replicating Lenny Kravitz’s sound? What other techniques have you found helpful? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out more awesome articles on our guitar blog. Happy playing!

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