George Benson began his musical career playing with guitarist Jack McDuff. However, he soon broke away and began his solo career. His talent was noticed by the major record companies, and before he knew it, he was known by the entire world. Benson has many stellar recordings where you can hear some of his burning lines. I highly recommend listening to Bad Benson. I hope you enjoy these George Benson licks!
#1 Lick
Here is a George Benson lick that has it all - chromatics, arpeggios, and speed!
In measure 1, there is an E minor arpeggio and a B minor arpeggio.
Measure 2 contains an A major arpeggio and an augmented shape at the end.
Click here to listen to this lick on YouTube.
#2 Lick
2) Here is a transcription of part of George Benson's solo on All Blues from the album Witchcraft.
Measure 1 leads into a new verse using the G bebop scale. This is indicated by Benson's use of the Gb connecting the 1 to the b7.
Measures 2-3 contain 4ths and 3ds, which Benson commonly used.
In measure 4, you may notice a descending F major 7th arpeggio, which you can play over a G7.
Measures 6-7 over the C7 chord contain ascending chromatics, along with plenty of altered tones.
To listen to this lick, go to 2:33 in Benson’s recording of All Blues. *Note the first measure is a pickup, and the transcription is not an entire verse.
It doesn’t get better than this. George Benson is one of my favorite players to delve into and his licks are incredibly fun to pick apart. Hope you enjoyed these!