Learn to Play Dio with LickLibrary

LickLibrary's "Learn to Play Dio" guitar lessons offer an exciting journey into the heart of Ronnie James Dio's majestic guitar-driven music. With a spotlight on Dio's major hits such as "Holy Diver", "We Rock", "Don't Talk to Strangers", "Rainbow in the Dark", and "The Last In Line", this comprehensive course deciphers the magic behind Vivian Campbell's iconic riffs and solos. We'll explore a wide range of techniques, scales, and song structures that make up the unforgettable Dio sound.

Join Lick Library veteran Danny Gill on this exciting journey through some Dio hits.

Holy Diver

A career-defining anthem, "Holy Diver" is a magnificent showcase of the Minor Pentatonic and Natural Minor (Aeolian) scales. The unforgettable opening riff is underpinned by a catchy, powerful rhythm and a simple yet iconic melody line that's perfect for beginners. Campbell's use of slides and pull-offs provides an excellent study of how these techniques can add fluidity to your playing.

The solo in "Holy Diver" brings Campbell's unique style to the forefront. Heavy with string bending, rapid-fire alternate picking, and masterful vibrato, this solo combines emotion and technical precision.

We Rock

"We Rock" encapsulates Dio's trademark sound – heavy, energetic, and unabashedly fun. The opening riff incorporates power chords and palm muting, driving the rhythm forward with a galloping feel. The solo uses the Minor Pentatonic scale extensively and is replete with vibrato, string bending, and alternate picking, offering a real challenge to your picking speed and accuracy.

Don't Talk to Strangers

"Don't Talk to Strangers" is an excellent example of Dio's knack for mixing heavy riffs with soaring, emotive choruses. Campbell's use of natural harmonics, legato, and trills add a layer of complexity and expressiveness to this song. The contrast between the gentle, melodic verse and the heavy, riff-driven chorus offers a valuable lesson in dynamics and tonal variation.

The solo is a fiery display of fast legato runs, pull-offs, and tapped harmonics. Campbell's control over these techniques makes for a gripping, melodic, and technically demanding solo.

Rainbow in the Dark

"Rainbow in the Dark" has a distinctive keyboard riff that translates beautifully to the guitar. The use of power chords and palm muting creates a strong rhythmic foundation. The solo is a blend of the Minor Pentatonic and Dorian scales. It includes fast alternate picking, pull-offs, and string bends, making it an excellent workout for intermediate players.

The Last In Line

"The Last In Line" is a melodic masterpiece. The song includes intricate arpeggios and chord progressions, offering a great lesson in constructing rhythm parts. The solo is a mix of the Minor Pentatonic and Dorian scales. It features string bending, vibrato, and alternate picking.

Vivian Campbell's Contribution

Vivian Campbell's contribution to Dio's music was invaluable. His melodic sensibility, coupled with a knack for creating infectious riffs, added a unique dimension to Dio's songs. His solos were a blend of speed, precision, and melody, resulting in an instantly recognizable style. "Learn to Play Dio" will deepen your understanding of his approach, enriching your playing with a range of techniques and melodic concepts.

Guitar Techniques Used

In these lessons, you'll encounter a wide variety of guitar techniques that will strengthen your versatility as a guitarist:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Harmonics
• Trills
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios

Whether you're a fan of Dio's music or you're looking to expand your guitar skills with some iconic songs, "Learn to Play Dio" is a course that'll continue to challenge and inspire you.