Broken Wings by Alter Bridge

Immerse yourself in the powerful and emotive world of Alter Bridge's "Broken Wings" with our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com. This lesson unpacks every element of the song, focusing on the techniques that define its signature sound. Whether you’re looking to expand your technical skills or explore new ways to add expression to your playing, this lesson will guide you through the intricacies of this modern rock classic. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Mark Tremonti

The guitar work on "Broken Wings" is performed by Mark Tremonti, a guitarist renowned for his exceptional technical ability and melodic sensibility. Tremonti’s style seamlessly combines heavy riffing, intricate solos, and emotive phrasing, making him one of the most respected players in modern rock and metal. His contributions to Alter Bridge showcase a mastery of both rhythm and lead guitar, and his work on "Broken Wings" is no exception. The song highlights his ability to blend technical precision with heartfelt emotion, inspiring players worldwide.

Techniques Highlighted in This Lesson

Arpeggios and Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The song’s intro and verses are built around delicate arpeggios and arpeggiated chord progressions. This technique helps players develop finger independence and the ability to articulate each note with precision, enhancing their overall musicality.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Mark Tremonti’s expressive use of string bending throughout the solo gives the melody a vocal-like quality. Practicing this technique allows you to add emotion and dynamic variation to your leads.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

These techniques are used extensively in embellishments and fast passages, providing fluidity and speed to the phrases. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs improves your legato playing and smooth transitions between notes.

Slides

Slides appear in many melodic phrases, offering a seamless connection between notes. This technique is vital for developing expressiveness and maintaining a flowing sound.

Vibrato

Tremonti’s signature vibrato is a cornerstone of his expressive style. By incorporating vibrato into your playing, you can add richness, sustain, and emotional depth to your notes.

Palm Muting

The rhythm sections of the song rely on precise palm muting to create tight, punchy riffs. Mastering this technique ensures a polished, professional sound, especially in rock and metal styles.

Alternate Picking

The faster passages of the solo feature alternate picking, a foundational technique for achieving speed and accuracy. Building this skill improves your ability to play complex phrases with clarity and control.

List of Techniques Used

Here’s a complete list of the techniques explored in this lesson, with links to help you dive deeper into each:

• Arpeggios
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking

Explore these techniques through our "Broken Wings" guitar lesson and elevate your playing to new heights with Mark Tremonti’s timeless style!