Deal With The Preacher by Bad Company

Introduction

"Deal With The Preacher" by Bad Company is a hard-hitting rock classic that showcases the band’s signature bluesy groove and driving guitar work. This song, originally released on their 1975 album Straight Shooter, features powerful riffs, soaring solos, and expressive phrasing that make it a must-learn for any rock guitarist. Our note-for-note lesson at Licklibrary.com will take you through every detail, ensuring you master the techniques used by legendary guitarist Mick Ralphs. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Mick Ralphs and His Influence

Mick Ralphs, the lead guitarist of Bad Company, was known for his tasteful playing and ability to blend blues and hard rock seamlessly. His work in Deal With The Preacher reflects his signature style—powerful rhythm playing, expressive bends, and melodic solos that create a dynamic and emotive listening experience. Ralphs' influence extends beyond Bad Company, as his work with Mott the Hoople and various rock projects has cemented his status as one of the most respected guitarists of the 1970s.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of rock rhythm guitar, and in Deal With The Preacher, they provide the song’s driving force. These two-note chord shapes allow for thick, punchy tones that cut through the mix. Learning to play power chords efficiently will improve your ability to play countless rock and punk songs with confidence.

String Bending

String bending is a fundamental technique in rock and blues guitar, and Mick Ralphs uses it to add expressive emotion to his solos. Bends allow you to reach notes smoothly and create a vocal-like quality in your playing. Mastering precise bends will help you improve your pitch control and overall lead guitar expression.

Slides

Slides help connect notes fluidly, giving solos a more lyrical and dynamic feel. In Deal With The Preacher, slides are used to transition between lead phrases seamlessly. Practicing slides will enhance your ability to move across the fretboard with ease and create a more expressive sound.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are key components of legato playing, allowing for smoother and faster note transitions. These techniques help to create fluid, melodic lines without excessive picking. Incorporating them into your playing will enable you to develop a more connected and expressive soloing style.

Double Stops

Double stops—playing two notes simultaneously—are frequently used in blues and rock lead playing. In this song, double stops add depth and intensity to melodic phrases. Learning this technique will strengthen your ability to harmonise lead lines and enhance your soloing vocabulary.

Vibrato

A controlled vibrato adds sustain and character to notes, making them sound more expressive. Mick Ralphs applies vibrato tastefully throughout Deal With The Preacher, giving the song its signature bluesy feel. Developing a strong vibrato technique will significantly improve your lead playing and allow you to add your personal touch to solos.

Palm Muting

Palm muting creates a percussive, tight sound that enhances rhythm playing. Used effectively in rock riffs, it provides dynamic contrast and rhythmic punch. Practicing palm muting will improve your control over dynamics and give your playing a more polished and professional sound.

Chord Progressions

The song follows classic rock and blues-inspired chord progressions that showcase Mick Ralphs’ songwriting sensibility. Understanding these progressions will help you develop a stronger sense of harmony and structure, allowing you to apply similar ideas to your own compositions.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play Deal With The Preacher accurately but also develop essential skills that will elevate your overall guitar playing. Explore the full lesson at Licklibrary.com and take your rock guitar playing to the next level!