Deal with the Preacher - Bad Company Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Overview of the Song

"Deal with the Preacher" by Bad Company is a classic rock track that showcases the iconic guitar work synonymous with the band’s powerful sound. This song, featuring rich guitar tones and masterful execution, is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to enhance their technique and overall musicianship. In this lesson, we break down the note-for-note parts of the song, focusing on the key guitar techniques that are essential in mastering this track.

This lesson is designed for players who want to improve their rock and blues-style guitar playing, and gain a deep understanding of the various techniques that will elevate their overall skill level. By learning the intricate guitar parts from "Deal with the Preacher," you will not only master the song but also significantly improve your technique. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work of Mick Ralphs

Mick Ralphs, the guitarist for Bad Company, was instrumental in defining the band's sound with his tasteful blend of blues, rock, and hard rock elements. Known for his punchy riffs, subtle bends, and driving rhythm parts, Ralphs' playing on "Deal with the Preacher" highlights his ability to craft melodies that are both memorable and technically interesting. His use of bends, slides, and vibrato became signature aspects of his style, and through this lesson, you'll be able to appreciate and replicate the nuances of his technique.

Mick Ralphs has been a significant influence on rock guitarists due to his ability to balance technicality with emotion. His work with Bad Company paved the way for a guitar style that remains influential today. Players looking to enhance their rock guitar vocabulary will find Ralphs' techniques invaluable in both rhythm and lead contexts.

Key Techniques in "Deal with the Preacher"

String Bending

One of the most important techniques featured in "Deal with the Preacher" is string bending. Ralphs uses it to add expression and emphasize specific notes, especially during the song's solo sections. Mastering string bending allows you to push your lead playing to the next level, enabling you to add emotion and fluidity to your phrasing. By controlling your bends, you’ll develop better pitch accuracy and learn to create tension and release in your solos.

Vibrato

Throughout the song, Ralphs employs vibrato, which enhances the expressiveness of the bends and sustains notes. Learning vibrato will help you add more character to long-held notes and give your playing a more professional feel. It’s a fundamental technique for every guitarist, allowing for greater control over the dynamics and tone of each note.

Slides

The use of slides in "Deal with the Preacher" helps create smooth transitions between notes and adds a vocal-like quality to the guitar lines. Slides are a great way to connect phrases seamlessly, and they are crucial for making your playing sound fluid and polished. You’ll learn how to execute both fast and slow slides, adding another layer of depth to your playing.

Power Chords

Ralphs' rhythm playing in this track features the heavy use of power chords, which are essential for any rock guitarist. Power chords give the song its driving energy and help maintain its rhythmic foundation. Learning these will improve your overall rhythm playing, especially in a band context where tight, punchy chord work is key.

Double Stops

Double stops are another significant technique found in the lead parts of the song. These involve playing two notes at once, often with one note being bent, which creates a fuller, richer sound. By practicing double stops, you’ll develop the ability to add harmonic complexity to your leads and riffs, making your solos more dynamic and interesting.

Palm Muting

In "Deal with the Preacher," palm muting is used to add percussive elements to the rhythm sections. Palm muting helps in controlling the sustain and attack of each note, giving you more precision in your playing. By mastering this technique, you’ll gain the ability to create tight, controlled rhythms that can drive a song forward without overpowering other instruments.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The song also incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, legato runs. These techniques are vital for playing fast, smooth passages with minimal pick attack, allowing you to connect notes quickly and effortlessly. Learning these will help you improve your speed, finger strength, and overall fluidity when playing lead guitar.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By mastering the techniques used in "Deal with the Preacher," you’ll not only be able to play this Bad Company classic but also enhance your overall guitar skill set. Techniques like string bending, vibrato, and slides will improve your lead playing, allowing you to express yourself more clearly through your instrument. Power chords and palm muting, on the other hand, will sharpen your rhythm skills, making you a more versatile guitarist in any musical situation.

Furthermore, learning hammer-ons, pull-offs, and double stops will give you a more comprehensive understanding of how to build complex, exciting solos. These skills are transferable across a wide range of musical styles, from rock and blues to metal and beyond.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Deal with the Preacher"

Below is a list of the key guitar techniques you'll learn in this lesson. You can explore more about each technique by following the links provided.

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Double Stops
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs

By focusing on these techniques, you will develop a deeper understanding of Mick Ralphs’ guitar style and enhance your own playing. Dive into the lesson to perfect your approach and sound like the pros!