Stillborn by Black Label Society

The song “Stillborn” by Black Label Society, featuring the exceptional guitar work of Zakk Wylde, is a powerful and emotive track known for its rich, dark tonality and intense riffs. This note-for-note guitar lesson on Licklibrary.com dives into the techniques that make “Stillborn” an iconic piece in heavy metal and rock, allowing guitarists to capture the essence of Wylde’s style. Each lesson focuses on specific techniques that bring out the unique sound of the song, offering players an opportunity to expand their technical skills and gain insight into Wylde’s powerful guitar-playing approach. Danny Gill breaks down this classic Black Label Society track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society

Zakk Wylde, the founding member of Black Label Society, is known for his explosive playing style, combining bluesy phrasing with a heavy metal edge. Wylde’s work on “Stillborn” epitomises his signature style, filled with pinch harmonics, wide vibrato, and powerful riffs. His influence has spread across multiple genres, from metal to rock, thanks to his dynamic techniques and expressive playing. For guitarists, learning Wylde’s techniques provides a foundation in modern metal guitar while allowing them to explore melodic phrasing that combines intensity with emotion.

Guitar Techniques Covered in “Stillborn”

The “Stillborn” guitar lesson breaks down several key techniques, each of which contributes to the song’s distinctive sound. Here’s a look at each technique covered in the lesson and how it benefits players working to build their guitar skills.

Power Chords

Power chords are fundamental to the song’s driving rhythm. In “Stillborn,” Wylde uses power chords to create a heavy, resonant sound that underpins the track’s aggressive tone. Learning to play power chords accurately at different tempos enhances a guitarist’s rhythm skills and introduces them to the backbone of rock and metal playing.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used extensively to create the tight, percussive tone that punctuates the song’s riff. This technique allows players to control the resonance of each note, creating a cleaner, more aggressive sound. Practicing palm muting improves dynamic control and precision in playing, especially at high speeds.

Pinched Harmonics

One of Wylde’s signature moves, pinched harmonics add a squealing effect to the song’s lead parts, giving it a fierce, expressive quality. Learning pinched harmonics helps guitarists master controlled picking technique and gives them the tools to add a unique edge to their sound.

Vibrato

Wylde’s wide, expressive vibrato is essential to the song’s melodic phrases, lending an emotional quality to each sustained note. Practicing vibrato helps players develop a sense of expression and individuality in their playing, allowing them to bring depth to each note they play.

String Bending

String bending is integral to Wylde’s style and appears in multiple phrases throughout “Stillborn.” This technique allows players to add emotion to their leads by bending notes to reach desired pitches smoothly. Practicing string bending refines a guitarist’s intonation and enhances their control over pitch.

Slides

Slides connect the song’s melodic phrases, creating smooth transitions between notes and giving the music a flowing quality. Mastering slides adds fluidity to a player’s technique and aids in developing a smoother playing style.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs appear in Wylde’s quick, flowing phrases, allowing him to play notes in a rapid-fire succession. These techniques help guitarists build finger strength and coordination, making it easier to tackle fast passages with clarity and precision.

Tapped Harmonics

In “Stillborn,” tapped harmonics create unique tonal effects, adding a layer of sonic depth to the song. Practicing tapped harmonics gives players an opportunity to explore unconventional sounds and improves their precision in picking and fretting.

Alternate Picking

Wylde’s fast-paced picking style in “Stillborn” requires alternate picking for maximum efficiency. This technique is essential for maintaining speed and accuracy during complex passages. Learning alternate picking strengthens right-hand control and enhances a player’s ability to tackle fast riffs with ease.

Octave Melodies

The lesson also covers octave melodies, which create harmony by playing notes an octave apart. This technique enriches the sound and fills out the musical texture, making it ideal for creating a fuller band-like experience. Practicing octave melodies refines a guitarist’s ear for harmony and enhances their sense of musicality.

Summary of Guitar Techniques in the “Stillborn” Lesson

Each technique in “Stillborn” contributes to the song’s overall intensity and emotional depth, making this lesson perfect for guitarists seeking to hone their skills in rock and metal playing. By mastering the following techniques, players will not only be able to capture the song’s essence but also incorporate these skills into their own playing style.

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Pinched Harmonics
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Tapped Harmonics
• Alternate Picking
• Octave Melodies

This lesson on “Stillborn” by Black Label Society is a powerful resource for guitarists looking to expand their technical repertoire while exploring the nuances of Zakk Wylde’s guitar style. Dive into these lessons to bring this hard-hitting track to life and strengthen your skills with techniques that define some of the greatest rock and metal guitar playing.