"Black Night" by Deep Purple

Dive into the hard-hitting world of Deep Purple with our detailed guitar lesson on the iconic rock anthem "Black Night." This lesson unpacks the intricate techniques and unmistakable style of Ritchie Blackmore, delivering a note-for-note tutorial that will elevate your guitar skills and understanding of rock music history. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About "Black Night" and Ritchie Blackmore

"Black Night" is a cornerstone of Deep Purple's discography, released in 1970 as a standalone single. The song showcases Ritchie Blackmore's unparalleled artistry as a guitarist, blending blues influences with innovative rock techniques. Blackmore, a key figure in the evolution of hard rock and heavy metal, is known for his expressive phrasing, precise articulation, and a knack for crafting memorable riffs. His work on "Black Night" reflects his ability to balance technical prowess with melodic simplicity, making it a masterclass in rock guitar.

Learning "Black Night" offers guitarists a chance to explore the foundations of rock and hard rock guitar while studying the techniques that have influenced generations of players.

Song Breakdown and Techniques

Main Riff and Power Chords

The driving force of "Black Night" is its infectious main riff, built around power chords. This section emphasises timing, syncopation, and dynamics, teaching you how to create a commanding presence in rhythm guitar playing.

• Benefit: Mastering power chords strengthens your rhythm playing and is essential for creating impactful riffs in rock music.

Blues-Infused String Bending

Blackmore’s use of string bending adds a bluesy flair to the lead sections, delivering expressive and emotive tones. The lesson highlights how to achieve accurate bends to hit the sweet spot every time.

• Benefit: Developing precise bends improves finger strength, pitch control, and emotional expression in solos.

Slides and Vibrato

Smooth slides between notes and controlled vibrato create a flowing, dynamic lead style. This technique is central to Blackmore's melodic approach and makes the guitar lines more vocal-like.

• Benefit: Incorporating these techniques into your playing enhances phrasing and adds fluidity to solos.

Alternate Picking and Palm Muting

The lesson also focuses on alternate picking in the riff sections and palm muting for tighter, punchier articulation. These techniques are crucial for maintaining clarity and drive in rock rhythms.

• Benefit: Alternate picking increases picking efficiency, while palm muting adds rhythmic precision and tonal control.

Double Stops and Bluesy Bends

In the lead breaks, double stops and bluesy bends are employed to add depth and texture to the solos. These are essential tools in creating a layered and expressive lead style.

• Benefit: Learning these techniques improves your ability to harmonise melodies and adds variety to your soloing toolkit.

Chromatic Runs

The iconic fills in "Black Night" incorporate chromaticism, showcasing Blackmore's creative use of non-diatonic notes to create tension and release.

• Benefit: Chromatic runs enhance your improvisational vocabulary and provide tools for creating unexpected, ear-catching phrases.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques are used to add speed and fluidity to melodic passages, particularly in the song's lead sections. The lesson guides you through their proper execution and integration.

• Benefit: Hammer-ons and pull-offs develop finger dexterity and help create smooth, rapid sequences in solos.

Octave Melodies

The song occasionally employs octave melodies to emphasise key parts of the arrangement, giving the leads a fuller, more dramatic sound.

• Benefit: Octave melodies expand your fretboard knowledge and are great for creating dynamic, powerful statements in your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Black Night"

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Chromaticism
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Octave Melodies

Unlock the magic of Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work with this comprehensive lesson on "Black Night." Whether you're looking to refine your technical skills or delve into the stylistic nuances of classic rock guitar, this lesson is your gateway to mastering a legendary track.