Black Night by Deep Purple
Overview of the Song and Guitarist
"Black Night," one of Deep Purple's most iconic tracks, stands as a shining example of hard rock mastery. Released in 1970, the song is driven by Ritchie Blackmore's impeccable guitar work. Blackmore, renowned for his innovative style, blends blues influences with classical techniques, creating a unique sound that has influenced countless guitarists worldwide. His playing on "Black Night" showcases a balance of power, precision, and expressiveness, making it a perfect study piece for any guitarist looking to enhance their skills.
Blackmore's approach to the guitar has left an indelible mark on rock music, inspiring legends like Eddie Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen. Through this guitar lesson, you'll not only master "Black Night" but also gain insights into the techniques that made Blackmore a trailblazer in rock history. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Techniques Explored in the "Black Night" Guitar Lesson
Power Chords and Their Role in the Song
One of the foundational techniques in "Black Night" is the use of power chords. These simple yet powerful chord shapes are the backbone of the song's riff, delivering a driving, rhythmic energy that propels the track. By mastering power chords, players will strengthen their ability to build dynamic, rhythmically compelling riffs. These chords also serve as a gateway to more complex harmonic structures.
Alternate Picking for Precision
The main riff of "Black Night" incorporates alternate picking, a crucial technique for achieving speed and accuracy. This lesson breaks down how to execute alternate picking cleanly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Developing alternate picking skills helps guitarists tackle intricate riffs and solos with confidence, making it an essential technique for players at any level.
Learn more about alternate picking.
String Bending for Expressive Leads
Ritchie Blackmore's use of string bending adds a soulful, expressive quality to the lead sections of "Black Night." This lesson dives into proper bending technique, focusing on pitch accuracy and dynamic control. String bending not only enhances your expressiveness but also strengthens finger independence and control.
Learn more about string bending.
Slides for Smooth Transitions
Slides are a key feature in the riff and lead work of "Black Night." By incorporating slides, players can connect notes seamlessly, creating fluid transitions that enhance musical phrasing. This technique is invaluable for developing a polished, professional sound.
Vibrato for Emotional Depth
Blackmore’s signature vibrato adds an emotive layer to his playing, making notes resonate with character and intensity. This lesson covers various vibrato techniques, teaching you how to achieve a rich, controlled vibrato that elevates your lead playing.
Palm Muting for Rhythmic Precision
The tight, percussive quality of the song’s riff owes much to palm muting. This technique allows players to add rhythmic precision and dynamic variation to their playing. Mastering palm muting is essential for creating the punchy, articulate sound characteristic of hard rock and metal.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs for Smooth Runs
The lesson also explores the use of hammer-ons and pull-offs in Blackmore's licks, enabling players to execute fast, smooth legato passages. These techniques are essential for adding fluidity and speed to solos and melodic lines.
Bluesy Bends for Classic Rock Flair
Lastly, the lesson emphasises bluesy bends, a technique central to Blackmore's playing style. By mastering these bends, players can infuse their solos with a raw, emotional edge that captures the essence of classic rock.
Learn more about bluesy bends.
Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson
Embark on this journey through "Black Night" and discover the techniques that have defined generations of rock guitarists. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, mastering these techniques will elevate your guitar playing to new heights.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...