Burn by Deep Purple - Guitar Lesson

“Burn” by Deep Purple is one of the most iconic tracks in the band’s discography, and the guitar work on this song, courtesy of the legendary Ritchie Blackmore, is nothing short of extraordinary. The song features a blend of powerful riffs, scorching solos, and dynamic playing that showcases Blackmore’s technical prowess and creativity. In this LickLibrary.com guitar lesson, we break down “Burn” note for note, with a focus on key techniques such as pull-offs, slides, vibrato, and double stops. These techniques are essential not only for mastering this classic track but also for improving your overall guitar playing. Let’s dive into the techniques you’ll master in this lesson. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques in "Burn"

Pull-offs

Pull-offs are a fundamental technique that are used extensively in "Burn," particularly in the fast, intricate lead lines. A pull-off involves plucking a string by "pulling" your fretting finger off the string to sound a lower note without picking again. This technique is essential for creating smooth, legato runs and speeding up your playing. In this lesson, you’ll practice pull-offs in both slow, melodic passages and faster sequences, helping you build strength in your fretting hand and develop a more fluid playing style. Mastering pull-offs will allow you to play faster, more connected lines with less picking, making your playing sound smoother and more effortless.

Slides

Slides are another key technique in “Burn,” adding a smooth and fluid connection between notes. By sliding your finger from one fret to another, you create a continuous sound without the need for re-picking the string. This technique is used to create dramatic transitions and add expressiveness to your phrasing. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to incorporate slides into both the rhythm and lead sections of the song, giving your playing a more connected and vocal-like quality. Practicing slides will improve your finger control and help you add more emotion and style to your playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the most important techniques for adding emotion and character to individual notes. In "Burn," Blackmore uses vibrato to make certain notes stand out and resonate with extra intensity. Vibrato involves bending and releasing a note in a controlled manner to create a slight pitch variation. This gives the note a “singing” quality and adds depth to your playing. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to control the speed and width of your vibrato to suit different musical contexts. Mastering vibrato will enhance the expressiveness of your playing, making your solos and lead lines more engaging and dynamic.

Double Stops

Double stops, which involve playing two notes simultaneously, are used in "Burn" to add power and texture to the riffs and solos. Double stops are a staple in blues and rock playing and are great for adding harmonies or thickening up a melodic line. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute double stops cleanly, ensuring both notes ring out clearly and in tune. Blackmore uses double stops throughout "Burn" to create a fuller, more dynamic sound, and mastering this technique will not only help you play this song accurately but also improve your overall fretboard knowledge and coordination.

Why Learn These Techniques?

The techniques used in "Burn" are essential for any guitarist looking to develop their technical skills and musical expression. Mastering these techniques will not only allow you to play "Burn" accurately but also provide you with a solid foundation that you can apply to countless other songs and styles.

• Pull-offs: Pull-offs improve your finger strength and speed, allowing you to play faster, more connected lines with less picking effort.
• Slides: Slides help create smoother transitions between notes, adding a fluid, expressive quality to your playing.
• Vibrato: Vibrato is key to adding depth and emotion to individual notes, making your playing more engaging and expressive.
• Double Stops: Double stops allow you to create harmonies and add power to your riffs and solos, enhancing the overall sound and texture of your playing.

Each of these techniques is crucial for developing a versatile and expressive guitar style. Whether you’re looking to improve your lead guitar playing or strengthen your rhythm guitar skills, mastering these techniques will take your playing to the next level.

Ritchie Blackmore’s Influence on "Burn"

Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar playing on "Burn" is a perfect example of his unique blend of classical influences, blues phrasing, and hard rock power. Known for his innovative approach to guitar, Blackmore’s style has had a lasting influence on rock and metal guitarists around the world. In "Burn," his use of pull-offs, slides, vibrato, and double stops creates a dynamic, fiery sound that drives the song forward. His solos are fast and precise, yet filled with emotion and nuance, making "Burn" a must-learn for any guitarist looking to expand their skill set. Learning Blackmore’s parts in "Burn" will not only give you insight into his playing style but also help you develop technical control and musical expression.

List of Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Double Stops

By focusing on these core techniques, you’ll gain the skills needed to tackle "Burn" with confidence and precision. These techniques are essential for any rock or blues guitarist and will give you the tools to improve your playing across a wide range of musical styles. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build your skills or an experienced player aiming to refine your technique, this lesson will provide valuable insights and practical exercises to help you succeed.