Hard Lovin’ Man by Deep Purple - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

"Hard Lovin’ Man" by Deep Purple is a high-energy rock classic featuring one of the most electrifying guitar performances by the legendary Ritchie Blackmore. This guitar-heavy track showcases Blackmore’s blend of technical mastery and raw power, which makes it a must-learn for guitarists aiming to enhance their skills in rock guitar techniques. In this note-for-note guitar lesson, we’ll dive into the essential techniques used in this song: alternate picking, double stops, vibrato, and hammer-ons. Mastering these techniques will not only help you replicate the signature sound of "Hard Lovin’ Man" but also boost your overall guitar-playing proficiency. This song lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in "Hard Lovin’ Man"

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a foundational technique for guitarists, involving the consistent alternation of downstrokes and upstrokes while playing notes. This technique is essential for achieving speed and precision, particularly in fast-paced songs like "Hard Lovin’ Man." Ritchie Blackmore’s use of alternate picking in the song drives the aggressive and high-energy rhythm, allowing for seamless transitions between notes.

Mastering alternate picking will help you play with more fluidity, reducing strain on your picking hand while increasing the clarity and accuracy of your playing. In this lesson, we’ll break down Blackmore’s use of alternate picking in both the rhythm sections and the solos, helping you develop better control over your picking hand.

Double Stops

A double stop is when two notes are played simultaneously, often used to add depth and power to guitar riffs. In "Hard Lovin’ Man," Blackmore utilizes double stops to create thick, harmonically rich sections that contribute to the song’s raw intensity. This technique gives the rhythm parts more weight, making the song’s riffs stand out with a fuller sound.

Double stops are a crucial tool for rock and blues guitarists, as they add complexity and texture to your playing. This lesson will guide you through Blackmore’s use of double stops in "Hard Lovin’ Man," helping you understand how to incorporate them into your rhythm and lead playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is one of the most expressive techniques in guitar playing, involving the subtle bending and release of a note to add emotion and depth. In "Hard Lovin’ Man," Blackmore’s vibrato is used extensively to add a vocal-like quality to his solos, giving the notes a sense of movement and intensity. His controlled, wide vibrato adds power and drama to each sustained note, enhancing the overall emotional impact of the song.

Learning vibrato will help you add character and personality to your playing, making your solos sound more professional and polished. This lesson covers Blackmore’s approach to vibrato in "Hard Lovin’ Man," ensuring you can replicate his expressive sound.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons are a technique where you press down on a note with a finger of your fretting hand without picking it, creating a smooth and connected sound between notes. Blackmore uses hammer-ons in "Hard Lovin’ Man" to create fluid and fast legato runs, adding a sense of speed and fluidity to the solos. This technique allows for faster playing while reducing the need to pick every note, making it essential for executing rapid, seamless phrases.

Mastering hammer-ons will help you improve your legato playing, giving your solos a smoother and more connected feel. In this lesson, we’ll focus on how Blackmore uses hammer-ons in the lead sections of "Hard Lovin’ Man," ensuring you can replicate the lightning-fast passages with ease.

About the Guitar Player in "Hard Lovin’ Man"

Ritchie Blackmore, the driving force behind Deep Purple’s iconic sound, is a guitarist renowned for his innovative fusion of blues, classical, and hard rock influences. Known for his fluid, fast, and melodic playing, Blackmore laid the foundation for modern rock guitar. His performance on "Hard Lovin’ Man" is a testament to his ability to combine technical precision with raw emotion, creating a powerful and intense sound that resonates with listeners to this day.

Blackmore’s influence extends far beyond his work with Deep Purple, as he has inspired countless guitarists with his use of advanced techniques like alternate picking and vibrato. Learning Blackmore’s playing style is essential for any aspiring rock guitarist, as it provides a deep understanding of the blend between technical skill and emotional expression.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons

Whether you’re a beginner looking to build your technique or an advanced player aiming to refine your skills, learning to play "Hard Lovin’ Man" will provide you with valuable insights into rock guitar playing. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to recreate this iconic song but also enhance your own guitar-playing abilities across various styles and genres. Dive into the lesson and start mastering the essential techniques of "Hard Lovin’ Man" today!