Learn to Play "Maybe I'm a Leo" by Deep Purple | Guitar Lesson

Step into the soulful, groove-laden world of classic Deep Purple with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Maybe I’m a Leo”. Featured on the band’s iconic 1972 album Machine Head, this track showcases a more laid-back, funk-infused rock feel compared to the band’s heavier staples. With its syncopated riff, slinky phrasing, and expressive soloing, “Maybe I’m a Leo” is a brilliant study in control, tone, and phrasing—and a standout example of Ritchie Blackmore’s versatility as a guitarist.

In this detailed guitar tutorial from LickLibrary, you’ll learn how to accurately play every section of the song, with expert instruction focusing on pull-offs, string bending, whammy bar tricks, and alternate picking. These techniques aren’t just flash—they’re fundamental to expressing the groove, subtlety, and attitude of the track. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Pull-Offs

“Maybe I’m a Leo” features melodic runs and licks that rely on smooth, well-timed pull-offs. Pull-offs are a form of legato playing that lets you transition smoothly between descending notes using just the fretting hand. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute them cleanly and musically to maintain fluidity and groove. Mastering pull-offs is a great way to improve finger independence, enhance speed, and make your solos more natural and expressive.

String Bending

Ritchie Blackmore uses string bending in this song to inject subtle bluesy inflections into his phrasing. These expressive bends—whether half-step or full-step—bring emotion and movement to otherwise simple licks. You’ll learn how to bend with control, nail the pitch, and apply the right amount of vibrato to make each note sing. Developing your bending technique will give your lead playing a more vocal, expressive quality and improve your ear for pitch.

Whammy Bar Tricks

One of the more distinctive touches in Blackmore’s arsenal, especially on “Maybe I’m a Leo,” is the creative use of whammy bar tricks. These include subtle dips, expressive vibrato, and pitch modulation for added dynamics and drama. In the lesson, we explore how to use the tremolo arm musically—without going overboard. Learning whammy bar techniques helps you add flair, sustain, and movement to your solos while improving control over your instrument’s vibrato system.

Alternate Picking

Though “Maybe I’m a Leo” has a relaxed tempo, some of the lead lines and riffs require precise and consistent alternate picking. This foundational picking technique ensures efficiency and accuracy, especially when navigating syncopated lines or faster melodic runs. Working on alternate picking improves your overall timing, right-hand coordination, and ability to tackle more complex rhythmic ideas with confidence.

Why Learn “Maybe I’m a Leo”?

“Maybe I’m a Leo” is a goldmine of guitar phrasing, groove, and technique. It’s not about speed—it’s about taste. Learning this track will improve your rhythmic control, melodic awareness, and expressive technique. It’s a must-learn for anyone serious about developing a more musical, feel-based approach to lead guitar playing.

This LickLibrary lesson breaks down each section of the song in real-time with expert explanations, technique demonstrations, and on-screen tab. You’ll learn not just how to play the song note-for-note, but also how to apply its phrasing and stylistic nuances to your own playing. Whether you're working on your soloing vocabulary or developing better touch and tone, this lesson delivers the tools to get there.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

Few guitarists have left a legacy as influential as Ritchie Blackmore. As the lead guitarist and co-founder of Deep Purple, he helped shape the sound of hard rock and early heavy metal with his distinctive mix of classical scales, blues phrasing, and hard-hitting riff work. Known for his powerful tone and melodic sensibility, Blackmore brought a sophisticated edge to rock guitar. On “Maybe I’m a Leo,” his playing is more understated but just as impactful—highlighting his ability to say more with less and showcase masterful technique through phrasing and timing rather than speed alone.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Alternate Picking

Bring the laid-back groove and dynamic expression of Ritchie Blackmore’s playing to life with our “Maybe I’m a Leo” guitar lesson. With note-for-note accuracy and detailed technique breakdowns, this tutorial will help you connect more deeply with your guitar and play with more feel, control, and style.