Learn to Play "Never Before" by Deep Purple | Guitar Lesson

Discover the groove-driven brilliance of “Never Before” by Deep Purple in this exclusive note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. Featured on the iconic Machine Head album, “Never Before” stands out with its infectious riff, soulful lead guitar work, and subtle complexities that showcase the versatility and melodic sensibility of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.

In this comprehensive tutorial, we guide you through every section of the song, breaking down the rhythm, lead parts, and transitions with precise instruction and clear on-screen tablature. Along the way, you’ll master key guitar techniques such as double stops, alternate picking, string bending, and pull-offs—each of which plays a central role in delivering the song’s dynamic guitar tone and expressive feel. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Double Stops

“Never Before” incorporates the use of double stops—two notes played simultaneously—to enhance both the rhythm and melodic phrases. Whether used in riffs or solo fills, double stops help create a fuller sound and allow you to explore more harmonically rich ideas on the fretboard. Learning this technique improves your finger independence, muting control, and adds harmonic depth to your rhythm and lead playing.

Alternate Picking

Precision and timing are key when playing the tighter rhythmic parts and lead runs in “Never Before.” That’s where alternate picking comes into play. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes in a controlled, efficient motion. Mastering alternate picking not only boosts your picking speed but also improves your rhythmic consistency and overall accuracy, allowing you to execute fast passages and syncopated riffs with confidence.

String Bending

Ritchie Blackmore’s solos are filled with emotionally charged string bending, and “Never Before” is no exception. These bends give the lead lines a vocal, expressive quality that’s essential for blues-infused rock solos. This lesson will help you bend with proper technique and control, ensuring your notes reach the correct pitch while also exploring subtle variations in vibrato and release. Developing this technique greatly enhances your ability to inject emotion into your playing.

Pull-Offs

For smoother phrasing and increased fluidity, the song makes effective use of pull-offs—a fundamental element of legato playing. Pull-offs allow you to transition between notes using your fretting hand alone, creating fast, flowing lines without needing to pick every note. Practicing this technique strengthens your fretting fingers, improves timing, and adds smoothness to solos and licks, especially in blues, rock, and metal contexts.

Why Learn “Never Before”?

While often overshadowed by some of Deep Purple’s more mainstream hits, “Never Before” is a hidden gem that combines groove, melody, and technical flair in a tight, radio-friendly format. It offers the perfect opportunity for intermediate guitarists to develop both their rhythm and lead chops. You’ll explore syncopated rhythms, tasteful phrasing, and essential rock guitar techniques in one well-rounded, engaging song.

With LickLibrary’s expert instruction, you’ll not only learn how to play “Never Before” with accuracy—you’ll gain insight into the stylistic choices that make the track stand out. Our step-by-step breakdown covers every detail, from tone and technique to phrasing and articulation, helping you sound like the original while also giving you tools to develop your own voice on the instrument.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

Ritchie Blackmore’s influence on rock guitar cannot be overstated. As the lead guitarist of Deep Purple, he helped pioneer the fusion of blues-based hard rock with classical elements, crafting riffs and solos that have stood the test of time. His work on Machine Head, and particularly on tracks like “Never Before,” showcases his lyrical approach to soloing and clever rhythmic ideas. Blackmore’s style is rooted in both technique and feel, making his playing a must-study for guitarists looking to bridge precision with soul.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Pull-Offs

Learn to play “Never Before” and unlock a new level of musicality, control, and stylistic nuance with this Deep Purple guitar lesson. With note-for-note accuracy, expert tuition, and real-time breakdowns, this is the ultimate way to connect with one of rock’s most creative and expressive guitarists.