Smoke On The Water – Deep Purple

Discover the thrill of mastering one of the most iconic rock anthems of all time with our "Smoke On The Water" guitar lesson. Deep Purple’s legendary riff has become a rite of passage for guitarists worldwide, combining simplicity and power with intricate techniques that elevate your playing. This note-for-note guitar lesson focuses on the essential techniques showcased in the song, giving you the tools to recreate the energy and precision of this classic. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist and the Song

"Smoke On The Water" is anchored by the exceptional talent of Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple’s lead guitarist. Renowned for his melodic ingenuity and technical proficiency, Blackmore was a pivotal figure in defining the sound of hard rock and early heavy metal. His innovative use of blues-inspired phrasing, classical influences, and expressive dynamics made him one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century.

The song, released in 1972 on the Machine Head album, features one of the most recognisable riffs in rock history. The iconic power-chord-driven riff was inspired by a real-life incident, showcasing Blackmore's ability to craft timeless melodies that resonate with simplicity and raw energy.

Techniques Focused in the Lesson

Our "Smoke On The Water" lesson explores the core techniques used in the song, each broken down for guitarists of varying skill levels. Here’s what you’ll learn:

Power Chords

The driving force of the main riff is built on power chords. These two-note chords form the backbone of rock guitar and are integral for creating a thick, powerful sound. Learning power chords will strengthen your fretting hand and improve your ability to move fluidly across the fretboard.

Alternate Picking

Precision in the riff is achieved through alternate picking. This technique, involving alternating upstrokes and downstrokes, improves speed, control, and consistency. It's particularly useful for maintaining the rhythm and articulation required for the riff.

String Bending

Ritchie Blackmore’s expressive solos make use of string bending to add emotion and dynamic variation. By practicing this technique, you’ll develop better control over pitch and intonation while adding a vocal-like quality to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs in the solo sections. These legato techniques create smooth transitions between notes, increasing speed and fluidity.

Slides

Blackmore often uses slides to transition between notes or add flair to his playing. Mastering slides will improve your fretboard navigation and enhance your phrasing.

Vibrato

Ritchie’s signature vibrato adds warmth and sustain to his solos. This expressive technique is key to developing your personal playing style and injecting emotion into your music.

Palm Muting

The riff gains extra definition with the use of palm muting. This technique allows for a cleaner sound by dampening strings and is essential for achieving precision and rhythm control in rock guitar.

Open-String Riffs

The main riff of "Smoke On The Water" relies on open-string riffs, blending simplicity with a rich tonal quality. Practicing this technique improves your rhythm and enhances your understanding of dynamic playing.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

1. Build Foundational Skills: Techniques like power chords and alternate picking are core elements of rock guitar, laying a solid foundation for future learning.
2. Enhance Creativity: Learning slides, string bending, and vibrato will elevate your solos and give you the tools to craft your unique sound.
3. Improve Precision and Speed: Techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and palm muting refine your accuracy, speed, and coordination.
4. Develop Musicality: Mastering expressive techniques like vibrato and slides allows you to convey emotion through your guitar playing.

List of Techniques in the Lesson

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Open-String Riffs

Dive into this comprehensive lesson and experience the satisfaction of recreating one of rock’s most celebrated songs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, "Smoke On The Water" is a must-learn masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on your musical journey!