Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple

Introduction

Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time, famous for its powerful riff, dynamic energy, and innovative guitar techniques. At Licklibrary.com, we’ve crafted a comprehensive note-for-note guitar lesson that captures the essence of this classic track, helping guitarists of all levels explore the skills and techniques that made it legendary. This lesson dives into everything from the song's unforgettable riff to its expressive solos, giving you the tools to bring this timeless masterpiece to life. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore’s Legacy

Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple’s legendary guitarist, is a towering figure in rock music, known for his virtuosic playing, innovative techniques, and blend of blues, classical, and hard rock influences. His work on "Smoke on the Water" epitomises his ability to craft memorable riffs and intricate solos that resonate across generations. Blackmore's contributions have inspired countless guitarists, and learning this song is a chance to connect with his musical genius.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

The driving force behind the famous opening riff, power chords form the backbone of many rock songs. Learning power chords not only strengthens your fretting hand but also teaches you how to create a punchy, full sound with minimal finger movement. This technique is essential for building rhythm guitar skills and understanding basic harmony.

String Bending

The song’s solos make use of expressive string bends to add emotion and intensity. Mastering string bending helps develop pitch accuracy and finger strength, allowing you to add more character and personality to your playing.

Vibrato

Blackmore’s use of vibrato gives notes a vocal-like quality, adding richness and sustain to his solos. Practicing vibrato refines your tone control and helps you achieve a more professional sound.

Slides

Slides are used to transition smoothly between notes and add a fluid, dynamic feel to the solos. This technique enhances your fretboard navigation and introduces a new level of expressiveness to your playing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques are key elements in creating smooth, flowing phrases in the solos. Hammer-ons and pull-offs improve your finger dexterity and help you execute faster, more intricate passages with ease.

Palm Muting

The main riff gains its percussive, rhythmic quality from palm muting. This essential technique allows you to control your guitar’s dynamics and add texture to your playing.

Double Stops

Double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously, add richness and harmony to the solos. This technique improves your coordination and gives you a fuller sound when playing melodies.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the song's underlying chord progression provides insight into its structure and helps you develop a deeper connection to its harmony. This knowledge can be applied to writing and improvising in your own compositions.

Benefits of Learning “Smoke on the Water”

1. Iconic Riff Mastery: The main riff of “Smoke on the Water” is instantly recognisable and a perfect starting point for building confidence in riff-based playing.
2. Developing Versatility: By learning techniques like string bending, vibrato, and slides, you’ll expand your repertoire of expressive tools.
3. Improved Timing and Precision: The song’s rhythmic patterns and palm muting sections enhance your timing and coordination.
4. Confidence in Soloing: Blackmore’s solos provide a blueprint for melodic improvisation, helping you create solos that sing.
5. Foundation for Rock Playing: This song is a cornerstone of rock guitar and learning it connects you to a rich tradition of musical innovation.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

Here’s a list of guitar techniques featured in our "Smoke on the Water" lesson, with links to explore them further:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions

With this lesson, you’ll master the essential techniques and stylistic nuances that make “Smoke on the Water” a timeless classic, taking your guitar playing to the next level.