Learn to Play "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple | Guitar Lesson

Arguably one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time, “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple is more than just a beginner’s first riff—it’s a powerful example of how simplicity, tone, and groove can come together to create something legendary. In this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary, we break down every section of the song with total accuracy, teaching you not just what to play, but how to play it with the right feel and tone.

In this lesson, you'll master core techniques such as double stops, fingerstyle, power chords, and string bending—all of which are essential to capturing the full dynamic of Ritchie Blackmore’s performance. Whether you're learning this song for the first time or diving deeper to truly understand its nuances, this lesson gives you everything you need to play “Smoke on the Water” the right way. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Double Stops

At the heart of the “Smoke on the Water” riff is the use of double stops—two notes played simultaneously to create a thick, gritty sound. This technique gives the main riff its power and distinctive character. Learning to play double stops cleanly improves your control over fretting-hand pressure and picking-hand accuracy. It also opens the door to richer-sounding riffs and solos across a wide variety of styles.

Fingerstyle

While many players default to a pick for most rock songs, parts of “Smoke on the Water” benefit from a finger-picking approach—especially when played in a more intimate, stripped-down style or during certain sections of live versions. This technique allows for dynamic touch, tone control, and subtle articulation that picks sometimes can’t achieve. Learning fingerstyle playing enhances your dexterity, coordination, and gives you more expressive control over your playing.

Power Chords

The song’s punchy rhythm sections rely heavily on power chords, which are fundamental to rock guitar playing. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to deliver these chords with tight muting, solid rhythm, and clarity. Developing your power chord technique is essential for any guitarist looking to play rock, punk, grunge, or metal. It also helps you lock in with the rhythm section and play with more authority and confidence.

String Bending

Ritchie Blackmore’s solos in “Smoke on the Water” feature expressive string bending to give certain notes a vocal, bluesy quality. Controlled bending is crucial for creating emotion in your solos. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute bends that are smooth and accurate, helping you improve both pitch accuracy and overall phrasing. This technique also develops your ear and gives you the expressive tools to make your solos sing.

Why Learn “Smoke on the Water”?

Learning “Smoke on the Water” is like unlocking a rite of passage for guitar players. Beyond its legendary riff, the song is packed with valuable lessons in rhythm, dynamics, articulation, and lead guitar phrasing. It’s a perfect track to develop foundational skills while also diving into expressive elements that define great rock guitar playing.

This lesson offers a complete breakdown of all the parts, including rhythm guitar, iconic riff, and solos, taught in real time with on-screen tab and expert guidance. Whether you’re a beginner looking to add a classic to your repertoire or an intermediate player aiming to sharpen your technique, this lesson delivers both the basics and the finer details.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

The unmistakable tone and phrasing of Ritchie Blackmore helped define Deep Purple’s sound and made “Smoke on the Water” a worldwide rock anthem. Blackmore was one of the first guitarists to fuse classical influences with blues-rock, bringing a sharp precision and emotional depth to every solo and riff. His approach to phrasing, use of dynamics, and melodic lead work has influenced countless guitar players, from metal shredders to blues stylists. His work on “Smoke on the Water” may seem deceptively simple, but a closer look reveals the clever choices and control that made it a timeless classic.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• Finger Picking
• Power Chords
• String Bending

With our “Smoke on the Water” guitar lesson, you’ll not only learn to play one of rock’s most celebrated songs—you’ll also build key skills that will benefit every aspect of your guitar playing. Join thousands of players who’ve mastered this track with LickLibrary’s detailed, accurate tuition.