Smoke On The Water - Solo by Deep Purple

Overview of the Lesson

"Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple is a classic rock anthem recognised worldwide for its iconic riff and legendary guitar solo. At LickLibrary.com, our "Smoke On The Water - Solo" guitar lesson breaks down every note of this incredible piece, offering a comprehensive guide to mastering its techniques. With this lesson, players not only learn a rock masterpiece but also enhance their skills through targeted exercises focusing on essential guitar techniques.

The solo in "Smoke On The Water" captures the essence of Ritchie Blackmore's masterful style, blending bluesy phrasing with rock energy. This lesson is ideal for guitarists eager to improve their technical abilities while delving into the artistry of one of rock's most influential guitarists. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic solo in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Player

Ritchie Blackmore, the guitarist behind Deep Purple, is a pioneer in fusing blues, classical, and hard rock styles. His playing on "Smoke On The Water" demonstrates his unparalleled ability to create memorable melodies and emotive solos. Blackmore's influence extends far beyond Deep Purple, shaping the sound of bands like Rainbow and inspiring generations of rock and metal guitarists. Learning this solo offers a glimpse into his innovative approach and helps players incorporate his unique techniques into their own style.

Techniques Focused on in the Lesson

Slides

The solo employs smooth slides between notes, a technique that enhances phrasing and adds fluidity to transitions. Mastering slides improves your ability to navigate the fretboard seamlessly, a skill critical for expressive soloing.

String Bending

Ritchie Blackmore’s tasteful string bends convey emotion and dynamic intensity. This lesson focuses on accurate bending to hit precise pitches, helping you develop control and expressiveness in your solos.

Vibrato

Blackmore’s use of vibrato adds warmth and character to his notes. By practicing vibrato, players can infuse their playing with a singing quality and elevate the emotional impact of their solos. Learn more about vibrato.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The lesson dives into hammer-ons and pull-offs, crucial for creating smooth, flowing runs. These techniques improve finger strength and coordination while giving your playing a fluid, legato quality. Learn more about pull-offs.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is used for precision in faster sections of the solo. This foundational technique enhances picking accuracy and speed, which is invaluable for tackling complex solos. Learn more about alternate picking.

Double Stops

Ritchie Blackmore's signature double stops create harmonic richness and texture in the solo. Practicing these helps you understand how to layer notes for a fuller sound. Learn more about double stops.

Bluesy Bends

The solo features bends with a distinctly bluesy feel, a hallmark of Blackmore's style. Focusing on bluesy bends sharpens your ability to blend blues elements with rock phrasing. Learn more about bluesy bends.

Sustain

Ritchie Blackmore’s use of sustain allows notes to resonate with power and clarity. Understanding how to control sustain improves tone quality and amplifies the emotional weight of your playing. Learn more about sustain.

Benefits of Learning the Techniques

1. Improved Control: Techniques like string bending and vibrato teach precise control over pitch and tone.
2. Enhanced Expression: Bluesy bends and sustain help players develop an emotional connection with their instrument.
3. Speed and Accuracy: Alternate picking and hammer-ons/pull-offs strengthen technical foundations for faster, cleaner playing.
4. Dynamic Phrasing: Slides and double stops add variety and richness to your solos, making your playing more engaging.
5. Versatility: Learning these techniques expands your stylistic range, making you a more adaptable guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Sustain

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only play "Smoke On The Water" like a pro but also enhance your overall musicianship. Dive into the lesson and take your guitar playing to the next level!