Learn to Play "Space Truckin'" by Deep Purple | Guitar Lesson

Get ready to take a deep dive into one of the most energetic and riff-driven rock anthems of the 1970s with our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Space Truckin'" by Deep Purple. This classic track, taken from the band’s landmark album Machine Head, is a powerhouse of riff-based hard rock, blending aggression with groove and showcasing essential rock guitar techniques every player should master.

In this comprehensive LickLibrary lesson, we break down every section of the song with clarity and precision, helping you recreate the authentic sound of Deep Purple’s legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your skills with a range of core guitar techniques, including power chords, alternate picking, chromaticism, and string bending — all vital ingredients for any rock or hard rock guitar arsenal. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

Right from the intro, "Space Truckin'" hits hard with its signature use of power chords. These are fundamental for crafting that raw, punchy rhythm tone that defines the track. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play these two-note chords with accuracy and drive, locking in tightly with the rhythm section. Mastering power chords improves your left-hand muting, chord transitions, and overall tightness in your rhythm playing — essential skills for any rock guitarist.

Alternate Picking

The riffing in “Space Truckin’” is built on fast, rhythmic motion that demands control and speed. That’s where alternate picking comes in. By alternating downstrokes and upstrokes efficiently, you’ll be able to play the main riff and other intricate parts of the song cleanly and at tempo. Developing your alternate picking will significantly boost your speed and rhythmic precision across all styles of guitar playing.

Chromaticism

A standout element in the main riff is the clever use of chromaticism — notes that move in half-steps to build tension and create an edgy, gritty sound. This chromatic movement adds attitude to the song and gives it a heavier, more modern feel. Working with chromatic riffs enhances your fretboard fluency, opens up new melodic ideas, and adds flavour to your improvisation and riff writing.

String Bending

While “Space Truckin’” is known for its rhythmic attack, there are lead moments that showcase string bending — a technique that brings expression and emotion to your solos. In the lesson, we’ll show you how to bend notes accurately to pitch, adding drama and vocal-like phrasing to your lead playing. Building control over your bends will help you develop a more expressive, dynamic style and improve your ear for pitch.

Why Learn "Space Truckin'"?

Learning to play “Space Truckin’” gives you more than just a cool song in your repertoire — it teaches you the essence of classic hard rock guitar. Whether you're focusing on tight rhythm chops, expressive lead work, or adding stylistic tricks to your toolkit, this lesson provides the foundation and insight you need. You’ll also gain confidence playing in the style of one of rock’s most legendary guitarists, helping to expand your musical vocabulary and stage-ready skills.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

"Space Truckin'" features the iconic playing of Ritchie Blackmore, one of the most influential guitarists in rock history. Known for his aggressive tone, classically inspired solos, and precise articulation, Blackmore helped pioneer the hard rock and early heavy metal guitar sound. His innovative blend of blues, classical, and improvisational styles set the blueprint for countless players who followed. With Deep Purple, and later with Rainbow, Blackmore’s legacy is cemented through songs like “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and of course, “Space Truckin’.” Learning this track is not just about nailing a song — it’s about stepping into the world of a true guitar legend.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Chromaticism
• String Bending