Speed King by Deep Purple - Guitar Lesson Overview

“Speed King” by Deep Purple is an iconic track that showcases the energy and technical prowess of the band. It is one of the defining songs of the early heavy metal and hard rock movement, full of fiery riffs, fast-paced solo sections, and powerful chord progressions. In this lesson, you'll learn to master some of the key guitar techniques found in "Speed King," including power chords, string bending, vibrato, and slides. By working through these techniques, you will enhance your playing and gain a deeper understanding of what makes Ritchie Blackmore’s style so influential in the rock and metal genres. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Key Techniques in "Speed King"

Power Chords

Power chords are the foundation of many rock and metal songs, and "Speed King" is no exception. Power chords are simple, two-note chord shapes that produce a strong, punchy sound. They are built by playing the root note and the fifth, omitting the third, which gives them their characteristic open and driving sound. In "Speed King," power chords are used to create the aggressive, fast-paced rhythm that drives the song forward.

Learning to play power chords effectively is essential for any rock guitarist. Not only do they allow you to create a full, powerful sound, but they also help you navigate between chords quickly and smoothly. In this lesson, we’ll break down the power chord patterns used in "Speed King," showing you how to apply them to your own playing and achieve that classic rock sound.

String Bending

String bending is one of the most expressive techniques in rock guitar playing, and it’s used extensively in "Speed King" to add intensity and emotion to both the riffs and solos. String bending allows you to manipulate the pitch of a note by pushing the string up or down, creating a smooth, vocal-like effect. In this song, Blackmore uses string bending to emphasize certain notes and phrases, giving his solos a dynamic, soaring quality.

Mastering string bending is crucial for developing a more expressive and nuanced style of playing. It adds drama and emotion to your solos and helps you connect phrases in a more fluid and musical way. The lesson will guide you through the string bending techniques used in "Speed King" and teach you how to apply them accurately, ensuring your bends are always in tune and full of power.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a technique used to add subtle variation in pitch to a sustained note, giving it a rich, singing quality. In "Speed King," vibrato is often combined with string bending to create a smooth, dynamic sound that adds depth to the solos. Blackmore’s vibrato technique is distinctive and gives his playing a unique character that’s both aggressive and melodic.

Developing your vibrato technique will greatly enhance your ability to add expression to your playing. It allows you to sustain notes with more color and character, making your solos sound more vocal-like and emotive. This lesson will teach you how to control your vibrato to match the intensity and style of Blackmore’s playing in "Speed King."

Slides

Slides are a common technique used in rock and blues playing to connect notes smoothly by sliding your finger up or down the fretboard. In "Speed King," Blackmore uses slides to transition between notes and phrases seamlessly, giving the solos and riffs a fluid, flowing quality. Slides are an effective way to add speed and motion to your playing without sacrificing clarity or precision.

Learning to use slides effectively will improve your ability to create smooth transitions between notes, making your playing sound more cohesive and polished. This lesson will show you how Blackmore uses slides in "Speed King" and how you can incorporate this technique into your own playing to add dynamic movement to your solos and riffs.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

Ritchie Blackmore, the lead guitarist of Deep Purple, is one of the most important and influential figures in rock guitar history. Known for his fast, aggressive playing and his fusion of blues and classical influences, Blackmore helped shape the sound of heavy rock and early metal. His work in Deep Purple, particularly on tracks like "Speed King," is characterized by powerful riffs, explosive solos, and dynamic interplay between rhythm and lead. By studying Blackmore’s approach to guitar on "Speed King," you will gain insight into how to combine melody, rhythm, and technical flair into your own playing.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides

The “Speed King” guitar lesson offers a deep dive into some of the most essential techniques for rock guitar playing. From the powerful energy of power chords to the expressive range of string bending and vibrato, this lesson will equip you with the skills you need to play one of Deep Purple’s most energetic tracks. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to refine your technique or a beginner eager to learn the foundations of rock guitar, this lesson will help you master the core elements of Ritchie Blackmore’s style and bring a new level of expression and precision to your playing. Dive into this classic Deep Purple track and unleash your inner rock guitarist!