Strange Kind of Woman by Deep Purple

Deep Purple's "Strange Kind of Woman" is an iconic track that showcases the virtuosity and expressive playing of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. At LickLibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson dives into every nuance of this classic rock anthem, helping you master the techniques that define the song and improve your overall playing ability. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Player: Ritchie Blackmore

Ritchie Blackmore, the legendary guitarist of Deep Purple, is celebrated for his innovative blend of classical influences and blues-rock techniques. His playing on "Strange Kind of Woman" demonstrates his mastery of melodic phrasing, dynamic bends, and virtuosic runs, leaving a lasting impact on rock and metal guitarists worldwide. Blackmore's ability to seamlessly blend technical proficiency with emotional expression makes him a key influence for guitarists seeking to elevate their skills.

Guitar Techniques Featured in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending is a cornerstone of Ritchie Blackmore's expressive style. This technique involves pushing or pulling the string to change its pitch, allowing you to mimic the human voice and add emotion to your solos. Learning string bending improves your pitch accuracy and strengthens your fretting hand, both of which are essential for developing a polished sound.

Bluesy Bends

Bluesy bends are a hallmark of Blackmore's playing in this song, lending it a raw, emotional feel. These bends often target microtonal shifts, adding a blues-infused character to your phrasing. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to play expressively and gives your solos a soulful quality.

Alternate Picking

The intricate riffs and fast licks in "Strange Kind of Woman" make extensive use of alternate picking. This technique, which alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes, enables speed and precision. Incorporating alternate picking into your practice routine builds picking hand coordination and improves your ability to play complex passages cleanly.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs create fluidity and speed in guitar lines, allowing for seamless transitions between notes. These techniques are prominent in Blackmore's melodic runs throughout the song. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs will boost your legato playing and develop a smoother sound.

Vibrato

Ritchie Blackmore’s use of vibrato adds a rich, singing quality to his lead lines. Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note by moving the string back and forth, creating depth and sustain. Developing your vibrato will improve your tonal control and bring life to your playing.

Double Stops

The rhythm guitar parts of "Strange Kind of Woman" often feature double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. This technique creates harmonic richness and adds depth to the song’s riffs. Mastering double stops enhances your chordal knowledge and makes your rhythm playing more dynamic.

Slides

Slides are used in both the rhythm and lead parts of

the song to connect notes smoothly, adding a sense of movement and drama to the playing. This technique, which involves gliding your finger along the string to shift from one note to another, is a versatile tool that enhances phrasing and helps you transition between positions effortlessly.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are used to outline the chords in "Strange Kind of Woman," adding melodic complexity to the piece. Playing arpeggios develops fretboard knowledge and hand synchronisation, improving your ability to create compelling solos and accompaniments.

Chord Progressions

The song's rhythm guitar sections revolve around distinctive chord progressions that set the tone and mood. Learning these progressions will help you understand how harmony shapes a composition, providing valuable insights into songwriting and arrangement.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By studying "Strange Kind of Woman," you'll gain a deeper understanding of essential guitar techniques that transcend genres. Each skill you master will not only bring you closer to replicating Ritchie Blackmore's iconic sound but also equip you with tools to elevate your playing across a wide range of musical styles. Whether you're a beginner seeking to build a strong foundation or an advanced player looking to refine your skills, this lesson offers something for everyone.

List of Guitar Techniques Used

Below is a list of the guitar techniques featured in this lesson. Click on the links to explore each technique further:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions

By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you'll not only master "Strange Kind of Woman" but also develop skills that are essential for any guitarist. Dive into the lesson today and unleash your inner rock legend!