Rainbow In The Dark - Dio

Learn to Play "Rainbow In The Dark" Note-for-Note

Dio's "Rainbow In The Dark" is one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1980s, featuring soaring vocals, powerful guitar work, and a legendary solo that showcases a variety of expressive and technical skills. Our Licklibrary guitar lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of the song, teaching you how to play each section with precision and confidence.

This lesson focuses on key techniques that define the song's guitar work, helping you not only to play "Rainbow In The Dark" note-for-note but also to improve your overall technique and musical expression. Whether you’re a fan of Dio, a classic rock enthusiast, or a guitarist looking to expand your skills, mastering this song will provide a wealth of benefits to your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work of Vivian Campbell

"Rainbow In The Dark" features the incredible guitar work of Vivian Campbell, whose melodic phrasing and technical prowess made him a standout player in the hard rock and metal scenes. Campbell's approach blends precision, speed, and emotion, incorporating elements of blues, shred, and classical influences. His work with Dio set a high standard for metal guitarists, inspiring generations of players with his fiery solos and memorable riffs.

His ability to blend fluid legato runs, aggressive alternate picking, and expressive bends makes this song a must-learn for any guitarist seeking to capture the essence of 1980s rock and metal.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Vibrato

Vibrato is used extensively throughout the song to add expression and sustain to notes. This technique enhances the emotional quality of lead playing, making phrases sound more dynamic and alive.

Alternate Picking

Speed and precision are essential in the main riff and solo sections, where alternate picking helps maintain clarity and consistency. Mastering this technique will improve your overall picking efficiency and control.

Legato

Vivian Campbell frequently uses legato techniques, including hammer-ons and pull-offs, to create smooth, flowing runs. This reduces picking effort and allows for faster, more fluid passages in solos.

String Bending

Dramatic bends are a hallmark of Campbell’s style, particularly in the solo. Learning to execute controlled bends will enhance your ability to add emotion and sustain to your playing.

Unison Bends

The solo features powerful unison bends, creating a strong, harmonised sound that cuts through the mix. This technique is a great way to add intensity to your solos.

Pinched Harmonics

For an extra edge, pinched harmonics add a screaming, aggressive quality to certain notes. This technique is key to achieving a signature hard rock and metal lead tone.

Trills

Fast note alternation between fingers adds a dynamic element to the solo, improving finger strength and agility.

Palm Muting

The rhythm parts rely on tight palm-muted power chords, creating a punchy, percussive effect that drives the song’s energy. This technique is essential for maintaining clarity in distorted guitar tones.

Power Chords

The backbone of the rhythm guitar, power chords give the song its thick, driving sound. Mastering these will strengthen your ability to play rock and metal riffs with confidence.

Slides

Adding fluidity between notes, slides are used to connect phrases smoothly, enhancing lead passages and making them more expressive.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Slides

Mastering "Rainbow In The Dark" will enhance your overall technique, improve your lead and rhythm playing, and deepen your understanding of classic rock and metal guitar. Let’s get started and bring this legendary song to life with Licklibrary!