The Last In Line - Dio

Mastering "The Last In Line" by Dio with Licklibrary

"The Last In Line" by Dio is an iconic heavy metal track that showcases powerful guitar playing, intricate melodies, and expressive soloing. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary provides an in-depth breakdown of this classic, helping players to master the techniques used by the legendary Vivian Campbell. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, build speed, or enhance your musicality, this lesson covers everything needed to replicate the song’s fiery guitar work. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Vivian Campbell's Influence on "The Last In Line"

Vivian Campbell, the guitarist behind "The Last In Line," played a crucial role in shaping Dio’s signature sound. His playing style blends melodic phrasing with aggressive picking, creating a dynamic and engaging guitar experience. His solos in this track demonstrate exceptional precision, fluidity, and emotive bends, making him a key figure in the evolution of metal guitar playing. Campbell’s work has influenced countless guitarists, solidifying his reputation as one of the finest metal players of his era.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

This song features precise alternate picking in both the rhythm and lead sections, essential for achieving the song's tight and articulate phrasing. Practicing this technique will improve your picking speed and accuracy, allowing you to navigate fast runs with ease.

Legato

The solo features legato passages that create smooth and flowing runs. Learning these sections will enhance your finger strength and coordination, enabling effortless transitions between notes with minimal picking.

Pinched Harmonics

Vivian Campbell frequently uses pinched harmonics to add a sharp, screaming effect to notes. Mastering this technique will help you inject attitude and intensity into your playing.

Vibrato

Expressive vibrato is a hallmark of Campbell’s playing style. Incorporating this into your technique will help you develop a more vocal and emotional quality in your lead playing.

String Bending

Bends in "The Last In Line" add soul and expressiveness to the solos. Practicing string bending with accuracy ensures that your bends hit the correct pitch, improving your overall musical phrasing.

Unison Bends

Unison bends create a soaring, almost vocal quality in the lead sections. Mastering this technique will strengthen your bending control and improve your ear for pitch.

Power Chords

The song’s rhythm section relies heavily on power chords, a staple of metal guitar. Learning these progressions will help you develop a strong, driving sound in your rhythm playing.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the song to add dynamic contrast and tightness to the riffing. This technique is crucial for creating a punchy, controlled rhythm tone.

Tremolo Picking

Certain sections feature rapid tremolo picking, requiring precision and stamina. This technique is excellent for developing speed and endurance in your picking hand.

Double Stop Bends

These bends add richness and depth to the lead lines. Practicing double stop bends will enhance your bending strength and control, adding dimension to your solos.

Tapped Harmonics

Some sections of the lead work incorporate tapped harmonics to create unique, shimmering overtones. Learning this technique will expand your ability to create harmonic textures in your playing.

Slides

Slides between notes contribute to the song’s fluid phrasing. Incorporating slides into your playing improves fretboard navigation and adds a dynamic, expressive touch to your solos.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Unison Bends
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Tremolo Picking
• Double Stop Bends
• Tapped Harmonics
• Slides

By learning "The Last In Line" with Licklibrary, you'll develop a strong foundation in these key techniques, boosting your overall guitar proficiency. Whether you're a metal enthusiast or just looking to expand your playing style, this lesson provides valuable insights into one of metal’s most iconic guitar performances. Start your journey into the world of Dio’s legendary guitar work today!