'Rise' by Extreme

Our guitar lesson for Extreme's "Rise" offers an in-depth, note-for-note breakdown of one of the most electrifying modern rock songs, featuring the incredible guitar work of Nuno Bettencourt. The track is a high-energy display of technical proficiency, blending various advanced guitar techniques that are both challenging and rewarding for any guitarist looking to expand their skill set.

Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player wanting to master one of the most iconic rock songs, our lesson covers all the techniques that make "Rise" an extraordinary track. From intricate finger work to harmonically rich solos, you'll gain insights into the nuances that make Nuno Bettencourt's playing style so unique. Sam Bell breaks down this classic rock track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Nuno Bettencourt's Guitar Legacy

Nuno Bettencourt is widely regarded as one of the most influential rock guitarists of the modern era. As the lead guitarist of Extreme, Nuno has showcased his mastery of technical, melodic, and dynamic playing. His work on "Rise" is a testament to his versatility, blending lightning-fast runs, harmonics, and intricate rhythm work seamlessly. Bettencourt's playing is known for its blend of virtuosity and groove, drawing influence from rock, funk, and classical music, which has left a lasting impact on guitarists worldwide. His attention to detail, combined with a unique sense of melody, makes him a perfect role model for anyone looking to push their guitar playing to new heights.

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Rise"

Alternate Picking

In "Rise," alternate picking plays a crucial role in executing the fast, precise runs heard throughout the song. This technique requires efficient coordination between your picking and fretting hand to achieve the song's driving pace. Learning alternate picking will improve your speed and accuracy, helping you play rapid sequences cleanly while conserving energy. For players looking to refine their overall picking technique, this lesson provides valuable insight into mastering this fundamental skill.

Legato

Legato playing is prominent in Nuno’s fluid phrasing in "Rise." This technique emphasises smooth transitions between notes using hammer-ons and pull-offs. By incorporating legato, you'll learn how to create a seamless flow in your playing, reducing the reliance on your picking hand while developing finger strength and control in your fretting hand. This technique adds expression and fluidity to solos, creating a more dynamic and connected sound.

Tapped Harmonics

The song also features moments where Nuno employs tapped harmonics, adding shimmering tones to his melodies. This technique creates ethereal, bell-like sounds that elevate the overall harmonic texture of the song. Mastering tapped harmonics will not only enhance your tonal palette but also allow you to add a distinctive flavour to your solos and riffs.

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of the driving rhythm sections in "Rise." These simple yet powerful chord shapes are essential for any rock guitarist. They provide the foundational punch that gives the song its heavy, rhythmic feel. Practicing power chords will sharpen your ability to play rhythm guitar with impact and precision, a key skill for both live performance and recording.

Pinched Harmonics

Nuno Bettencourt uses pinched harmonics to inject his signature screaming tones into certain phrases. This technique, which involves lightly gripping the pick and striking the string at specific nodal points, produces a sharp, high-pitched harmonic. Learning pinched harmonics will help you add flair and intensity to your solos, giving your playing that aggressive, professional edge.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Throughout the song, Nuno incorporates various whammy bar tricks, including dive bombs and subtle pitch bends. These techniques allow for expressive manipulation of pitch, adding a wild, unpredictable element to the performance. By learning to control the whammy bar, you'll be able to experiment with dramatic sound effects and create more emotive lead lines.

Sweeping Arpeggios

In the solo section of "Rise," Nuno Bettencourt uses sweep picking to navigate through rapid-fire arpeggio shapes with grace and speed. Sweep picking allows you to play consecutive notes across multiple strings in a smooth, fluid motion, ideal for arpeggios and fast runs. This advanced technique is highly effective for shredding and creates a cascading effect in your solos, taking your technical playing to the next level.

Unison Bends

Unison bends are used in the song to create tension and release, a hallmark of Nuno’s expressive playing. This technique involves bending one note while holding another note on a different string, creating a harmonised, slightly dissonant effect. Learning unison bends will greatly enhance your bending accuracy and your overall ability to add emotional intensity to your solos.

Slides

Nuno incorporates slides throughout the riffing and lead work in "Rise," allowing for smooth transitions between notes and phrases. Slides are essential for creating fluid movements on the fretboard and adding dynamics to your playing. Mastering slides will improve your fretboard navigation and help you deliver more expressive, connected phrases.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the techniques featured in "Rise" offers a range of benefits that will significantly enhance your guitar-playing abilities. From improving your finger strength and dexterity through legato and sweep picking to gaining a better sense of timing and rhythmic precision with power chords and alternate picking, each technique serves to build a well-rounded skill set. Moreover, mastering tricks like pinched harmonics and whammy bar dives adds creativity and flair to your playing, helping you develop your own unique style.

Whether you're looking to shred with speed or add nuance to your phrasing, learning the guitar parts in "Rise" will deepen your understanding of how to blend technical proficiency with musical expression.

Guitar Techniques in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Power Chords
• Slides
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Sweep Picking
• Dive Bombs

List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Power Chords
• Legato

By focusing on these core techniques, "Learn to Rise by Extreme" not only teaches you how to play the song but also deepens your guitar playing abilities, preparing you for future musical challenges. Join us at Licklibrary.com to embark on your journey to mastering the guitar with the spirit of a rock star!