Square Hammer by Ghost

If you're looking to add some gothic flair and arena-sized riffs to your playing, our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Square Hammer” by Ghost is the perfect addition to your Licklibrary arsenal. This song blends hard rock and heavy metal aesthetics with melodic sensibilities, making it an ideal learning piece for guitarists who want to build both technical skill and musicality.

This lesson takes you through every riff, lick, and solo in “Square Hammer,” dissecting the techniques and musical ideas that give the song its iconic sound. You'll not only master the parts themselves but also gain a solid understanding of how to implement these techniques into your own playing style. Whether you're looking to improve rhythm, lead phrasing, or dynamic control, this breakdown has something to offer. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists in Ghost

Ghost, known for their theatrical stage presence and anonymity, features Nameless Ghouls as instrumentalists. The guitar parts on "Square Hammer" are typically credited to two guitarists, often assumed to be A Nameless Ghoul Alpha (rhythm guitar) and Omega (lead guitar), though exact players have varied over time. Their influences range from classic heavy metal bands like Iron Maiden and Mercyful Fate to progressive and pop-rock artists. This fusion is clearly heard in "Square Hammer," where melodic leads, harmonised riffs, and tight rhythm work come together to create a powerful wall of sound. Learning their parts gives players insight into how to craft heavy yet accessible guitar arrangements.

Guitar Techniques Explored in "Square Hammer"

Our detailed lesson on “Square Hammer” focuses on a variety of essential guitar techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the core techniques featured in the track and how they benefit your playing:

Palm Muting

Throughout the verse and riff sections, palm muting is used to create tight, punchy rhythmic patterns. This technique adds a percussive dynamic and is essential for giving metal and rock riffs their aggressive feel. Learning palm muting helps develop right-hand control and strengthens your rhythmic accuracy—especially crucial for high-gain playing.

Power Chords

“Square Hammer” features the use of power chords, particularly in its thunderous chorus. These are foundational to rock and metal playing and provide a full, strong sound with minimal complexity. Mastering power chords enhances your chord vocabulary and makes it easier to play rhythm guitar in various styles.

Alternate Picking

To nail the tight, chuggy main riff, precision in alternate picking is required. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes to increase speed and control. Developing alternate picking is crucial for improving your efficiency and stamina when playing fast passages.

Slides

You’ll find several slides within the lead guitar lines and transitions. Slides add fluidity between notes and create a more expressive, vocal-like tone. Learning to slide accurately improves fretboard navigation and adds character to your phrasing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Ghost's melodic lead lines often employ hammer-ons and pull-offs to connect notes smoothly and add flair to runs. These techniques are key to building legato fluidity and speed in soloing. Practising them strengthens fretting hand dexterity and builds confidence in melodic phrasing.

Unison Bends

One of the solo sections includes unison bends—a dramatic technique that involves bending one string to match the pitch of another. These bends are iconic in rock guitar solos and add tension and emotion. They’re a fantastic way to build pitch accuracy and vibrato control.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used throughout the leads to sustain and colour notes. Our lesson teaches you how to execute expressive vibrato, adding personality and depth to your playing. Mastering vibrato is essential for emotional lead guitar and distinguishing your sound.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

Ghost is known for their dual-guitar harmonies, and "Square Hammer" is no exception. These harmonies add grandeur and cinematic quality to the leads. Learning this technique improves your ear for intervals and helps you understand how to complement another guitarist’s part.

Why Learn “Square Hammer”?

Studying this song offers far more than simply learning a great riff. You’ll gain the ability to:

• Play with precision and control through alternate picking and palm muting.
• Craft melodic leads using slides, vibrato, and hammer-ons/pull-offs.
• Understand layered arrangements through harmonised guitar parts.
• Improve your tone shaping through technique—not just gear.

Whether you're performing, composing, or just jamming, these skills will elevate your playing to a professional level.

Techniques Used in “Square Hammer” Guitar Lesson:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Unison Bends
• Dual Guitar Harmonies

This lesson is ideal for intermediate players looking to bridge the gap between rhythm and lead proficiency, or advanced players who want to explore Ghost’s anthemic style in depth. Dive in and get your fingers on “Square Hammer” today!