Radar Love by Golden Earring - Guitar Lesson Overview

Golden Earring's classic hit "Radar Love" is a staple in rock music and offers a wealth of guitar techniques that any guitarist would benefit from mastering. In this note-for-note guitar lesson, we break down the key elements of the song, focusing on the techniques that make the song iconic. Whether you're a seasoned player or still developing your skills, learning "Radar Love" will strengthen your technical proficiency, improve your rhythm playing, and enhance your soloing abilities.

The song, released in 1973, features intricate guitar work by George Kooymans, one of the founding members of Golden Earring. Kooymans’ playing combines sharp rhythmic precision with melodic phrasing, creating a powerful blend of energy and emotion. This song showcases his ability to seamlessly blend bluesy licks with driving rock rhythms, making him a standout guitarist in the world of rock music. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Breakdown of Techniques

Power Chords and Open String Riffs

"Radar Love" is a great song to work on your power chords and open string riffs. The main riff is a driving force in the song, constructed around power chords and the use of open strings to create a full and energetic sound. Power chords are fundamental for rock guitarists, and their simplicity allows you to focus on rhythm and precision. The benefit of mastering this technique is that it strengthens your ability to create bold and impactful chord progressions.

Palm Muting

Throughout the song, palm muting is used to add dynamics and variation to the riffing. This technique involves resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings while striking them, creating a muffled, rhythmic sound. Learning palm muting helps improve your control over dynamics and timing, giving you more versatility in your rhythm playing.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

"Radar Love" also features some impressive string bending and bluesy bends in the lead sections. Bending strings allows you to mimic the sound of vocal expression on the guitar, adding a singing quality to your playing. Bluesy bends in particular add a layer of emotional intensity, which is vital for creating a soulful solo. Mastering string bending improves your finger strength and pitch control, which is essential for effective lead playing.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another key technique used in the solos of "Radar Love." By adding vibrato to your bent notes, you give them a singing quality and sustain that makes the note stand out. This technique is crucial for developing a personal touch and feel in your playing, as it allows you to control the subtle fluctuations of pitch that can dramatically enhance a solo's emotional impact.

Slides

Kooymans’ playing incorporates fluid slides between notes, which contribute to the smooth, connected sound of his solos. This technique is relatively simple but highly effective in creating legato phrasing and seamless transitions between notes. Practicing slides will improve your fretboard accuracy and add fluidity to your playing.

Alternate Picking

The driving rhythm of "Radar Love" is a perfect exercise in alternate picking. By alternating between upstrokes and downstrokes, you maintain consistent speed and control, which is especially important during fast sections of the song. Mastering alternate picking enhances your ability to play fast passages cleanly and accurately, making it a cornerstone technique for any guitarist.

Harmonics and Pinched Harmonics

"Radar Love" includes the use of natural harmonics and even some pinched harmonics to add texture and brightness to the lead lines. Harmonics are overtones that can add a sparkling, bell-like quality to your sound. Pinched harmonics, in particular, can produce a high-pitched squeal, perfect for accentuating certain notes in a solo. Learning these techniques will help you develop greater control over your pick attack and tonal variation.

Guitar Player Influence: George Kooymans

George Kooymans’ guitar playing in "Radar Love" showcases his ability to combine powerful rhythm playing with expressive soloing. As a founding member of Golden Earring, Kooymans has been a key figure in shaping the band's sound, blending hard rock with blues influences. His solos in "Radar Love" are a masterclass in rock phrasing, with a perfect balance of technical proficiency and raw emotion. His innovative use of harmonics, bending, and rhythmic variations has inspired countless guitarists, making him a standout player in the history of rock guitar.

Kooymans' style in "Radar Love" is a testament to his deep understanding of rock and blues traditions, while also pushing the boundaries with innovative guitar tones and techniques. His influence is evident in the playing styles of many rock guitarists that followed, proving the lasting impact of his work.

Techniques Used in This Lesson:

• Power Chords
• Open String Riffs
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Harmonics
• Pinched Harmonics

Learning these techniques will provide you with a strong foundation in rock guitar playing while also improving your ability to express yourself through solos and rhythmic playing. Each technique not only enhances your ability to perform "Radar Love" authentically but also strengthens your overall guitar skills.