Rocket Queen by Guns N' Roses

Introduction

"Rocket Queen" by Guns N' Roses is one of the standout tracks from their legendary 1987 debut album Appetite for Destruction. Featuring the masterful guitar work of Slash and Izzy Stradlin, the song blends melodic rock, blues-infused licks, and hard-hitting rhythm sections. Our Licklibrary note-for-note lesson covers every detail of this dynamic track, breaking down the techniques used so you can master them yourself. This lesson is designed to enhance your lead and rhythm playing while improving essential skills like vibrato, string bending, and alternate picking. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Rocket Queen"

Slash, the iconic lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses, is known for his soulful playing, expressive bends, and emotive solos. His work on "Rocket Queen" showcases his ability to blend blues and hard rock influences seamlessly. Izzy Stradlin, the band’s rhythm guitarist, provides the tight and groovy foundation that allows Slash’s lead lines to shine. Together, they create a dual-guitar attack that remains one of the most influential styles in rock music.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

String Bending

String bending is a fundamental technique that Slash uses extensively in "Rocket Queen" to add emotion and expression to his solos. Learning proper bending control will improve your pitch accuracy and help you develop a signature lead guitar voice.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a key aspect of Slash’s expressive style. This technique involves slightly bending and releasing a note to create a wavering pitch effect, adding sustain and character to your playing.

Alternate Picking

Throughout "Rocket Queen," Slash uses alternate picking for fast and articulate lead passages. Mastering alternate picking will improve your speed and efficiency, allowing you to execute complex runs with precision.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs are used in Slash’s lead runs to create fluid and legato-style phrasing. This technique is essential for creating smooth note transitions and enhancing your overall lead playing.

Double-Stop Bends

A signature Slash move, double-stop bends involve bending two notes at once to create a rich, harmonised sound. This technique is crucial for adding bluesy aggression to solos and melodic phrases.

Slides

Slides are used in "Rocket Queen" to smoothly connect notes, creating a seamless transition between phrases. This technique is great for improving your fretboard movement and adding expressiveness to your solos.

Palm Muting

Izzy Stradlin’s rhythm guitar work in "Rocket Queen" makes use of palm muting to create tight, percussive riffs. Learning palm muting will give you better control over dynamics and attack in your rhythm playing.

Power Chords

As a hard rock anthem, "Rocket Queen" features driving power chords that provide the song’s heavy backbone. Mastering power chords will enhance your ability to play rock and metal rhythm parts with confidence.

Trills

A fast and expressive embellishment, trills are used in some of Slash’s lead licks to add excitement and flair. This technique improves finger strength and dexterity, helping you execute rapid note changes with ease.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-Offs
• Double-Stop Bends
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Trills

By learning these techniques through our Licklibrary lesson, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of Slash’s playing style while improving your overall lead and rhythm guitar skills. Whether you’re a fan of Guns N' Roses or looking to take your rock guitar playing to the next level, this lesson is an essential addition to your practice routine.