Geronimo by Hank Marvin
Introduction to Geronimo by Hank Marvin
The timeless classic Geronimo, performed by Hank Marvin and The Shadows, is a standout track that showcases the signature sound of this legendary guitarist. Hank Marvin’s pioneering use of melodic phrasing, impeccable timing, and creative guitar techniques has left an indelible mark on guitar players worldwide. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for Geronimo is crafted to help you master the techniques used in this iconic instrumental, bringing the sound of the '60s into your own playing.
This lesson breaks down the key elements of Marvin’s playing, offering insights into vibrato, slides, double stops, and string bending. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player, learning these techniques will not only improve your rendition of Geronimo but also elevate your overall skillset. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About Hank Marvin and The Shadows
Hank Marvin is one of the most influential guitarists in music history, known for shaping the sound of instrumental rock. His clean, echo-laden tones and precision playing inspired countless artists, including Eric Clapton, Brian May, and Mark Knopfler. Marvin’s unique style blended melody and emotion, making his solos as memorable as the songs themselves. Geronimo, released in 1963, captures the spirit of Marvin’s innovative technique, combining twangy guitar tones with lyrical phrasing. Learning Geronimo is not just about mastering a song—it’s about immersing yourself in a piece of guitar history.
Techniques Covered in the Geronimo Guitar Lesson
1. Vibrato
Vibrato is a cornerstone of Hank Marvin’s expressive playing style. This technique involves oscillating the pitch of a note by varying finger pressure on the fretboard. Vibrato adds emotion and depth, giving your playing a singing quality. By mastering vibrato, you'll inject personality into your melodies, much like Marvin does in Geronimo.
2. Slides
Slides are extensively used in Geronimo to transition smoothly between notes, creating a flowing, vocal-like quality. By moving your fretting hand seamlessly along the strings, you can mimic the natural dynamics of Marvin’s phrasing, adding a polished touch to your playing.
3. Double Stops
Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, a technique that Marvin uses to craft rich harmonies in Geronimo. This adds texture and complexity to the melody, enhancing the overall arrangement of the song. Practicing double stops will improve your finger coordination and harmonic understanding.
Learn more about Double Stops.
4. String Bending
String bending is one of Hank Marvin’s most distinctive techniques, and it plays a significant role in the emotional impact of Geronimo. By bending strings to achieve precise pitch changes, you can emulate vocal inflections and make your guitar sing. This technique is essential for capturing the expressive essence of the song.
Learn more about String Bending.
5. Arpeggios
Arpeggios feature prominently in Geronimo, helping to outline the chord progressions in a melodic way. This technique involves playing the notes of a chord sequentially rather than strumming them all at once, allowing for clarity and detail in your playing.
6. Tremolo Picking
Tremolo picking, where a single note is picked rapidly, adds intensity and a shimmering quality to the guitar lines in Geronimo. This technique is perfect for creating dramatic, sustained notes while maintaining rhythmic energy.
Learn more about Tremolo Picking.
Why Learn These Techniques?
Learning the techniques used in Geronimo goes beyond simply playing a song. Here’s how these skills benefit your guitar journey:
- Vibrato teaches you to express emotion through subtle pitch variations.
- Slides and string bending improve your control and fluidity across the fretboard.
- Double stops enhance your ability to create rich harmonies and fuller arrangements.
- Arpeggios and tremolo picking refine your precision and timing, essential skills for advanced guitar work.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only bring Geronimo to life but also enhance your versatility and creativity as a guitarist.
Guitar Techniques List
Here is a comprehensive list of the guitar techniques you’ll encounter in our Geronimo lesson, with links to dive deeper into each one:
Explore these techniques in our Geronimo guitar lesson and take a step closer to mastering the signature sound of Hank Marvin!
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Lee Hodgson
"Lee's contribution here at LickLibrary is a masterclass in classic guitar playing, from Hank Marvin to Simon & Garfunkel, but that certainly isn't the limit of his skills. In reality, Lee is one of the most technically able country guitar players we've ever seen, in fact his book ""Hot Country""...