Sleepwalk by Hank Marvin

Dive into the timeless beauty of "Sleepwalk" by Hank Marvin, a melodic masterpiece that epitomises the elegance of instrumental guitar music. At Licklibrary.com, we’ve crafted a detailed note-for-note lesson of this classic, allowing guitarists of all levels to explore the techniques and artistry that make this piece so captivating. This lesson doesn’t just teach you the song—it equips you with an arsenal of guitar techniques that can elevate your playing across genres. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists Behind It

Originally written by Santo & Johnny, "Sleepwalk" gained new life through the hands of Hank Marvin, the lead guitarist of The Shadows. Marvin’s interpretation is marked by his distinctive tone, emotive phrasing, and masterful technique. A pioneer of the modern electric guitar sound, Marvin’s use of the tremolo arm and his fluid control of melody have influenced countless guitarists, including legends like Mark Knopfler and Brian May. Learning "Sleepwalk" provides a window into the golden era of instrumental rock and the techniques that defined Hank Marvin's illustrious career.

Techniques Explored in the "Sleepwalk" Lesson

Our lesson for "Sleepwalk" meticulously breaks down every phrase, teaching not just the notes but the essential techniques that bring the piece to life. Here’s a breakdown of the key techniques you’ll master:

1. Vibrato

Vibrato is a cornerstone of expressive guitar playing, and "Sleepwalk" showcases it beautifully. You'll learn how to control the pitch variation to add emotional depth to sustained notes, mimicking the vocal-like quality that Hank Marvin is famous for. This technique helps improve your finger strength and fine motor control, giving your playing a polished, professional edge.

2. Slides

Slides are integral to the fluid, dreamy quality of "Sleepwalk." By transitioning smoothly between notes, you’ll emulate the song’s seamless phrasing. Practicing slides enhances finger agility and helps you connect notes with grace, making your playing sound more dynamic and connected.

3. String Bending

"Sleepwalk" uses subtle bends to add a vocal inflection to the melody. In this lesson, you’ll learn precise bending techniques to reach the correct pitch, which improves your ear for intonation and builds the strength required for advanced lead playing.

4. Tremolo Arm Techniques

Hank Marvin's use of the tremolo arm gives "Sleepwalk" its signature shimmering sound. You’ll learn how to integrate gentle tremolo arm movements for subtle pitch modulation, which enhances your overall tone control and adds a touch of sophistication to your playing.

5. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These legato techniques are used in the melodic runs of "Sleepwalk," providing a smooth and flowing sound. Mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs not only increases your speed but also helps develop finger independence and articulation.

6. Double Stops

Double stops are employed to add harmonic richness to certain sections of "Sleepwalk." This lesson will teach you how to execute them cleanly, allowing you to bring a fuller, more textured sound to your playing.

7. Arpeggios

The song features subtle arpeggiated passages that create its lush, dreamy atmosphere. Working on arpeggios improves your pick-hand accuracy and fretboard visualisation, critical skills for tackling complex chord progressions in any genre.

8. Sustain

Sustain plays a crucial role in capturing the haunting beauty of "Sleepwalk." You’ll learn how to control note length and dynamics, refining your touch and giving your playing a more emotive quality.

9. Rakes

Raking adds a percussive, muted effect that’s used sparingly but effectively in "Sleepwalk." Practicing this technique will help improve your rhythmic control and add a new dimension to your phrasing.

10. Whammy Bar Tricks

Beyond standard tremolo use, you’ll explore creative whammy bar techniques to add unique effects to your playing, mimicking Marvin’s nuanced sound.

Why Learn "Sleepwalk"?

Mastering "Sleepwalk" is more than just learning a song—it’s a gateway to enhancing your technique, tone, and musicality. The techniques covered in this lesson have broad applications, helping you tackle everything from blues and jazz to rock and pop. Additionally, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry of Hank Marvin and the legacy of instrumental guitar music.

List of Guitar Techniques Covered

Below is a list of guitar techniques you’ll explore in the "Sleepwalk" lesson, along with links to detailed guides:

• Vibrato
• Slides
• String Bending
• Tremolo Arm Techniques
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Arpeggios
• Sustain
• Rakes

Embark on your journey to mastering "Sleepwalk" today and unlock the timeless techniques that define Hank Marvin’s legendary playing style.