Mississippi Queen – Mountain

“Mississippi Queen” by Mountain is a quintessential hard rock anthem that showcases the raw, unfiltered power of early '70s guitar-driven music. With its grinding riffs, slamming grooves, and expressive lead playing, this track is a goldmine for guitarists looking to refine their classic rock chops. In our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com, we dive deep into the techniques and stylistic nuances that make this track a staple in any rock guitarist’s toolkit. Whether you’re aiming to tighten up your rhythm skills or inject more personality into your solos, this lesson will deliver. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Legend Behind the Song

At the heart of "Mississippi Queen" is the unmistakable guitar work of Leslie West, a true pioneer of tone, feel, and phrasing. Known for his monstrous sound and economic note choice, West stood out among his peers by making every note count. His playing on this track is a masterclass in dynamics and power, and his use of the guitar as an extension of his vocal expression makes him one of the most influential players in classic rock history. West’s legacy continues to inspire generations of blues-rock and hard rock guitarists.

Iconic Riffs and Rhythmic Drive

The foundation of “Mississippi Queen” lies in its sludgy, fuzz-laden riffs powered by power chords. These riffs are rhythmically tight and aggressive, demanding precision and stamina. The main riff is a repetitive, chugging figure that requires solid palm-muting to keep it clean and punchy.

Benefit to the viewer: Mastering palm-muted power chords will help players develop tight rhythm control, essential for any rock or metal guitarist looking to sound polished and professional in a band setting.

Expressive String Bends and Vibrato

Leslie West’s solos are packed with expressive string bending and rich vibrato. His bends often reach vocal-like intensity, mimicking the emotional qualities of a singer. The vibrato he employs is wide, slow, and deliberate, adding a sense of drama and soul to every phrase.

Benefit to the viewer: Learning to execute expressive bends and controlled vibrato can drastically improve a guitarist's soloing voice, giving their playing more personality and emotional impact.

Slides and Bluesy Phrasing

West incorporates slick slides and gritty bluesy bends to maintain a blues-based foundation throughout his solos. This approach emphasises phrasing over speed, encouraging players to think melodically.

Benefit to the viewer: Incorporating slides and bluesy articulation develops musical phrasing and helps players connect scales to musical expression, not just technical execution.

Double-Stops and Unison Bends

Another standout technique in this track is the use of double-stops and unison bends. These add harmonic depth and a vocal-like texture to the lead lines. West often employs these to punch through the mix and create a more powerful melodic statement.

Benefit to the viewer: Practicing these techniques enhances your ability to create harmonically rich solos and adds aggression and emphasis to your lead playing.

Pinched Harmonics

In a few key spots, West squeezes out snarling pinched harmonics that pierce through the dense mix. These harmonics give the notes a scream-like quality and are perfect for creating standout moments in a solo.

Benefit to the viewer: Mastering pinched harmonics adds a dramatic, attention-grabbing sound to your solos and improves overall control of pick dynamics and touch.

Why Learn “Mississippi Queen”?

Aside from being a certified rock classic, "Mississippi Queen" offers a concentrated dose of all the elements that make up a powerful rock guitarist’s vocabulary. From tight, fuzzed-out rhythm work to searing, emotive lead lines, the techniques in this song aren’t just stylistically iconic — they’re foundational for any player looking to own the stage with swagger and authority. Whether you're playing in a band, jamming at home, or developing your stage presence, this lesson will provide tools you can use in a wide range of rock, blues, and even metal contexts.

Guitar Techniques Featured in this Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm-Muting
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Bluesy Bends
• Double-Stops
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics

Get ready to bring some serious attitude and vintage tone to your playing — “Mississippi Queen” is not just a song, it’s a statement. And with our lesson at LickLibrary.com, you’ll learn to make that statement with authority.