Welcome To The Black Parade - My Chemical Romance Guitar Lesson

"Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance is one of the most iconic songs in the modern rock genre. Its epic composition, powerful guitar riffs, and emotional depth make it a fan favourite, and it’s an excellent song to learn for guitarists looking to sharpen their skills. In this detailed lesson, we break down the song note-for-note, teaching the techniques that guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero use to craft their signature sound. This lesson will cover both the rhythm and lead sections of the song, focusing on specific techniques that not only enhance your playing but also improve your overall guitar proficiency. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Techniques in "Welcome To The Black Parade"

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the rhythm section in "Welcome to the Black Parade." These simple yet powerful two-note chords are frequently used in rock music for their full, thick sound. The main riff of the song is driven by power chords, which provide the foundation for the song’s energetic feel. Learning power chords is crucial for rock guitarists, as they are versatile and can be used in various styles of music.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used throughout the song to create dynamic contrast between the verse and chorus sections. This technique involves lightly resting the palm of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while playing, resulting in a percussive, muted sound. Palm muting allows you to add intensity and rhythmic control to your playing, and mastering it will enable you to bring out more emotion in your performances.

Alternate Picking

Throughout the song, especially in the faster, more intricate sections, alternate picking is essential. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes with your pick, allowing you to play at higher speeds with greater efficiency. Alternate picking is particularly useful in the pre-chorus build-up and the faster lead lines. Developing your alternate picking will improve your overall picking speed and accuracy, making it easier to tackle fast-paced songs like this one.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

The lead guitar in "Welcome to the Black Parade" prominently features string bending, where notes are bent up to reach the pitch of a higher note. This expressive technique is used to create vocal-like phrasing and add emotion to the guitar parts. Bluesy bends, which are subtle half-step bends, are also employed to add a sense of tension and release. Mastering string bending will enhance your lead guitar playing by giving you more control over the pitch and expressiveness of your notes.

Vibrato

Vibrato, the slight variation in pitch achieved by oscillating the string, is another key technique used in the lead guitar parts. In "Welcome to the Black Parade," vibrato is used to add richness and sustain to long-held notes, making them sound more dramatic and emotive. Developing your vibrato will greatly improve the musicality of your playing and help you stand out as a more expressive guitarist.

Octave Melodies

One of the most memorable parts of the song is the octave melody played during the bridge. Octave melodies are a great way to add depth and fullness to your guitar parts while maintaining clarity. Playing octaves helps to reinforce the melodic content of the song, and this technique is perfect for enhancing your melodic playing skills, making it easier to navigate the fretboard and play harmonised lines.

Barre Chords

In the more harmonic sections of the song, barre chords are used to add texture and fullness. Barre chords require you to press down multiple strings across a single fret, and they can be challenging for beginner guitarists. However, mastering barre chords is essential for expanding your chord vocabulary, allowing you to play more complex songs and access a wider range of tonal possibilities on the guitar.

About the Guitarists

Ray Toro and Frank Iero are the two primary guitarists in My Chemical Romance, and their dynamic partnership is a key component of the band’s sound. Ray Toro, known for his technical proficiency and melodic sensibility, often plays the lead guitar parts, while Frank Iero brings a raw, punk-inspired energy to the rhythm guitar sections. Toro's use of complex lead lines, octave melodies, and harmonised parts creates a rich sonic landscape, while Iero’s aggressive playing style adds intensity and drive to the song. Both guitarists draw from a wide range of influences, including classic rock, punk, and metal, making them versatile players who push the boundaries of modern rock guitar.

Their influence extends beyond My Chemical Romance, as many modern rock and emo bands have taken cues from their approach to guitar. Toro's technical mastery and Iero's punk attitude create a balance that has inspired countless guitarists to blend precision with raw emotion in their playing.

Guitar Techniques List

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Octave Melodies
• Barre Chords

This lesson provides everything you need to master the guitar parts of "Welcome to the Black Parade," while also teaching you techniques that will serve you well in many other songs and styles. Dive into this song and start building your guitar skills today!