Purple Rain by Prince
Prince’s iconic ballad, "Purple Rain," is a masterclass in emotional depth, melodic phrasing, and expressive guitar playing. Our LickLibrary guitar lesson for "Purple Rain" captures every nuance of Prince's powerful guitar work, allowing you to learn the song note for note and master the techniques that make this song such a timeless classic. In this lesson, you’ll explore essential techniques such as vibrato, string bending, slides, and double stops, all of which contribute to the song’s soulful and anthemic quality. Michael Casswell breaks down this 80s classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Guitar Techniques in "Purple Rain"
This lesson covers a variety of guitar techniques that will not only help you master the song but also develop skills that can be applied to a wide range of playing styles. Here’s a breakdown of the key techniques featured in this lesson:
Vibrato
One of the most essential techniques for adding expression to your playing, vibrato is used by Prince throughout "Purple Rain" to sustain and color his notes, giving them an emotional, vocal-like quality. Learning how to control and manipulate vibrato will help you add depth and personal expression to your own playing.
String Bending
In "Purple Rain," string bending is used to add tension and release in key moments of the guitar solo. Bending is a crucial technique for lead guitarists, as it allows you to transition smoothly between notes and create a more fluid, connected sound. Mastering bends will enhance your ability to play solos with emotion and flair, just as Prince does in this track.
Slides
Slides are prevalent throughout "Purple Rain," particularly during the intro and transitions between chord shapes. The slide technique creates a smooth, gliding effect between notes, which adds fluidity and continuity to your playing. Learning to execute clean and precise slides will improve your overall fretboard navigation and enhance your ability to create seamless transitions in your own solos and rhythm playing.
Double Stops
Double stops, or playing two notes simultaneously, are used in various parts of "Purple Rain" to add harmonic richness to the guitar lines. This technique is essential for creating fuller sounds without needing a second guitar. By mastering double stops, you’ll be able to add texture to your own rhythm and lead playing, making your sound more dynamic and versatile.
Sustained Notes
Sustain is a critical element in "Purple Rain," particularly in the solo section, where Prince holds notes for long durations, letting them resonate and fill the space. Mastering the art of sustain will teach you how to control note duration and maximise the emotional impact of your playing, whether through technique or gear choices such as amplifiers and pedals.
Barre Chords
The verses and chorus of "Purple Rain" utilise barre chords to create a solid harmonic foundation for the song. Barre chords allow you to move chord shapes up and down the fretboard, offering flexibility in your playing. Learning to play barre chords effectively will enhance your rhythm guitar skills and enable you to play in any key with ease.
Arpeggios
During some of the quieter moments of the song, arpeggios are used to break up chords into individual notes, creating a delicate, flowing sound. Mastering arpeggios is crucial for any guitarist, as it allows you to outline chords in a melodic way. This technique will elevate your fingerpicking and improve your ability to craft intricate chord progressions.
Bluesy Bends
Prince's use of bluesy bends during the solo adds an unmistakable flavour of soul and emotion to "Purple Rain." Bends that target specific pitches in a blues style will give your solos a vocal-like quality, perfect for expressing deeper emotions. Incorporating bluesy bends into your playing is a great way to develop your phrasing and melodic sensibility.
Guitar Players on "Purple Rain"
"Purple Rain" features Prince himself as the lead guitarist. His playing style on this track is deeply emotional, blending elements of rock, blues, and soul with masterful control over dynamics and phrasing. Prince's use of guitar as a tool for expression—particularly through techniques like vibrato and bending—has influenced countless players across multiple genres. He was known for his ability to evoke intense emotions through just a few carefully placed notes, a trait that is showcased prominently in this song.
Prince’s guitar playing on "Purple Rain" has inspired generations of musicians to focus on the emotional delivery of their playing, rather than purely technical skill. His blend of showmanship and genuine passion on stage and in the studio makes him a one-of-a-kind guitar player who has left an indelible mark on music history.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
By learning these techniques, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what makes "Purple Rain" such a timeless and emotionally charged song. You'll also expand your guitar playing toolkit with skills that will serve you well in a wide range of musical contexts.
