Empire - Queensrÿche

Learn to Play ‘Empire’ by Queensrÿche Note for Note

Queensrÿche’s ‘Empire’ is a hard-hitting track from their 1990 album of the same name, known for its sharp riffs, powerful melodic structure, and articulate lead guitar work. This lesson takes you through the song step by step, ensuring you master every detail of this progressive metal classic.

With a mix of precision-driven rhythms, intricate lead work, and expressive phrasing, ‘Empire’ is a great song for guitarists looking to improve their technical proficiency, articulation, and control. In this lesson, we break down the song’s most essential techniques, helping you refine your playing while staying true to the original composition. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind ‘Empire’

Queensrÿche’s guitar work has always been a standout feature of their music, and ‘Empire’ is no exception. The song showcases the legendary playing of Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton, whose dual-guitar attack helped define the band’s signature sound.

Chris DeGarmo was known for his melodic sense, songwriting skills, and smooth lead phrasing, while Michael Wilton provided precision-driven riffs and soaring solos. Together, their dual-guitar harmonies and expressive solos became hallmarks of progressive metal, influencing countless guitarists.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

1. Power Chords

Power chords drive the main rhythm of ‘Empire’, creating a tight, percussive, and heavy sound. These fundamental shapes are used throughout rock and metal and are perfect for building hand strength and improving fretboard navigation.

2. Palm Muting

A key technique in this song’s rhythm sections, palm muting adds dynamics and punch to the guitar tone. This technique is crucial for articulating fast riffs and maintaining clarity in distorted tones.

3. Alternate Picking

Many of the riffs in ‘Empire’ require clean, precise alternate picking to maintain the song’s tight rhythmic feel. Mastering this technique will enhance your speed, accuracy, and picking-hand endurance.

4. Vibrato

Chris DeGarmo’s lead work features expressive vibrato, adding emotion and sustain to his notes. This technique helps guitarists develop finger strength and control over pitch and tone.

5. String Bending

The solo and lead fills in ‘Empire’ incorporate precise string bends, allowing notes to soar and sing. String bending is an essential skill for expressive soloing and achieving vocal-like phrasing.

6. Slides

Sliding between notes gives the lead lines a fluid, connected feel. Learning to slide smoothly helps improve your legato playing and fretboard movement.

7. Double Stops

Throughout the song, DeGarmo and Wilton use double stops to create harmonised and fuller-sounding lead lines. This technique is a great way to add depth and richness to your solos.

8. Unison Bends

Unison bends are used to create a wider, harmonised lead tone in the song. This technique builds bending accuracy and adds a unique expressive quality to solos.

9. Arpeggios

Some sections of ‘Empire’ feature arpeggiated chord progressions, which allow each note of the chord to ring individually. Practicing arpeggios improves finger coordination and clarity in playing.

10. Harmonics

Natural and pinched harmonics give parts of the song a shimmering, percussive effect. Mastering harmonics can add unique textures and tonal variety to your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in ‘Empire’

Below is a list of techniques used in the song, along with links to help you refine each one:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Unison Bends
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics

By learning ‘Empire’ note for note, you’ll gain control over rhythm precision, lead phrasing, and articulation, all while mastering techniques that are essential for any rock or metal guitarist. Whether you’re a fan of Queensrÿche or simply looking to expand your technical repertoire, this lesson will take your playing to the next level.