Gates of Babylon – Rainbow

Step into the mystical and exotic world of Rainbow with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Gates of Babylon”, one of the band’s most ambitious and musically complex tracks. This classic tune from the 1978 Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll album is a must-learn for any guitarist looking to dive deep into advanced rock guitar playing. In this exclusive LickLibrary lesson, we break down every intricate detail of Ritchie Blackmore’s performance, highlighting the essential techniques and offering guidance on how to master them with clarity and confidence. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

Ritchie Blackmore, founding member of both Deep Purple and Rainbow, is revered as one of the most innovative and expressive guitarists in rock history. Known for his neo-classical approach, impeccable phrasing, and fearless exploration of exotic sounds, Blackmore’s playing on Gates of Babylon is nothing short of spellbinding. His use of Middle Eastern scales, precision phrasing, and dynamic control helped define Rainbow’s signature sound and has influenced generations of guitarists, from shred legends to progressive rock players.

Song Breakdown: Techniques and Highlights

Exotic Scales and Chromaticism

One of the hallmarks of Gates of Babylon is its use of Middle Eastern-inflected scales and chromaticism, which create a dark, cinematic atmosphere. This lesson will guide you through scale patterns that evoke this mystical vibe, helping you add a unique voice to your playing and expand your musical vocabulary.

Alternate Picking for Precision and Speed

The main riffs and many of the fast lead passages in this track require clean, articulate alternate picking. This technique is critical for executing fast passages with precision and avoiding tension in the picking hand. Practicing alternate picking improves timing, clarity, and endurance across all genres.

String Bending and Bluesy Phrasing

Ritchie Blackmore’s expressive string bending and bluesy bends bring an emotional depth to his solos. In this lesson, we focus on accurate pitch control, how to execute bends with feel, and how to incorporate them into your own improvisation for maximum impact.

Vibrato for Expression

No Blackmore solo would be complete without his signature vibrato. This technique gives life to sustained notes and adds personality to your playing. We’ll demonstrate how to develop a strong, consistent vibrato that matches Blackmore’s expressive style.

Legato Runs and Fluidity

Several parts of the solo feature smooth legato passages combining hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques promote fluid, fast playing and are essential for delivering phrases that sound seamless and connected.

Arpeggios for Melodic Soloing

Throughout Gates of Babylon, arpeggios are used to outline chord progressions melodically. This lesson breaks down Blackmore’s phrasing with arpeggios, giving you tools to build more harmonically rich solos.

Double Stops and Harmonies

Blackmore’s use of double stops and layered dual-guitar harmonies in the song’s arrangement give the track its epic feel. We’ll walk you through how to play these parts and how to use these techniques to thicken your own guitar lines.

Slides and Trills

Ritchie’s stylistic flair is also evident in his tasteful use of slides and trills, which add drama and nuance to his phrasing. These embellishments are essential for creating expressive lead lines and connecting melodic ideas smoothly.

Power Chords and Chord Progressions

The rhythm sections in Gates of Babylon feature tight power chords and dynamic chord progressions, often shifting underneath dramatic melodies. Understanding the song’s harmonic structure enhances your rhythm playing and improves your arrangement skills.

Benefits of Learning "Gates of Babylon"

Learning Gates of Babylon offers guitarists a masterclass in blending melodic phrasing with technical prowess. The song demands control, precision, and expressive dynamics—all of which are crucial elements in becoming a well-rounded player. By studying this track, you’ll gain insights into exotic modal playing, improve your soloing vocabulary, and develop a greater understanding of how lead and rhythm guitar interact in a complex arrangement.

Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, metal, or progressive music, this lesson will deepen your appreciation for guitar composition and refine the key techniques that make Ritchie Blackmore’s playing legendary.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pull-offs
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Double Stops
• Trills
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Chromaticism

Ready to unlock the gates? Dive into the full Gates of Babylon lesson at LickLibrary.com and take your playing to new mystical heights.