Master the Rolling Stones’ “Angie”

“Angie” by The Rolling Stones is one of the most iconic ballads in rock history, showcasing a perfect blend of emotive melodies, intricate guitar work, and timeless songwriting. In this guitar lesson, we take a deep dive into the techniques that make this song so mesmerising. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, learning “Angie” will refine your playing with essential skills that every guitarist should master. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Angie"

“Angie” features the masterful guitar work of Keith Richards and Mick Taylor, two legends who redefined the role of the guitar in rock music. Keith Richards is renowned for his innovative use of open tunings and rhythmically sophisticated playing, while Mick Taylor’s expressive leads and melodic phrasing brought a bluesy elegance to the Stones’ sound. Together, they crafted a guitar arrangement for “Angie” that’s both subtle and emotionally powerful, creating an enduring masterpiece that inspires players to this day.

Techniques Highlighted in “Angie”

1. Finger-Picking

One of the key techniques used in “Angie” is finger-picking, a style that involves plucking the strings directly with your fingers instead of using a pick. This technique gives the song its gentle, flowing texture, making it perfect for acoustic ballads.

Benefits: Mastering finger-picking improves your control and precision, allowing you to create dynamic, expressive tones. It’s also a foundational technique for genres like folk, classical, and unplugged rock.

2. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

“Angie” showcases beautiful arpeggiated chord progressions, where the notes of a chord are played individually in a sequence. This creates a delicate, cascading sound that defines the song’s intro and verses.

Benefits: Practicing arpeggios enhances your finger dexterity and builds a strong connection between your picking hand and fretting hand. It also provides a framework for writing your own melodies and riffs.

3. String Bending

While subtle, string bending adds emotional depth to the lead lines in “Angie.” By bending a string to reach the pitch of another note, guitarists infuse their playing with soulful expression.

Benefits: String bending strengthens your fretting fingers and hones your ear for pitch accuracy. It’s an essential technique for blues, rock, and jazz styles.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are used throughout the song to create smooth, legato transitions between notes. These techniques bring fluidity and a singing quality to the guitar lines.

Benefits: Learning these techniques enhances finger strength and agility, enabling you to play faster, more intricate passages with ease.

5. Slides

Sliding between notes is another technique featured in “Angie,” adding a lyrical, gliding quality to the melodies. This technique is especially effective in conveying emotion.

Benefits: Practicing slides improves your fretboard navigation and adds a polished, professional feel to your playing.

6. Barre Chords

Barre chords form the backbone of “Angie,” allowing players to move up and down the neck with consistent chord shapes. Keith Richards’ deft use of barre chords gives the song its harmonic richness.

Benefits: Mastering barre chords expands your chord vocabulary and helps you transition smoothly between shapes across the fretboard.

7. Vibrato

Vibrato is used sparingly in “Angie” to add warmth and sustain to key notes. This technique involves oscillating the pitch slightly to create a rich, expressive sound.

Benefits: Vibrato improves finger strength and control while adding emotion and character to your playing.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in “Angie”

Here’s a summary of the techniques you’ll practice in our “Angie” lesson, with helpful links for further exploration:

• Finger-Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Barre Chords
• Vibrato

By learning “Angie,” you’ll not only master a Rolling Stones classic but also strengthen your grasp of essential guitar techniques that will elevate your playing to the next level. Start your journey with our note-for-note lessons today!