"Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones

"Paint It Black" by The Rolling Stones is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1960s, known for its haunting melody, driving rhythms, and innovative guitar work. In this Licklibrary note-for-note guitar lesson, you'll be guided through every element of the song, unlocking the techniques and styles that define its signature sound. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your playing or a more advanced guitarist seeking to master classic rock guitar techniques, this lesson will provide a deep dive into the musical intricacies of "Paint It Black." Danny Gill breaks down this iconic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Paint It Black"

The guitar work on "Paint It Black" is primarily credited to two of The Rolling Stones' key members—Brian Jones and Keith Richards. Brian Jones, known for his experimental approach to instrumentation, plays the iconic sitar part in the song, adding an Eastern, psychedelic flavour to the track. Meanwhile, Keith Richards delivers the driving guitar rhythm that gives the song its rock edge. As one of the architects of rock and roll, Richards is known for his ability to blend rhythm and lead guitar seamlessly, using powerful chord progressions and emotive string bending.

Both Jones and Richards are hugely influential figures in rock history. Jones was a multi-instrumentalist who brought a unique sonic texture to The Stones' early work, while Richards' gritty, riff-driven style has inspired generations of guitarists.

Breaking Down the Techniques in "Paint It Black"

This guitar lesson breaks down the techniques featured in "Paint It Black" and helps you master them to recreate the iconic sound of the song. Below are the key techniques highlighted in this lesson, along with their benefits to you as a player.

String Bending

String bending is essential in capturing the emotion and expressiveness of the main melody in "Paint It Black." Keith Richards uses precise string bends to add tension and release to the song's phrases. Learning this technique will allow you to add more depth to your solos and melodic playing, making your guitar lines stand out with character and emotion.

Alternate Picking

To achieve the fast-paced, driving rhythm that propels the song forward, alternate picking is crucial. In this lesson, you'll be taught how to pick each note efficiently by alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, which enhances speed and accuracy. Mastering alternate picking will improve your timing and enable you to play faster passages with greater ease and control.

Chord Progressions

"Paint It Black" features a repetitive but effective chord progression that forms the backbone of the song. Understanding how to play and connect these chord shapes will give you a solid foundation in chord progressions, which is a fundamental aspect of rhythm guitar. You'll learn how to smoothly transition between chords while maintaining a steady rhythm.

Open String Riffs

One of the striking elements of the guitar part in "Paint It Black" is the use of open-string riffs. These create a droning, hypnotic effect, which complements the song's Eastern-inspired vibe. Open-string riffs are great for adding texture to your playing and can be applied to various musical styles to enhance the mood and atmosphere of your music.

Slides

Sliding between notes is a technique used in "Paint It Black" to create smooth transitions and fluid melodic lines. In this lesson, you'll learn how to execute slides cleanly, allowing you to glide from one note to another without breaking the flow of your playing. Mastering slides will add a professional touch to your phrasing and help you play more lyrically.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm guitar part in "Paint It Black" incorporates syncopation, which helps to create a sense of urgency and forward momentum in the song. Syncopation is a technique where you emphasise off-beats or unexpected beats in the rhythm. Learning this will help you break out of predictable rhythms and bring more excitement and complexity to your playing.

The Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the guitar techniques featured in "Paint It Black" will not only help you play this classic song note-for-note, but also build a foundation for other essential guitar skills. String bending and slides teach you how to play with more expressiveness, while alternate picking and open-string riffs enhance your technical precision. Understanding chord progressions and syncopated rhythms will improve your rhythm guitar playing, making you a more well-rounded musician. Ultimately, mastering these techniques will give you greater confidence in your playing and open the door to more advanced musical concepts.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Here is a list of guitar techniques covered in our "Paint It Black" guitar lesson. If you're interested in learning more about any of these techniques, feel free to explore their detailed descriptions via the links below:

• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

By mastering these techniques, you'll not only be able to play "Paint It Black" with confidence and precision but also gain valuable skills that can be applied to many other songs and styles of music.