Tumbling Dice by The Rolling Stones

The song "Tumbling Dice" by The Rolling Stones is a rock classic, featuring a laid-back yet groove-heavy guitar riff that captures the essence of 70s rock. This Licklibrary guitar lesson provides a note-for-note breakdown, teaching you each riff, chord, and technique in meticulous detail. The lesson not only helps players reproduce this legendary track but also enhances their skills with techniques that are foundational to rock guitar. Let’s dive into the different aspects of the song, the unique guitar techniques used, and how mastering these can elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists Behind "Tumbling Dice"

The Rolling Stones' guitar work on "Tumbling Dice" primarily features Keith Richards, with contributions from Mick Taylor. Known for his innovative use of open tunings and rhythmic playing, Richards brought a unique style that shaped the song’s feel. His rhythmic sensibility, rooted in blues and rock 'n' roll, is essential to the Stones’ distinctive sound. Taylor, with his fluid, bluesy lead work, complements Richards' riffs, adding depth and character. Both guitarists have inspired generations with their styles; understanding their approach in "Tumbling Dice" can give players insight into rock and blues guitar mastery.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques Used in "Tumbling Dice"

1. Open G Tuning

Keith Richards' signature tuning for this song is Open G, which adds a rich, resonant quality to the chords. Open tunings are crucial for players aiming to replicate that Stones sound and are often used in rock and blues for their versatility and depth. By mastering open tuning, guitarists can explore new chord shapes and riff ideas, unlocking a broader tonal palette and enhancing their rhythm playing.

2. Chord Progressions

"Tumbling Dice" revolves around a straightforward but effective chord progression. The progression flows seamlessly, creating a groove that’s infectious and easy to follow. Understanding chord progressions like these helps players with their song structure knowledge and rhythm guitar skills. Learning these patterns allows you to capture the essence of the track and apply similar progressions in your own compositions.

3. String Bending

String bending adds an expressive quality to solos, letting the player add vocal-like phrasing to their guitar lines. In "Tumbling Dice," subtle bends are used to give specific notes a soulful, almost human quality. Practicing string bending not only develops finger strength and control but also refines your ear, allowing you to hit notes more accurately.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs contribute to the smooth, legato style present in many Stones songs. They make the soloing sound fluid, adding to the song’s groove while enhancing phrasing. Learning this technique helps players achieve a more connected sound in their solos, allowing them to create seamless lines without picking every note. It’s an essential skill for rock, blues, and beyond.

5. Slides

Slides are a key part of the Stones’ sound, used to transition smoothly between notes and add a touch of flair to licks. In "Tumbling Dice," slides add smoothness and movement, enriching the solo work. Practicing slides can improve a player’s fretboard navigation and add a professional polish to solos, giving them a more expressive, blues-inspired feel.

6. Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously and are used in "Tumbling Dice" to add harmonies and thickness to certain riffs. This technique is fantastic for enhancing rhythm parts and giving solos a fuller, richer sound. Mastering double stops is beneficial for any guitarist, as they allow you to add depth and harmony without needing another guitar.

7. Syncopated Rhythms

Syncopation is a rhythmic technique that places emphasis on unexpected beats, creating a groove that’s both compelling and complex. "Tumbling Dice" employs syncopation in its riff, making it lively and engaging. By working on syncopated rhythms, players develop a better sense of timing and groove, which is invaluable for genres like rock, funk, and jazz.

8. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Arpeggios involve breaking down chords into individual notes, creating a melody within the chords themselves. In "Tumbling Dice," arpeggios contribute to the intricate rhythm guitar parts, giving the song a dynamic, flowing sound. Practicing arpeggiated chord progressions helps guitarists improve their precision and finger independence, providing a skill that’s highly useful in many musical contexts.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Mastering the techniques in "Tumbling Dice" brings more than just the ability to play the song; it’s an opportunity to gain skills foundational to rock and blues guitar. Open tunings broaden tonal options, while hammer-ons, pull-offs, and string bending add expression to solos. Slides, double stops, and syncopated rhythms help build an engaging and dynamic sound. By learning and applying these techniques, guitarists can not only play classic songs with authenticity but also bring a professional touch to their original compositions.

The techniques covered in this lesson are cornerstones of rock guitar. Each adds a unique dimension to a player’s skill set, whether it’s developing timing, expression, or precision. For players looking to explore the authentic Stones sound, these techniques are essential tools.

List of Guitar Techniques in the Lesson

• Open G Tuning
• Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

With these essential techniques, players can capture the iconic Stones sound, add depth to their own playing, and develop a skill set that translates across genres and styles.