Tom Sawyer by Rush

The song "Tom Sawyer" by Rush is an iconic anthem that showcases the masterful guitar work of Alex Lifeson. Known for its dynamic blend of power chords, intricate riffs, and innovative techniques, "Tom Sawyer" is an essential piece for any guitarist looking to enhance their skill set. Our note-for-note guitar lesson on "Tom Sawyer" delves deep into Lifeson's unique approach, providing a comprehensive breakdown of each section of the song and emphasising the core guitar techniques that define this classic. Through these lessons, players will not only learn to play the song as it was originally intended but will also gain valuable skills that can be applied across a variety of musical styles. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Alex Lifeson and His Influence

Alex Lifeson, the guitarist of Rush, is celebrated for his pioneering approach to progressive rock guitar. Blending rock with elements of jazz and classical music, Lifeson helped shape the sound of Rush with his adventurous, technically sophisticated playing style. In "Tom Sawyer," Lifeson balances complex chord structures with punchy, memorable riffs, showcasing his unique ability to blend technical skill with melodic sensibility. His influence extends far beyond Rush, as he has inspired generations of guitarists to explore new techniques and push the boundaries of rock guitar.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Tom Sawyer"

The lesson on "Tom Sawyer" is crafted to focus on several pivotal techniques. Each technique is broken down to ensure that players understand both the execution and the musical purpose, making this a valuable learning experience for guitarists of varying skill levels. Here are the primary techniques covered:

Power Chords

Description: Power chords are a staple in rock guitar, characterised by their rich, full sound. Lifeson uses them to drive the song’s powerful riff, creating a solid foundation for the song’s main groove.

Benefits: Learning power chords enhances your ability to create strong rhythmic foundations. They are versatile and can be applied across genres, helping you build dynamic rock rhythms and improve hand strength and accuracy.

Alternate Picking

Description: Alternate picking is essential to achieve the song's rhythmically precise, driving sound. By alternating up and down strokes, Lifeson maintains a steady pulse that complements the song's complex drum and bass parts.

Benefits: Practicing alternate picking helps build speed and precision, making it easier to tackle fast-paced riffs and maintain consistency throughout longer passages.

String Bending

Description: Lifeson incorporates expressive string bends, adding emotional weight to his solos. Bends are used to raise the pitch of a note to the desired tone, giving the player control over the sound's intensity and feel.

Benefits: Mastering string bending improves pitch control and allows for expressive, vocal-like phrasing, giving life and soul to your lead playing.

Slides

Description: Slides connect notes smoothly, helping create a flowing, seamless sound. Lifeson uses slides in the main riff to add fluidity and movement.

Benefits: Learning slides enhances finger mobility and helps players develop smoother transitions between notes, making your playing sound more connected and professional.

Vibrato

Description: Vibrato adds subtle variations in pitch to a sustained note, creating a warmer, fuller tone. Lifeson’s tasteful vibrato contributes to the expressive quality of his solos.

Benefits: Vibrato is crucial for adding emotion to your playing. Developing this technique refines control over the fretboard, allowing you to give your sound a personal touch and unique character.

Harmonics

Description: Harmonics are used to produce high, bell-like tones. In "Tom Sawyer," Lifeson uses harmonics to add ethereal, resonant sounds that stand out in the mix.

Benefits: Learning harmonics introduces players to advanced sound textures. They add variety to your playing and open up creative possibilities for integrating unique sounds into your music.

Palm Muting

Description: Palm muting involves lightly resting the picking hand on the strings to dampen their sound, creating a muted, percussive effect. Lifeson uses this technique to control dynamics in the verses, adding rhythmic definition to his playing.

Benefits: Practicing palm muting helps with rhythm and dynamic control, enabling you to add emphasis and create a more professional, polished sound.

Arpeggios

Description: Arpeggios are played when the notes of a chord are picked individually, creating a cascading effect. Lifeson uses arpeggios to add harmonic depth to the verses.

Benefits: Learning arpeggios enhances your finger independence and coordination. It opens up melodic possibilities, allowing you to explore intricate, harmonically rich soundscapes.

Open String Riffs

Description: Open string riffs incorporate un-fretted strings into a melody, creating resonance and adding fullness to the sound. Lifeson uses this technique in "Tom Sawyer" to achieve a distinctive, ringing quality in the song’s riff.

Benefits: Open string riffs improve accuracy and picking control, making it easier to create resonant, layered sounds. This technique is highly versatile and can be applied to numerous musical styles.

Syncopated Rhythms

Description: Syncopated rhythms place emphasis on off-beats, adding complexity and a unique groove. Lifeson’s use of syncopation gives "Tom Sawyer" its driving, complex feel.

Benefits: Learning syncopated rhythms develops timing and rhythmic awareness. It can transform basic riffs into more dynamic, engaging patterns, enhancing the groove in any piece.

List of Guitar Techniques in "Tom Sawyer"

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Harmonics
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Open String Riffs
• Syncopated Rhythms

Each of these techniques, when mastered, will not only help you play "Tom Sawyer" accurately but also expand your overall guitar skills, making you a more versatile and expressive guitarist. Explore this comprehensive lesson on "Tom Sawyer" by Rush to dive deep into Alex Lifeson's legendary style and elevate your guitar playing to new heights.