Witch Hunt by Rush - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson

Our Witch Hunt by Rush guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com is a detailed, note-for-note breakdown of this haunting and complex piece from Rush’s iconic album Moving Pictures. This lesson is crafted to give players of all levels insight into the guitar techniques that shape the song, while guiding you to play it exactly as Alex Lifeson performed it. With a focus on essential techniques like power chords, alternate picking, and barre chords, this lesson will enhance your guitar skills and bring you closer to mastering Rush’s classic sound. This lesson is taught by Sam Bell.

Technique Breakdown

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of Witch Hunt, providing a solid and powerful structure that drives the rhythm of the song. These chords are often played with minimal fingering, focusing on the root and fifth of the chord, which creates a strong, resonant sound. Power chords are foundational in rock and metal music due to their simplicity and powerful tone, making them ideal for beginners and experienced players alike.

Learning power chords is a valuable skill because it enhances your ability to switch quickly between chords, improving your rhythmic precision. Mastering power chords also allows you to play a wide range of rock songs with confidence, as they are one of the most widely used chord shapes in modern guitar music.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is another essential technique Lifeson employs in Witch Hunt, adding speed and articulation to the song’s rhythm and melody lines. This technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes with the pick, which maximizes efficiency and allows for faster, cleaner note transitions.

For guitarists, mastering alternate picking opens up new possibilities for playing fast-paced and intricate patterns. This skill is highly beneficial for building speed, accuracy, and endurance on the guitar. Additionally, alternate picking can add a distinct rhythmic flow to your playing, making it essential for replicating the feel of complex pieces like Witch Hunt.

Barre Chords

Barre chords play a significant role in Witch Hunt, providing depth and texture that enrich the overall sound. Barre chords are formed by pressing down multiple strings with one finger while forming a chord shape with the others. These chords allow guitarists to play a wide range of chord voicings across the fretboard, giving them flexibility to explore different tones and dynamics.

Learning barre chords is beneficial for players as it improves finger strength, dexterity, and endurance. Additionally, mastering barre chords allows you to play in various keys with ease, broadening your chordal vocabulary and giving you the freedom to experiment with different musical styles.

About Alex Lifeson and His Influence

The guitarist behind Witch Hunt, Alex Lifeson, is one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time, known for his innovative approach and exceptional skill. Lifeson’s playing style has inspired countless guitarists around the world, blending intricate rhythms with creative chord progressions and technical precision. His contributions to progressive rock guitar are profound, combining a unique blend of melodicism, powerful riffs, and dynamic textures. In Witch Hunt, Lifeson masterfully employs power chords, alternate picking, and barre chords to create the intense, layered sound that characterizes the song. Learning Lifeson’s techniques in this track not only opens the door to understanding his work but also builds a strong foundation for tackling other complex rock pieces.

Guitar Techniques in Witch Hunt by Rush

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Barre Chords