YYZ by Rush

Rush's instrumental masterpiece “YYZ” remains one of the most iconic showcases of progressive rock musicianship. At LickLibrary.com, we’ve created a comprehensive guitar lesson that teaches the song note-for-note, giving guitarists the opportunity to dive into Alex Lifeson's intricate playing style and explore the advanced techniques that make this track a true classic. Our lesson breaks down the riffs, leads, and rhythmic complexities, guiding you through each section with clear instruction and close-up demonstrations.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist looking to expand your technical vocabulary, or a dedicated Rush fan eager to master this instrumental beast, this lesson is designed to challenge and inspire. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarist

Released in 1981 on the critically acclaimed Moving Pictures album, “YYZ” stands out as a rhythmic and melodic tour de force. Named after the airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport, the track is built on a complex Morse code-inspired rhythm that sets the stage for dazzling performances from each band member.

Alex Lifeson, the band's legendary guitarist, is widely recognised for his unique blend of technical prowess, tonal creativity, and emotive phrasing. In “YYZ,” Lifeson masterfully navigates complex time signatures, tightly locked grooves, and soaring melodic lines, making this track a goldmine for guitarists wanting to push their playing to the next level. His influence extends across generations of rock and prog guitarists, known for his ability to balance flash with feel.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Alternate Picking

One of the most essential techniques in “YYZ” is alternate picking. From the staccato intro riff to the rapid-fire runs throughout the track, Lifeson’s precise picking technique helps articulate the complex rhythms. Developing this technique increases your speed, accuracy, and stamina—vital for any aspiring rock or prog player.

Legato

Smooth transitions between notes, especially during solo sections, are achieved using legato techniques. Lifeson blends hammer-ons and pull-offs seamlessly to create flowing phrases. Practicing legato improves your fretboard fluidity and allows for more expressive soloing.

String Bending

Expressive string bending is essential in capturing Lifeson’s phrasing in this track. Controlled bends mimic vocal-like qualities and add intensity to lead lines. Learning to bend accurately improves pitch control and adds soul to your solos.

Vibrato

Lifeson’s nuanced use of vibrato adds character and sustain to his notes. Mastering vibrato enhances your tone, making your solos more expressive and unique.

Palm Muting

The chuggy, percussive feel in the main riff is enhanced through palm muting. This technique tightens your rhythm playing and emphasises dynamics. It’s essential for articulating complex rhythmic phrases, especially in progressive music.

Slides

Slides are used throughout “YYZ” to add movement and seamless transitions between positions. Slides also bring a vocal-like fluidity to lead lines and help build fretboard navigation skills.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

As part of the legato phrasing, both hammer-ons and pull-offs are frequently used to maintain speed without over-relying on picking. These techniques are key for building fast, flowing lines and are vital to the Lifeson style.

Harmonics

Lifeson utilises harmonics to add unique textures to the track. This technique gives your playing a shimmering quality and helps you develop better right-hand control and harmonic awareness.

Unison Bends

Unison bends offer a powerful, vocal-like expression used to accentuate certain lead passages. This technique adds drama and impact, helping you master pitch precision and dynamic bending.

Why Learn “YYZ”?

This lesson is more than just a song breakdown—it’s a progressive guitar workout. Tackling “YYZ” sharpens your technical skills across multiple areas including timing, finger strength, and fretboard mastery. It also challenges your rhythmic understanding with complex time signatures like 5/4 and 7/8. Learning this track not only pays homage to a prog-rock classic but strengthens your overall musicianship.

Plus, it’s just incredibly fun to play.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Harmonics
• Unison Bends

Ready to tackle this prog-rock masterpiece? Head over to LickLibrary.com and start learning “YYZ” by Rush, one phrase at a time, with our expert guidance.