Killing Floor by Slash

Explore the power-packed guitar techniques of "Killing Floor" by Slash with our detailed note-for-note guitar lesson on LickLibrary.com. This lesson dives into the expressive and masterful playing that makes this track iconic, dissecting every lick, bend, and riff for players of all skill levels. Whether you're an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned shredder, our lesson will enhance your skills by focusing on Slash’s signature style and the techniques used in this incredible piece. Danny Gill breaks down this Slash classic in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and the Guitarist

"Killing Floor" is a high-energy song showcasing the incredible talent of Slash, a guitarist celebrated for his iconic riffs, emotional bends, and bluesy phrasing. Known as the lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses and for his work with Slash’s Snakepit and Myles Kennedy, Slash has influenced generations of guitarists with his unique blend of rock, blues, and heavy metal styles. His expressive playing on "Killing Floor" highlights his ability to seamlessly combine technical proficiency with raw emotion, making it a perfect study for players aiming to improve their lead and rhythm skills.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

String bending is a hallmark of Slash's style, and "Killing Floor" is packed with soulful bends that add emotion and depth to the song's lead lines. Bluesy bends are particularly emphasised, giving the notes a vocal-like quality. Mastering these techniques improves your pitch accuracy and expressiveness, allowing you to inject emotion into your solos.

Vibrato

Slash’s signature wide vibrato is another key focus in this lesson. Vibrato adds sustain and richness to the notes, enhancing their emotional impact. Practicing vibrato helps players develop a personal style and improve note control.

Alternate Picking

The fast, precise runs in "Killing Floor" require solid alternate picking. This technique is essential for achieving speed and clarity in your playing, and our lesson breaks down how to use it effectively in both lead and rhythm contexts.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Legato passages in the song showcase the seamless transitions between notes that hammer-ons and pull-offs allow. These techniques are invaluable for creating smooth, fluid phrases and improving finger strength and dexterity.

Slides

Slash uses slides to create dramatic transitions between notes and add flair to his solos. Practicing slides improves your ability to move efficiently across the fretboard while maintaining control and tone.

Double-Stop Bends

The powerful harmonies created by double-stop bends in "Killing Floor" are a highlight of the track. These techniques are perfect for adding a gritty, blues-inspired texture to your playing while improving finger independence and strength.

Pinched Harmonics

Slash’s use of pinched harmonics adds aggressive, screaming accents to key moments in the solo. These harmonics create a distinctive tone that enhances your dynamic control and flair.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The song’s rhythm sections feature driving power chords and tight palm-muted riffs, emphasising rhythm guitar mastery. These techniques are fundamental for rock and metal players, enhancing timing, attack, and dynamic control.

Slides and Rakes

Rakes and slides are used to build anticipation and emphasise notes, adding a percussive quality to the lead lines. These techniques teach players to incorporate subtle nuances that elevate solos.

Trills

Fast trills peppered throughout the solo sections of "Killing Floor" add a fiery, technical edge. Learning trills strengthens finger independence and speed, preparing you for advanced lead techniques.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each technique covered in this lesson not only unlocks the secrets behind Slash's playing but also enhances your overall musicianship. From building speed and precision with alternate picking to adding expressiveness with vibrato and string bending, these techniques form the foundation of rock and blues guitar. Additionally, mastering these elements will expand your creative vocabulary, enabling you to craft solos with confidence and originality.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Slides
• Double-Stop Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Rakes
• Trills

Dive into our "Killing Floor" by Slash lesson to master these techniques and bring your guitar playing to the next level!