Fall To Pieces - Velvet Revolver
Learn how to play Fall To Pieces by Velvet Revolver with this in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. This powerful rock ballad features the signature style of guitar legend Slash, packed with soulful phrasing, melodic lead lines, and expressive guitar techniques. In this lesson, you'll dive deep into the licks and riffs that make this song so memorable, while sharpening essential skills that every rock guitarist should have in their toolbox. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Guitarist
Fall To Pieces is one of Velvet Revolver’s most iconic tracks, showcasing a more melodic and emotional side of the supergroup. At the heart of the song is guitarist Slash, known for his expressive, blues-influenced style, fluid vibrato, and emotive bends. Slash’s playing on this track combines classic rock tones with contemporary sensibilities, creating a timeless sound that resonates with guitarists across genres.
Slash’s influence on the guitar world is undeniable. As the lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, he helped define the sound of late ’80s and early ’90s rock, and with Velvet Revolver, he continued to evolve his style while staying true to the emotive phrasing that made him famous. Studying this track gives guitarists a chance to better understand Slash’s phrasing, tone, and articulation.
Song Structure and Techniques Explored
Our Fall To Pieces guitar lesson covers every section of the song, breaking down each part with a focus on both rhythm and lead guitar work. You’ll explore a variety of expressive techniques that form the backbone of Slash’s playing style.
Vibrato
Vibrato is one of the most expressive tools in a guitarist’s arsenal, and Slash uses it to full effect in this track. Our lesson teaches how to control vibrato speed and width to add emotion and sustain to lead lines. Mastering vibrato helps you develop your own voice on the instrument and gives your solos a vocal-like quality.
Slides
Slides are used throughout the intro and melodic phrases to create smooth transitions between notes. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use slides for both subtle and dramatic effect. Practicing slides improves fretboard navigation and phrasing, giving your playing a more fluid and connected feel.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
These legato techniques are central to many of the faster melodic runs in the solo. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs helps develop finger strength and fluidity, allowing for smoother transitions between notes and more expressive phrasing.
String Bending
Slash is known for his masterful use of string bending, and this song features numerous examples that highlight his control and intonation. You’ll learn how to bend notes accurately to pitch and incorporate bends into melodic lines, a key element of expressive soloing.
Power Chords
The main riff of the song relies on crunchy, well-executed power chords. These form the foundation of rock rhythm guitar and are essential for tight, punchy rhythm playing. You'll also work on dynamics and muting to make your rhythm parts sound polished and professional.
Arpeggios
The verse sections include broken chords and arpeggios that give the song its moody and emotional vibe. Learning these helps improve finger independence and precision, especially when playing slower, more expressive parts.
Unison Bends
This lesson also covers unison bends, a technique Slash uses to add grit and intensity to his solos. Mastering this technique develops pitch accuracy and adds an aggressive edge to your lead playing.
Benefits of Learning These Techniques
Each technique in this lesson is chosen not just for its presence in the song, but for the foundational value it offers to all guitarists:
- Improved phrasing – Techniques like vibrato, bending, and slides help develop your sense of timing and emotion.
- Technical fluency – Legato elements such as hammer-ons and pull-offs improve finger strength and coordination.
- Tone and control – Unison bends and arpeggios require precision and attention to detail, helping you dial in better tone.
- Rhythmic confidence – Power chords reinforce your sense of groove and rhythm, essential for playing in a band setting.
Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson
Whether you're a Slash fan, a hard rock guitarist, or just looking to expand your expressive playing, the Fall To Pieces guitar lesson at LickLibrary offers both musical inspiration and practical skills. Dive in and experience one of rock’s most soulful ballads—note for note.
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