Machine Head by Deep Purple: A Guitarist's Guide

Released in March 1972, Deep Purple’s Machine Head is one of the most influential rock albums of all time and often cited as one of the first genuine heavy metal records.Commercially, it is the band’s most successful album, topping the charts in several countries following its release. Machine Head reached number 1 in the United Kingdom and stayed in the top 40 for 20 weeks, and in the United States, it remained on the Billboard 200 for an incredible 118 weeks. Learn to play the following: Highway Star, Maybe I’m a Leo, Pictures Of Home, Never Before, Smoke On The Water, Lazy, Space Truckin’ 

In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from the rock giants one phrase at a time, including Ritchie Blackmore’s legendary guitar riffs and solos from the tracks; “Highway Star” and “Pictures Of Home”, to the iconic “Smoke on the Water".

Guitar Lessons in this Guitar Course

Guitar Lesson 1: "Highway Star"

This song has become synonymous with the combination of hard rock and technical ability. The solo, performed in the G minor pentatonic scale, involves rapid alternate picking and showcases Blackmore's ability to integrate classical influences with blues licks.

Guitar Lesson 2: "Maybe I'm a Leo"

This track is set in G minor and features heavy use of power chords. The solos in this song demonstrate Blackmore's mastery over legato playing and his penchant for expressive bends.

Guitar Lesson 3: "Pictures of Home"

Built around the G major scale, "Pictures of Home" offers a rich harmonic palette. The guitar solos use slides and vibrato to create a dynamic sound that carries the rhythm and melody simultaneously.

Guitar Lesson 4: "Never Before"

In the key of G major, this track emphasizes chromaticism and string bending. The solo contains bluesy bends and palm-muting techniques that create a distinctively groovy and raw feel.

Guitar Lesson 5: "Smoke on the Water"

One of the most recognizable riffs in rock history, this song in G minor demonstrates the effective use of power chords, octave melodies, and syncopated rhythms. The solo is a fine example of how a melody can be both simple and highly effective.

Guitar Lesson 6: "Lazy"

Lazy, performed in C minor, offers a bluesy feel with extensive use of harmonics and trills. The guitar solo is a unique combination of slow, expressive bends, and faster, more technical passages.

Guitar Lesson 7: "Space Truckin'"

This track is a celebration of riff-driven rock, utilizing the G minor scale. Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work here is characterized by the extensive use of open-string riffs and galloping rhythms.

Ritchie Blackmore's Contribution to "Machine Head"

Ritchie Blackmore's role in "Machine Head" is nothing short of monumental. His innovative guitar techniques and blending of classical motifs with hard rock set new standards for rock guitar playing. The album's intricate solos, expressive riffs, and memorable melodies are a testament to Blackmore's ingenuity and skill.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in This Album

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Harmonics
• Slides
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-string Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Galloping Rhythms
• Chromaticism

"Machine Head" continues to stand as a cornerstone album for guitarists. The seamless blend of blues, rock, and classical influences has created a work that continues to inspire and challenge guitarists around the world.

NB: PERFORMANCE FOOTAGE NOT INCLUDED WITH THIS COURSE