Learn To Play Rainbow

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Rainbow, a pioneering British rock band formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore in 1975, has been an influential force in the world of rock and heavy metal. Their complex compositions, intricate melodies, and especially Blackmore's virtuosic guitar playing have set a high standard for musicianship. "Learn To Play Rainbow" is a comprehensive guide for guitarists to dive deep into the techniques and artistry of this legendary band. Below, we explore the guitar work on five quintessential Rainbow tracks in this comprehensive lesson series by Danny Gill.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Stargazer

Gates of Babylon

Man on the Silver Mountain

Still I'm Sad

Kill The King

Lesson Performance Notes

Stargazer

"Stargazer," from the album "Rising" (1976), is a testament to Rainbow's ability to fuse hard rock with symphonic influences. The song is notable for its use of the Harmonic Minor scale, contributing to its neoclassical feel. Blackmore's solo in "Stargazer" is a masterclass in building tension, utilizing scale runs and arpeggios that ascend into the higher registers, before culminating in a crescendo of emotional bends and vibratos.

Gates Of Babylon

"Gates Of Babylon," from "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" (1978), combines exotic scales with a powerful rock sensibility. The song is primarily in C# minor and uses the Double Harmonic Major scale, known for its Eastern sound. Blackmore employs a range of techniques in his solo, from rapid alternate picking to fluid legato phrases, creating a sound that is both aggressive and mystically melodic.

Man On The Silver Mountain

This track from Rainbow's debut album (1975) is a classic riff-based song, with a primary focus on the Minor Pentatonic scale, giving it that timeless hard rock feel. "Man On The Silver Mountain" showcases Blackmore’s knack for creating memorable hooks and his skill in using scales to carve out powerful solos that complement the song's foundational riffs.

Still I'm Sad

An instrumental version of The Yardbirds' song, "Still I'm Sad" displays Rainbow's ability to transform a piece through interpretation and instrumental prowess. The song’s Phrygian Dominant scale gives it a haunting quality. The guitar work here involves intricate picking patterns and the use of chord arpeggiation, which adds to the track’s melancholic and contemplative mood.

Kill The King

"Kill The King," from the "Long Live Rock 'n' Roll" album, is a fast-paced track featuring some of Blackmore's most aggressive playing. The song, in the key of G minor, highlights his rapid alternate picking techniques and precise string skipping. The solo section is a blistering display of speed and precision, combining Pentatonic Minor and Natural Minor scales.

Ritchie Blackmore’s Contributions

Ritchie Blackmore's contributions to these songs cannot be overstated. His unique blend of classical scales with the raw power of rock and blues set new standards for guitarists. Blackmore’s solos are compositionally sound, often starting with slower, emotive phrases that build into fast, technical passages. His use of classical scales like the Harmonic Minor and Phrygian Dominant in a hard rock context was innovative, lending a unique character to Rainbow’s music. His technical abilities were unmatched, but it’s his emotive playing, his ability to make the guitar “sing,” that has solidified his status as a guitar legend.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Two-handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Chord Progressions
• Syncopated Rhythms

In "Learn To Play Rainbow," you’ll explore these techniques and more, understanding not just how to play these iconic songs, but also the theory and approach behind Ritchie Blackmore's legendary style. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, this deep dive into Rainbow’s catalog is a valuable study in rock guitar.