Learn to Play Rolling Stones Volume 2

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

The Rolling Stones, synonymous with the spirit and essence of rock and roll, have given the world iconic riffs, soul-stirring lyrics, and tracks that have stood the test of time. Our product, "Learn to Play Rolling Stones Volume 2," offers guitar enthusiasts an invaluable opportunity to delve deep into five classic songs from the Stones' legendary discography. This comprehensive set of note-for-note guitar lessons by Danny Gill is meticulously designed to empower guitarists at any skill level to imbibe the essence of the Rolling Stones' music, focusing particularly on the unique style of lead guitarist Keith Richards.

Guitar Lessons Include:

Gimme Shelter 

Tumbling Dice 

Street Fighting Man

Sympathy For The Devil 

Start Me Up

Lesson Performance Notes

Gimme Shelter

"Gimme Shelter" is a hauntingly beautiful track known for its layered guitar parts and the soulful minor scales that paint a soundscape of looming disaster, reflective of the turbulent times it was created in. This lesson emphasizes the open E tuning, a favorite of Richards, and the use of the pentatonic scale that gives this song its bluesy, emotive feel. The song’s rhythm guitar part, rich with chord progressions, teaches learners how to create a rock-solid foundation, while the lead guitar delves into subtle nuances of vibrato and string bending that make the melody sing.

Tumbling Dice

Known for its loose, rollicking groove, "Tumbling Dice" is a foray into the band's bluesier side, with a prominent focus on the mixolydian scale. The lesson dissects Richards' use of open G tuning, contributing to the song's signature swagger. The guitar solo analysis reveals how simplicity, combined with rhythmic variations, creates an unforgettable hook. This track is particularly useful for understanding the interplay between lead and rhythm guitars, showcasing how Richards weaves between the two seamlessly.

Street Fighting Man

One of the Rolling Stones' most politically charged anthems, "Street Fighting Man," features a distinctive sound attributed to the acoustic guitars being played through a cassette recorder. This lesson explores the unique sound, with a focus on the driving force of the song's rhythm, achieved through dynamic strumming patterns and the usage of sus chords. Keith's innovative approach to combining acoustic and electric tones is a valuable lesson in tone creation and layering.

Sympathy for the Devil

A samba-infused rock masterpiece, "Sympathy for the Devil," is as complex musically as it is lyrically. The lesson explores the song's percussive rhythm style and the confluence of the two scales major and harmonic minor, creating its sinister, foreboding mood. Learners will delve into the iconic lead guitar lines that exemplify chromaticism and rhythmic displacement. The solo section, rich with arpeggios and syncopated rhythms, offers insight into creating a sound that complements a song's thematic elements perfectly.

Start Me Up

"Start Me Up" captures the essence of the Rolling Stones' infectious energy, with one of the most famous opening riffs in rock history. This lesson breaks down the open G tuning and the signature "five-string" technique Richards employs. The track’s driving rhythm, accentuated by staccato strumming and power chords, makes it an excellent study in crafting rhythm parts that propel a song forward. The subtle yet effective use of hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides in the embellishments adds texture and depth to the track.

Keith Richards' Contributions

Keith Richards, the architect behind the Rolling Stones’ timeless riffs and songs, has a playing style that is deeply rooted in blues and enriched by his unique approach to guitar tuning, rhythm interplay, and melodic invention. His preference for open tunings, particularly open G, has become a significant aspect of the Stones' sound, giving songs a distinctive resonance and facilitating rich, full-bodied chord voicings.

Richards often removes the lowest string from his guitar when using open G tuning, a technique that further characterizes his sound. His rhythm playing, often understated, is the backbone of many Stones' tracks, driving the songs with a mix of traditional chords and inversions that create depth and movement within the harmony.

In lead sections, Richards showcases his love for the blues, with solos and licks that utilize the pentatonic scales, string bending, and vibrato, often with a focus on feel and groove over technical complexity. This approach makes his contributions seminal to the band's sound and an enriching study for any guitarist.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Chord Progressions
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Rakes
• Capo
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-Ons
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Altered Tunings

With "Learn to Play Rolling Stones Volume 2," guitarists will not only gain insight into the musical intricacies of these iconic songs but also enrich their repertoire of techniques and deepen their understanding of rock and roll history.