80s Rock Rhythm Guitar Masterclass by Jamie Humphries

The 80s Rock Rhythm Guitar Masterclass by Jamie Humphries is an essential deep dive into the iconic rhythm guitar techniques that defined the decade. This course is perfect for guitarists looking to master the signature styles of rock legends like Eddie Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, and more. With a focus on precision, feel, and attitude, this course will elevate your playing by teaching you how to craft powerful riffs, articulate chord progressions, and create the rich textures that made 80s rock so legendary.

Uptempo Rock Riffs

High-energy rock songs rely on uptempo rock riffs to drive the momentum. These riffs often employ palm muting for tight articulation and a mix of power chords and single-note runs to create a relentless groove. Mastering these techniques will enhance your timing, endurance, and ability to lock into the rhythm section like a pro.

Double Stop Power Chords & Intervals

A staple in many 80s rock anthems, double stop power chords add depth and aggression to your rhythm playing. This technique blends two notes to create a thick, harmonically rich sound. Learning double stops will improve your ability to create more dynamic and engaging chord progressions.

Pedal Tone Power Chord Riffs

Inspired by players like Van Halen, pedal tone power chord riffs create tension and drive by keeping a steady bass note while shifting upper notes. This technique allows for faster, more intricate riffs without losing clarity. It’s an essential skill for writing powerful, anthemic rock riffs.

Triads - EVH Style

Eddie Van Halen revolutionised rock rhythm guitar by incorporating triads into his riffs, adding melodic sophistication. These three-note chord shapes are crucial for playing arpeggiated chord progressions and layering harmonic textures within a song. Understanding triads will enhance your ability to create colourful, expressive chord voicings.

Single Note Pentatonic/Modal Riffs

Using pentatonic and modal riffs in a single-note style allows you to add melodic interest while maintaining a solid groove. This approach blends bluesy bends, alternate picking, and dynamic phrasing to create lead-inspired rhythm parts, making your playing more expressive and fluid.

Power Ballads

No era mastered the power ballad like the 80s. Learning to blend chord progressions, sustained open strings, and emotive picking techniques will help you capture the soaring, emotional quality of iconic rock ballads. This section will teach you how to layer textures and use subtle dynamics to create a captivating sound.

Chord Extensions

Expanding beyond basic power chords, this lesson explores chord extensions like 7ths, 9ths, and suspended chords. These shapes add harmonic depth and allow you to craft more sophisticated progressions, perfect for adding richness to ballads and anthemic rock tunes.

Open String Chord Voicings

80s rock bands often used open string chord voicings to create shimmering, atmospheric textures. These chords add a ringing, resonant quality to your playing, making your rhythm parts sound fuller and more dynamic. This technique is particularly effective when combined with sustain and delay effects.

Moving Bass Notes Over A Static Chord

One of the most sophisticated rhythm guitar techniques, moving bass notes over a static chord creates a sense of motion within a progression. By shifting the bass note while holding a chord shape, you introduce new harmonic possibilities and a richer sound, perfect for intros, breakdowns, and ballads.

Influences & Players

This course is heavily influenced by legendary guitarists who defined 80s rock rhythm playing. Eddie Van Halen brought innovation with his triads, pedal-tone riffs, and two-handed tapping. Def Leppard's Phil Collen and Steve Clark crafted intricate harmonised parts with layered power chords and double stops. Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora blended blues-infused pentatonic riffs with melodic chord progressions, while players like John Sykes (Whitesnake) mastered the art of power ballads and open string voicings. By studying their techniques, you'll gain a deeper understanding of what made 80s rhythm guitar so powerful and enduring.

Techniques Used in This Course

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Octave Melodies
• Galloping Rhythms
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Chromaticism

This 80s Rock Rhythm Guitar Masterclass will equip you with all the essential skills to play and create authentic 80s rock rhythm guitar parts. Whether you're looking to play classic hits or incorporate these legendary techniques into your own music, Jamie Humphries’ lessons will take your rhythm playing to the next level.