At The Movies - ‘80s

Step into the golden age of cinema and master the iconic guitar riffs that defined an era with At The Movies - ’80s, an exclusive online guitar course from Licklibrary.com. This dynamic course, taught by accomplished guitarist Sam Bell, brings the electrifying sounds of 1980s movie soundtracks directly to your fingertips. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn your first full songs or an experienced player seeking to expand your repertoire with classic rock guitar techniques, this course delivers expertly crafted lessons on five of the most memorable and influential tracks from the decade’s greatest films. From the adrenaline-pumping riffs of Top Gun to the triumphant anthem of Rocky III, you will discover the guitar techniques, styles, and approaches that made 1980s rock guitar legendary. By mastering these iconic songs, you will develop essential skills in power chords, string bending, rhythm guitar, and lead techniques that remain relevant across all rock and metal genres.
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Sam Bell Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Sam Bell

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone
2 Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
3 Kenny Loggins - Footloose
4 John Parr - St. Elmo’s Fire
5 Top Gun Anthem

Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill

This course breaks down five complete songs from legendary 1980s movie soundtracks, teaching you the exact techniques and approaches used in these timeless classics. You will learn to:

  • Play “Danger Zone” from Top Gun: Master fast-paced riffing and dynamic string bending techniques that capture the urgent, adrenaline-fuelled energy of Kenny Loggins’ iconic rock anthem.
  • Master “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III: Learn the legendary power chord riff and palm muting techniques that make Survivor’s motivational classic instantly recognisable and endlessly satisfying to play.
  • Perform “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins: Develop syncopated rhythm techniques and bluesy bends that bring out the dance-invoking energy and groove of this feel-good rock classic.
  • Play “St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion)” from St. Elmo’s Fire: Learn arpeggiated chord progressions and emotive string bending that showcase melodic expression and dynamic tension-building.
  • Execute “Top Gun Anthem” by Harold Faltermeyer: Develop advanced lead guitar techniques including sweep picking and dive bombs, essential skills for any aspiring lead guitarist.

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

This course is perfect for beginner to intermediate guitarists who want to learn complete songs and develop practical playing skills. It is ideal for players who:

  • Love 1980s rock music and want to play the songs that inspired them to pick up a guitar.
  • Seek to develop their rhythm guitar and power chord technique in a practical, song-based context.
  • Want to improve their lead guitar playing with techniques like string bending, sweep picking, and dynamic expression.
  • Prefer learning through recognizable, motivating songs rather than abstract exercises.
  • Are interested in understanding the guitar techniques and styles that defined classic rock and 1980s music.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

At The Movies - ’80s succeeds because it combines the most effective learning approach—learning complete, recognisable songs—with expert instruction from Sam Bell, a guitarist deeply versed in 1980s rock guitar styles. Rather than practicing isolated techniques in a vacuum, you will learn power chords, palm muting, string bending, and advanced techniques within the context of real music that you actually want to play. This approach keeps you motivated and engaged while building genuine musical skills. Each song is broken down into manageable sections, with clear explanations of the techniques used and how they contribute to the overall sound and feel of the track. By the end of this course, you will not only be able to play five complete songs confidently, but you will also have internalised the techniques and approaches that define 1980s rock guitar playing. Whether you want to impress friends at a jam session, prepare for a band audition, or simply reconnect with the music that inspired you, this course provides the tools and knowledge you need. Enrol in At The Movies - ’80s today and unlock the legendary guitar sounds of cinema’s greatest decade!

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** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with any of the artists featured, nor do they perform or appear on this course.*

At The Movies - ‘80s Guitar Lesson Series from Licklibrary.com

Dive into the electrifying world of 1980s movie soundtracks with our exclusive "At The Movies - ‘80s" guitar lesson series at Licklibrary.com. This unique course, taught by Sam Bell, is tailored to bring the sounds of the silver screen right to your fingertips, featuring iconic tracks that defined an era. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your musical journey or an experienced player aiming to enhance your skills, these meticulously crafted lessons cater to all skill levels, focusing on various techniques and the thrilling soundtracks of the decade.

Danger Zone from "Top Gun"

Kicking off with Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone," this lesson dives into the adrenaline-pumping rock vibe synonymous with 1980s Top Gun. Students will learn fast-paced riffing and the art of string bending that gives the song its urgent, driving feel. Mastering these licks offers the player not just a repertoire enhancement but a deeper understanding of rock dynamics and energy control, essential for any aspiring guitarist wanting to command the stage.

Eye of the Tiger from "Rocky III"

Next in line is "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, a song that has become synonymous with determination and triumph. This lesson emphasizes power chords and palm muting, delivering the punchy, motivational rhythm that underpins the song's iconic riff. For guitarists, acquiring these skills is pivotal in developing a robust rhythmic sense and versatility in playing different rock styles, ensuring you can adapt and thrive in any musical setting.

Footloose from "Footloose"

The lesson on "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins introduces an upbeat selection of guitar techniques, including syncopated rhythms and bluesy bends, which are vital for conveying the song’s dance-invoking energy. Learning these techniques will not only broaden your expressive capabilities but also enhance your timing and groove, making every performance lively and engaging.

St. Elmo’s Fire (Man in Motion) from "St. Elmo’s Fire"

John Parr's anthem "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" brings a blend of arpeggiated chord progressions and emotive string bending. This lesson enriches your melodic play and dynamic expression, teaching you how to build and release tension within a song, an invaluable skill for creating emotional impacts in your performances.

Top Gun Anthem from "Top Gun"

Finally, the instrumental "Top Gun Anthem," composed by Harold Faltermeyer and performed by Steve Stevens, showcases advanced techniques like sweep picking and dive bombs. These techniques, crucial for any lead guitarist, provide the tools to execute intricate solos and add a dramatic flair to your playing style.


Guitar Techniques Used in "At The Movies - ‘80s"

In our "At The Movies - ‘80s" series, a range of fundamental and advanced guitar techniques are covered, ensuring comprehensive learning. Below is a list of techniques featured throughout the lessons:

Leveraging these techniques not only enhances your skill set but also equips you with the versatility needed to tackle different musical genres. Whether on stage or in the studio, the skills learned here will prepare you for a wide range of musical adventures. Join us at Licklibrary.com to embark on your "At The Movies - ‘80s" journey and master the guitar licks that rocked the cinemas!

Sam Bell playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Sam Bell

Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...

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