Classic Albums - Moving Pictures
Song Lessons in this Course
Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill
• Tom Sawyer
• Red Barchetta
• YYZ
• Limelight
• The Camera Eye
• Witch Hunt
• Vital Signs
This Course is Ideal for Players Who...
• Are ready to move beyond basic rock and blues and tackle the challenges of progressive rock guitar.
• Want to deeply study the unique style and innovative techniques of guitar legend Alex Lifeson.
• Are looking for guitar lessons that focus on advanced rhythmic complexity, melodic soloing, and creative use of effects.
• Are fans of Rush and the Moving Pictures album and want to learn the songs accurately and in detail.
• Wish to incorporate advanced techniques like tapped harmonics and hybrid picking into their own playing.
What will I achieve from completing this course?
By completing this in-depth course, you will not only learn to play the songs from Moving Pictures but also gain a profound understanding of the advanced techniques and musical concepts employed by Alex Lifeson. This is more than just a song-by-song guide; it is a comprehensive study that will elevate your playing across multiple genres.
You will achieve the following:
• Master Alex Lifeson's Signature Techniques: Develop proficiency in advanced techniques such as tapped harmonics, hybrid picking, syncopated rhythms, and complex arpeggios that are central to Lifeson's style.
• Navigate Complex Rhythms: Gain confidence in playing in unconventional time signatures and executing intricate rhythmic figures, a hallmark of 80s prog guitar lessons.
• Enhance Soloing and Melodic Phrasing: Learn to construct melodic, expressive solos using techniques like string bending, vibrato, and legato, improving your overall musicality and improvisational skills.
• Develop Versatility: Explore a wide range of styles, from the hard rock of "Limelight" to the reggae-infused grooves of "Vital Signs," making you a more versatile and well-rounded guitarist.
• Build a Repertoire of Classic Rock Anthems: Add seven iconic tracks to your playing arsenal, giving you a solid foundation in Rush guitar lessons and classic 80s rock guitar lessons.
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1-ON-1 COACHING
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** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with
Rush
nor does
Rush
perform or appear on this course.*
Moving Pictures by Rush: A Guitarist's Perspective
"Moving Pictures," released in 1981, is the eighth studio album by Canadian progressive rock band Rush. It features some of the band's most iconic songs, including "Tom Sawyer," "YYZ," and "Limelight." This album showcases the incredible guitar work of lead guitarist Alex Lifeson, whose playing is characterised by his unique blend of melody, harmony, and technical prowess.
In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary tutor Sam Bell steps into the shoes of guitar hero Alex Lifeson as he walks you through the many highlights of each song from the Canadian music icons one phrase at a time.In this in-depth analysis, we will explore each song on the album, focusing on guitar scales, solos, and techniques. Additionally, we will discuss Lifeson's contribution to the album and the innovative techniques he employed throughout.
Tom Sawyer
"Tom Sawyer" is one of the most recognisable songs on the album, featuring an unforgettable synthesiser riff and an equally memorable guitar riff. The song is played in the key of E major and starts with a driving power chord riff, followed by an arpeggiated chord progression that showcases Lifeson's skilful use of arpeggios and syncopated rhythms. The solo section, played in B natural minor, features alternate picking, string bending, and vibrato.
Red Barchetta
"Red Barchetta" is a dynamic and melodic track in A major. The intro features intricate finger-picking patterns, and the verse employs arpeggiated chords and syncopated rhythms. The solo section showcases Lifeson's ability to create tension and release with slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and double stops.
YYZ
"YYZ" is an instrumental track in D minor, named after the airport code for Toronto Pearson International Airport. This song features complex time signatures, such as 10/8 and 4/4, and showcases Lifeson's intricate playing, blending alternate picking, tapped harmonics, and legato techniques. The solo section highlights his use of octave melodies, string bending, and pinched harmonics.
Limelight
"Limelight" is another classic Rush track in E major, featuring a catchy riff and powerful chord progressions. The song utilizes power chords, palm-muted riffs, and arpeggiated chord progressions in the verses. The solo showcases Lifeson's ability to create melodic solos using slides, string bending, and vibrato.
The Camera Eye
"The Camera Eye" is a 10-minute progressive rock epic in the key of D major. The song features various guitar techniques, including finger-picking, alternate picking, sweep picking, and hybrid picking. The solo section focuses on melodic phrasing, incorporating slides, hammer-ons, and trills.
Witch Hunt
"Witch Hunt" is a dark, atmospheric track in A minor that features haunting guitar lines and eerie soundscapes. The guitar work in this song consists of arpeggiated chords, palm-muted riffs, and open-string riffs. The solo section is characterised by the use of pinched harmonics, string bending, and vibrato.
Vital Signs
"Vital Signs" is a reggae-influenced track in E minor that demonstrates Lifeson's versatility as a guitarist. The song features syncopated rhythms, chord progressions, and rakes. The solo section combines hammer-ons, pull-offs, double stops, and string bending to create a unique and memorable sound.
Alex Lifeson's Contribution to Moving Pictures
Alex Lifeson, as the lead guitarist of Rush, played a significant role in shaping the sound of "Moving Pictures." His inventive use of various guitar techniques, combined with his melodic and harmonic sensibilities, resulted in an album that is revered by guitarists worldwide. Throughout the album, Lifeson's guitar work is marked by a strong sense of melody, inventive chord voicings, and an unwavering focus on serving the song.
In conclusion, "Moving Pictures" by Rush is a masterpiece that showcases Alex Lifeson's immense talent as a guitarist. The album features a diverse range of songs, each highlighting different guitar techniques, scales, and soloing approaches. As such, "Moving Pictures" remains a favourite among guitarists who appreciate Lifeson's innovative playing and the album's enduring influence on the world of progressive rock.
Guitar techniques used on Moving Pictures
Throughout "Moving Pictures," Alex Lifeson employed a wide range of guitar techniques that contributed to the album's unique sound. Some of the techniques used include:
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...