Learn to Play Alice Cooper with LickLibrary

Take a step into the world of one of rock’s enduring icons, Alice Cooper, with LickLibrary’s comprehensive guitar lessons put together and delivered by Danny Gill. Our "Learn to Play Alice Cooper" course provides detailed, note-for-note lessons on some of the legendary shock rocker's most influential and popular songs: 'I'm Eighteen', 'Poison', 'School's Out', 'No More Mr Nice Guy' and 'Billion Dollar Babies'. Discover the magic of Alice Cooper’s original guitarist, Michael Bruce, whose riff-driven style has left a significant imprint on rock music.

'I'm Eighteen'

Starting with 'I'm Eighteen', a song renowned for its teenage angst and driving power-chord progression, the lesson unveils the techniques behind the teenage rebellion anthem. Predominantly revolving around the A minor scale, the song's main riff is a simple yet infectious one, providing an excellent platform for novice guitarists to expand their power chord prowess. The solo is a masterclass in melodic lead playing, highlighting the use of bends, vibrato, and alternate picking for articulation and emphasis.

'Poison'

Next, 'Poison' is a study in writing memorable rock anthems. The song is composed around the C# minor scale, featuring a melodic, arpeggiated riff in the verses that contrasts with the heavy, power-chord driven choruses. The lead parts throughout the song are a testament to the use of melodic phrasing within the pentatonic framework. Look out for the tasteful use of slides, bends, and vibrato, all crucial for getting the 'feel' of the song just right.

'School's Out'

'School's Out', another iconic Alice Cooper track, offers an excellent study in both rhythm and lead guitar playing. The main riff, played in the E minor pentatonic scale, features a gritty, syncopated rhythm that's sure to improve your timing and precision. The guitar solo is an exhibition of melodic rock guitar playing, with plenty of vibrato, string bending, and chromatic runs, alongside intricate licks that include a good dose of legato and alternate picking.

'No More Mr Nice Guy'

For 'No More Mr Nice Guy', the focus is on chord progressions and melodic lead lines. Played in the G Major scale, the song showcases a combination of power chords and barre chords, creating an infectious rhythmic pattern. The lead lines are mainly pentatonic based, incorporating a mix of double-stops, slides, and hammer-ons that exude a classic rock vibe.

'Billion Dollar Babies'

Last but not least, 'Billion Dollar Babies' encapsulates Alice Cooper's theatrical rock style with its ominous riffs and adventurous lead work. The main riff, a dissonant passage in the E minor scale, is an excellent exercise in palm muting and power chord shifts. The lead section of the song is a mixed bag of classic rock techniques, including bends, slides, and trills, that will challenge even experienced guitarists.

Lead Guitarist: Michael Bruce

Michael Bruce, the original guitarist of the Alice Cooper band, was instrumental in defining the band's sound. His playing was a potent mix of power chord-driven riffs, catchy melodic hooks, and soaring solos, demonstrating a keen sense of melody and dynamics. His contribution to these songs cannot be overstated, from the rebellious energy of 'I'm Eighteen' to the brooding menace of 'Billion Dollar Babies'. By studying his guitar parts, you'll not only learn to play these classic songs, but also gain a deep understanding of effective rock guitar writing.

Guitar Techniques in these Lessons

Finally, let's compile the various guitar techniques you'll encounter throughout these lessons. Remember to explore the linked glossaries for a deeper understanding of these techniques:

• Power chords
• Barre chords
• Alternate picking
• Palm muting
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String bending
• Hammer-ons
• Double-stops
• Legato
• Chord progressions
• Trills
• Chromaticism
• Syncopated rhythms

Mastering these techniques will not only enable you to play Alice Cooper's hits accurately but also provide you with a broad palette of tools to incorporate into your playing. So pick up your guitar and step into the spotlight with LickLibrary's 'Learn to Play Alice Cooper' course today!