Learn to Play Michael Schenker and UFO

Our latest product "Learn to Play Michael Schenker and UFO" is a meticulously crafted guitar course taught by Dave Kilminster, aimed at aiding guitar enthusiasts to master the artistry of this iconic guitarist, a central figure in the '70s British hard rock and heavy metal scene. Delve into an engaging journey through some of the most emblematic UFO tracks featuring Schenker's trailblazing work. With a deep exploration of the guitar techniques, solos, and scales, let's embark on a sonic adventure with 'Doctor Doctor', 'Natural Thing', 'Only You Can Rock Me', 'Rock Bottom', and 'Lights Out'.

Doctor Doctor

A UFO staple, 'Doctor Doctor' boasts a definitive 70s hard rock vibe, distinguished by Schenker's melodic prowess. The song primarily employs the A minor pentatonic scale, intertwined with other scale tones, creating a catchy, unforgettable riff. The solo, a showpiece of Schenker's controlled vibrato and string bending, showcases his blues-rock foundation and underlines his place among rock guitar greats. A deep dive into this track will help you master these essential techniques and build a solid foundation.

Natural Thing

'Natural Thing', from the 1976 album "No Heavy Petting", exhibits Schenker's affinity for the Dorian mode. He brilliantly blends the Dorian scale with pentatonic phrases to create the song's melodic foundation. The highlight of this song is the fluid and rhythmic solo that showcases Schenker's impressive legato and alternate picking skills. This will help you to add versatility to your soloing abilities and enhance your picking techniques.

Only You Can Rock Me

This classic from the "Obsession" album starts with a rhythmic power-chord riff that builds into a high-energy rock anthem. The song's C# minor pentatonic scale is a playground for Schenker's guitar mastery. The solo, famous for its signature double-stop bends, introduces us to Schenker's innovative approach towards phrasing and melody construction. Practicing this song can elevate your understanding of how to use double stops and bends to enhance your solos and riffs.

Rock Bottom

Arguably one of the most iconic guitar pieces from UFO, 'Rock Bottom' is a seven-minute epic that showcases Schenker's versatile guitar skills. The song is primarily based on the Phrygian Dominant scale, which is responsible for the exotic flavor of the track. The expansive solo section is a kaleidoscope of techniques, featuring a mix of alternate picking, sweep picking, and slides. The wide vibratos and rapid alternate picking sequences make it an ideal choice for advanced guitar players looking to further hone their techniques.

Lights Out

'Lights Out', the title track of their 1977 album, showcases Schenker's remarkable riffs and solos. Primarily rooted in the B minor scale, the song illustrates his efficient use of scale sequences and syncopated rhythms. The solo section displays an impressive mix of pull-offs, hammer-ons, and fast alternate picking licks, providing a comprehensive practice for strengthening your fretting hand and picking techniques.

Michael Schenker's Contribution

Beyond being a formidable lead guitarist for UFO, Michael Schenker has been a significant influence on many successful metal and hard rock guitarists. His innovative techniques, melodic solos, and unique tone set him apart in the pantheon of rock guitarists. This course offers the perfect opportunity to learn and incorporate his style into your playing, enriching your guitar vocabulary.

Techniques Used

Throughout these lessons, you'll encounter a variety of guitar techniques fundamental to Schenker's playing style. Here's a list of them:

1. Vibrato
2. Alternate Picking
3. Legato
4. Double-stop Bends
5. String Bending
6. Syncopated Rhythms
7. Pull-offs
8. Hammer-ons
9. Slides
10. Sweep Picking

Mastering these techniques will help you replicate the precision and fluidity of Schenker's guitar playing, paving the way for you to carve your path in the world of rock guitar.

"Learn to Play Michael Schenker and UFO" is more than just a guitar course. It's an in-depth study into the unique style of a rock guitar legend, a cornerstone to develop your skills, and a stepping stone into the larger universe of rock and metal guitar playing.