Learn to Play Slash

Are you an aspiring guitarist with a passion for hard-hitting riffs and blistering solos? LickLibrary.com offers a comprehensive course titled "Learn to Play Slash" that will help you master the intricate guitar work of this legendary musician. This course is taught by Danny Gill.

Slash, the lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses and successful solo artist, has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Known for his explosive style, Slash blends blues influences with rock fundamentals to create a signature sound that has influenced countless musicians. Our course dissects five of Slash's iconic tracks to provide you with the knowledge and skillset to emulate his virtuosic style.

By The Sword

The first song in our lineup, "By The Sword," offers a classic example of Slash's penchant for mid-tempo rockers. It utilizes the D minor pentatonic scale, with some additional notes creating a D natural minor scale. The main riff's descending line is an excellent study of Slash's use of broken chord shapes for melody.

The guitar solo employs aggressive string bends and extended pentatonic licks that demand precision and power. A careful analysis reveals how Slash builds tension by moving from simple melodic phrases to complex, rapid-fire licks.

Nothing To Say

"Nothing To Say" showcases Slash's heavier side with an aggressive riff that uses the E minor scale. This song is a masterclass in the dynamic use of palm-muted power chords and double stops to create a rhythmically engaging backdrop for the blistering solos.

In the solos, Slash employs chromaticism, seamlessly integrating chromatic runs into his licks. He also uses the harmonic minor scale to give a dark, exotic twist to his lines.

Ghost

"Ghost" reveals another facet of Slash's style, highlighting his blues-rock heritage. Based in the A minor pentatonic scale, it showcases his ability to combine simple, soulful licks with faster, more complex phrases.

The song’s main riff uses a combination of open-string riffs and syncopated rhythms, delivering a punchy, driving foundation for the vocals. The solos showcase Slash’s deft use of legato, combining hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides for a fluid, seamless sound.

Beautiful Dangerous

"Beautiful Dangerous" provides a glimpse into the more melodic side of Slash's style. Based around the E minor scale, the main riff utilizes a repetitive, catchy melody line that acts as a hook. The song's chord progression showcases Slash's ability to create tension and resolution, as he carefully weaves his guitar lines around the chords.

The solos in "Beautiful Dangerous" are characterized by Slash's tasteful use of bends and vibrato, creating a vocal-like quality that adds emotion and expressiveness to his lines.

Watch This

Lastly, "Watch This" is an instrumental track that truly showcases Slash’s guitar prowess. Utilizing the G minor scale, this song is a masterclass in Slash's aggressive, hard-hitting style. The main riff uses galloping rhythms, an excellent technique to master for creating driving, high-energy rock songs.

The solos are a prime example of Slash's use of alternate picking and legato to create fast, smooth lines. His use of tapped harmonics and unison bends further showcase his ability to integrate advanced techniques into his solos in a musical, tasteful manner.

This "Learn to Play Slash" course dives deep into the techniques and theories behind these songs, providing a thorough understanding of how Slash composes and performs his memorable guitar parts. It's more than just learning the notes – you'll gain insight into Slash's unique approach to melody, harmony, and rhythm, enhancing your own musicality and creativity.


Following are the techniques used in these lessons:

Immerse yourself in the world of Slash with our comprehensive course, expand your musical vocabulary, and discover new ways to express yourself on the guitar. No matter where you are in your guitar journey, the "Learn to Play Slash" course has something to offer. Dive in and start shredding today!

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Danny Gill

Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...

View More