“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles

Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” is a sultry blues-rock anthem that captures listeners with its soulful melodies and evocative guitar work. At Licklibrary.com, we bring you a note-for-note guitar lesson that breaks down every element of this classic hit, teaching you the techniques used to craft its timeless sound. Whether you're an experienced guitarist or a beginner looking to level up, this lesson offers valuable insights into the skills and artistry behind the song. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind “Black Velvet”

The guitar work on "Black Velvet" is often attributed to Canadian guitarist David Tyson, whose subtle but effective playing provides the perfect complement to the song's atmospheric production. Tyson’s style blends elements of blues and classic rock, characterised by tasteful vibrato, nuanced bending, and a knack for melodic phrasing. His work on “Black Velvet” showcases the importance of space and tone, making it a masterclass in less-is-more guitar playing.

Learning this track will not only improve your technical skills but also teach you how to convey emotion through your instrument—an invaluable lesson for any musician.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

The song employs expressive vibrato to add warmth and emotion to sustained notes. Mastering vibrato will improve your ability to convey feeling in your playing, making even simple phrases come alive.

String Bending

Several bends, including bluesy bends, are used to shape the melodic phrases. Learning string bending enhances pitch control and adds a vocal quality to your solos.

Slides

The fluid transitions between notes are achieved with slides. This technique helps to create a seamless and smooth playing style, perfect for connecting phrases naturally.

Double Stops

“Black Velvet” features melodic double stops that add harmonic depth and texture to its lead lines. Practicing double stops builds your fretboard awareness and strengthens your finger independence.

Sustain

One of the hallmarks of the guitar tone in “Black Velvet” is its rich sustain. Understanding sustain teaches you how to maintain a note’s resonance, ensuring your solos have a commanding presence.

Bluesy Phrasing

The track leans heavily on blues-inspired licks and phrasing. By learning this song, you'll develop an ear for soulful, bluesy melodies and improve your ability to play dynamically within a scale.

Chord Progressions

The rhythm guitar parts rely on simple but effective chord progressions. Understanding these progressions helps you see how different chords work together to support the melody and structure.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs into your playing allows for smoother, more fluid note transitions. This is especially useful for capturing the song’s melodic nuances.

Pinched Harmonics

While subtle, pinched harmonics are used for added texture. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to add colour and flair to any riff or solo.

Benefits of Learning “Black Velvet”

1. Emotional Expression: The song is a perfect study in conveying mood through phrasing, tone, and dynamics.
2. Improved Technique: Techniques like string bending, slides, and vibrato will enhance your technical proficiency.
3. Blues Fundamentals: The bluesy elements in “Black Velvet” provide a solid foundation for exploring other blues and rock songs.
4. Building Versatility: From rhythm to lead playing, this lesson will help you become a more well-rounded guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

Here’s a complete list of the techniques featured in the "Black Velvet" lesson, along with links for further exploration:

• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Slides
• Double Stops
• Sustain
• Chord Progressions
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Bluesy Bends

Dive into our comprehensive lesson on “Black Velvet” and bring the essence of this timeless classic to your own guitar playing.