Elected by Alice Cooper

The Licklibrary note-for-note guitar lesson for "Elected" by Alice Cooper brings the classic rock hit to life, capturing every iconic riff and solo that makes this song a standout. Originally released in 1972, "Elected" features intricate guitar work that combines power, precision, and classic rock energy. This lesson covers all of these essential parts, helping guitarists of all skill levels grasp the powerful elements that define Alice Cooper's style. Danny Gill breaks down this classic Alice Cooper track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

The guitar on "Elected" was originally recorded by Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, members of the Alice Cooper band known for their heavy, raw sound and energetic stage presence. Buxton and Bruce were pioneers of the hard rock genre, their unique playing styles blending blues-based rock with aggressive riffs. Known for tight guitar harmonies, distinct power chords, and gritty solos, their playing influenced countless guitarists and helped shape the sound of rock music in the 1970s. In this lesson, we’ll dive deep into the techniques they used to make "Elected" such a powerful piece.

Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

The core of "Elected" lies in its powerful, driving rhythm, mainly achieved through the use of power chords. Power chords are two-note chords that provide a rich, full sound without the complexity of major or minor chord voicings. These chords are ideal for creating a strong rhythmic base in rock music. For guitarists, mastering power chords is essential as they’re foundational in rock and metal. This technique also builds hand strength and improves rhythm guitar skills.

String Bending

String bending is used extensively in "Elected" to add expression and intensity, particularly in the main riffs and the solo sections. Bending allows for a more vocal, expressive guitar sound and is a fundamental technique for any rock guitarist. Practicing string bending enhances finger strength and control, helping guitarists develop pitch accuracy and emotional expression in their playing.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato to bent notes brings an extra layer of depth to the guitar's sound, as seen in "Elected." Vibrato involves oscillating the pitch of a note, which can add emotion and sustain to solos. Mastering vibrato improves a player’s control over pitch and dynamic, which is crucial for building an expressive and personalised guitar sound.

Slides

Slides are prevalent throughout "Elected," allowing for smooth transitions between notes in the riff and solo parts. This technique involves sliding a finger along the fretboard from one note to another, adding a seamless and connected feel to the music. Practicing slides helps guitarists with fretboard navigation and adds fluidity to their playing.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used to add punch and rhythm to the verse sections, giving the song its driving, percussive feel. By placing the side of the picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge, guitarists can achieve a muted, chunky sound. Palm muting is invaluable for creating dynamic contrast and controlling the volume of certain passages. This technique enhances rhythmic precision and adds a percussive element to the guitar, giving the song extra intensity.

Double Stops

Double stops are used in the main riff of "Elected" to create harmony and depth. Playing two notes simultaneously, often as part of a riff or solo, gives the music a fuller sound. This technique is common in rock, blues, and country music, and practicing double stops helps guitarists with finger independence and chordal playing, allowing them to add layers to their solos and riffs.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are used in the solo section to create smooth, flowing runs. These techniques allow guitarists to play multiple notes quickly and fluidly without picking each note, which is especially useful in solos. Learning hammer-ons and pull-offs helps with finger strength and speed, enabling players to add fluidity to their licks and riffs.

Alternate Picking

In the faster sections of "Elected," alternate picking is essential for maintaining speed and precision. Alternate picking involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, which allows guitarists to play notes rapidly and evenly. Mastering this technique is vital for players looking to improve their speed, accuracy, and timing in both rhythm and lead playing.

Rakes

Rakes are a subtle yet effective technique used in the solo of "Elected" to create a dramatic effect. Raking involves dragging the pick across muted strings before landing on the intended note, adding emphasis and a sharp attack to the note. Rakes add texture and intensity, which can make a solo or riff stand out. This technique enhances pick control and allows guitarists to emphasise specific notes or phrases.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Double Stops
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Alternate Picking
• Rakes

This lesson provides a comprehensive exploration of the guitar techniques that make "Elected" such an iconic rock song. By mastering these techniques, guitarists not only recreate the authentic feel of Alice Cooper's music but also build foundational skills applicable to a wide range of rock and metal songs.