Learn to Play "School’s Out" by Alice Cooper

Alice Cooper’s "School’s Out" is an iconic rock anthem that has stood the test of time since its release in 1972. With its rebellious energy, punchy riffs, and unforgettable chorus, it’s a must-learn song for guitarists looking to master classic rock techniques. Our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every part of this legendary track, allowing you to develop essential rock and blues-based skills while capturing the feel of the original recording.

In this lesson, we’ll dive deep into the riffs, rhythms, and solos that define "School’s Out," breaking them down into digestible segments so you can perfect each technique and apply them to your own playing. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your skillset or an intermediate guitarist refining your rock chops, this lesson provides valuable insight into the playing style of Alice Cooper’s band during their peak era. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "School’s Out"

The guitar work on "School’s Out" was performed by Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce, two hugely influential players in the early hard rock scene. Their raw, unfiltered guitar tones and dynamic interplay helped define the sound of Alice Cooper’s early albums. Buxton’s loose, bluesy aggression paired with Bruce’s solid rhythm work created a powerful, riff-driven approach that became a hallmark of Cooper’s sound. Learning this song allows you to understand their playing style and develop a classic rock attitude in your own technique.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

One of the fundamental techniques in "School’s Out" is the use of power chords, giving the song its heavy and punchy sound. Power chords are essential for rock and metal, as they create a full, rich tone while remaining easy to play and move across the fretboard. Learning this technique will enhance your riff-playing ability and rhythm skills.

Palm Muting

The choppy, percussive feel of the song’s verses is achieved through palm muting, adding a tight, controlled attack to the chords. This technique helps develop hand coordination and timing, making your playing sound more professional and polished.

Slides

Throughout the song, there are slide techniques used to transition between notes smoothly. Mastering slides allows for greater expressiveness and fluidity, making your playing sound more natural and engaging.

Double Stops

"School’s Out" features double stops, where two notes are played at the same time to create a harmonic, blues-inspired sound. This technique is essential for adding thickness and power to lead lines, making them cut through the mix.

String Bending

The lead guitar work includes string bending, where notes are pushed to create a more vocal, expressive sound. Perfecting bends ensures better pitch accuracy and adds emotion to solos.

Vibrato

A key to achieving the expressive feel of the song’s solos is vibrato, where the pitch of a note is subtly varied for added richness. Developing vibrato helps improve sustain, tone control, and musical expressiveness.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s riffs use syncopation, meaning the accents don’t always fall where you expect. Learning syncopated rhythms enhances your sense of timing and groove, making you a more dynamic and versatile player.

Pick Slides

A staple in classic rock, pick slides add a raw, aggressive texture to transitions and fills. Mastering pick slides improves stage presence and overall attitude in your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

Below is a list of the techniques covered in the "School’s Out" guitar lesson, along with links for further learning:

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• Double Stops
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Pick Slides

By learning "School’s Out" with this note-for-note guitar lesson, you’ll develop critical rock guitar techniques and gain insight into the playing style of legendary guitarists Glen Buxton and Michael Bruce. Whether you're playing for fun or looking to improve your rock and blues guitar skills, this lesson is the perfect way to expand your musical vocabulary and bring classic rock energy into your playing.