Addicted To Pain by Alter Bridge

"Addicted to Pain" by Alter Bridge is a hard-hitting track showcasing the intense and dynamic guitar work of Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy. This Licklibrary.com guitar lesson takes you through the song's riffs, solos, and intricate details, helping you master its powerful techniques. From heavy riffs to melodic solos, the lesson explores the artistry behind one of Alter Bridge's most celebrated songs, giving you the tools to recreate the track with precision. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Alter Bridge and Their Guitar Work

Alter Bridge is renowned for its blend of hard rock, alternative metal, and soaring melodies. Guitarists Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy are pivotal to the band's signature sound. Tremonti, with his precise, heavy riffs and melodic phrasing, and Kennedy, known for his expressive lead work and emotive bends, create a perfect storm of technique and creativity. Both guitarists are highly influential, inspiring players with their combination of technical prowess and musicality.

"Addicted to Pain" exemplifies their style, featuring a mix of aggressive rhythm work and intricate solos that demand both skill and expression. By studying this song, guitarists can delve into techniques that define modern rock guitar.

Breakdown of Techniques in the Lesson

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The song opens with driving, syncopated riffs built on power chords and palm muting. These techniques create a tight, aggressive sound perfect for modern rock. Mastering palm muting helps improve your control over dynamics and tone, while power chords lay the foundation for countless rock and metal tracks.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Mark Tremonti’s solos incorporate expressive string bending and bluesy bends. These techniques add emotion and flair to your playing, teaching you how to make your guitar sing with character and feeling.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is integral to the fast-paced riffs and runs throughout the track. This technique improves speed and accuracy, making it an essential skill for tackling complex rock solos and riffs with clarity.

Pinched Harmonics

The track’s aggressive tone is accentuated with pinched harmonics. This technique adds sharp, screaming overtones that enhance the intensity of your playing. Practicing pinched harmonics builds precision and helps you explore new tonal possibilities.

Slides and Hammer-Ons

Slides and hammer-ons appear in melodic transitions and solos. These techniques enhance fluidity and help you navigate the fretboard more smoothly, providing a polished, professional touch.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythm guitar work is driven by intricate syncopated rhythms. This technique challenges your timing and rhythm skills, helping you develop a stronger sense of groove and precision.

Octave Melodies and Dual Guitar Harmonies

Alter Bridge often utilises octave melodies and dual guitar harmonies to create rich, layered textures. Learning these techniques enhances your understanding of harmony and arrangement, skills that are invaluable for band settings.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Improved Technical Skill: Techniques like alternate picking, palm muting, and trills enhance your speed, precision, and overall guitar proficiency.
• Enhanced Expression: String bends, bluesy bends, and pinched harmonics teach you how to convey emotion and individuality through your playing.
• Versatility in Styles: The song covers a wide range of techniques applicable to various genres, making you a more well-rounded guitarist.
• Understanding of Rock Composition: By analysing the song’s riffs and harmonies, you gain insight into effective songwriting and arrangement for modern rock.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pinched Harmonics
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Bluesy Bends
• Trills
• Octave Melodies

This comprehensive guitar lesson on "Addicted to Pain" equips you with the skills and knowledge to bring this iconic song to life. Dive in and unlock the techniques that define Alter Bridge’s electrifying sound!