Blackbird by Alter Bridge

Introduction

Dive into the powerful and emotionally charged guitar work of "Blackbird" by Alter Bridge, one of the band's most iconic songs. At LickLibrary.com, we’ve meticulously crafted a note-for-note guitar lesson that focuses on the intricate techniques showcased in this masterpiece. Designed for guitarists of all skill levels, this lesson provides a detailed breakdown of the techniques used by Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy, enabling you to elevate your playing while mastering one of modern rock’s finest compositions. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players in "Blackbird"

Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy are the guitarists behind Alter Bridge's genre-defining sound. Tremonti is renowned for his aggressive riffing, melodic phrasing, and technical precision, while Kennedy complements this with expressive lead work and soulful tone. Together, their dual-guitar approach creates a rich, layered sound that pushes the boundaries of modern rock and metal. Their work on "Blackbird" demonstrates their ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with emotional depth, making this song a favourite among guitar enthusiasts.

Techniques Focused on in the Lesson

Fingerpicking and Hybrid Picking

"Blackbird" opens with a haunting fingerpicked passage that sets the tone for the song. Our lesson breaks down the finger-picking technique, emphasising the delicate balance between melody and bass notes. Hybrid picking, which combines pick and finger usage, is also explored in the context of the song’s intricate parts. Mastering these techniques improves control and enables you to play complex patterns with greater efficiency.

Alternate Picking

Many of the faster sections in "Blackbird" rely on alternate picking, a staple for fluid and precise playing. This technique is vital for executing the song’s cascading runs and rhythmic precision. Learning alternate picking enhances speed and accuracy across all genres of guitar playing. Learn more about alternate picking here.

Legato (Hammer-ons and Pull-offs)

The solos in "Blackbird" make heavy use of legato, particularly hammer-ons and pull-offs, to create fluid and seamless melodic lines. These techniques reduce the pick’s workload and enhance your ability to play faster, smoother phrases. Explore legato techniques here.

Slides and Vibrato

Slides connect notes with a smooth, expressive quality, while vibrato adds emotion and depth to sustained notes. These elements are central to creating the haunting and melodic feel of "Blackbird." Developing these techniques will significantly improve your expressiveness on the guitar. Discover vibrato.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Mark Tremonti’s lead work features soulful string bending and tasteful bluesy bends, adding tension and release to key moments in the solos. These techniques are essential for conveying emotion and building dynamic phrasing. Learn about string bending and bluesy bends.

Arpeggios

The song features beautiful arpeggios that contribute to its lush harmonic texture. By breaking down chord tones into individual notes, arpeggios provide clarity and add a shimmering quality to the progression. Explore arpeggios here.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

The twin-guitar harmonies between Tremonti and Kennedy create a majestic and cinematic feel in "Blackbird." Learning dual guitar harmonies enhances your understanding of melody and counterpoint, enabling you to add depth to your compositions. Learn about dual guitar harmonies here.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The driving rhythms in "Blackbird" utilise power chords and palm muting for a dynamic, tight sound. These techniques are essential for building the song’s heavy, rhythmic sections and can be applied across countless rock and metal tracks. Master power chords and palm muting.

Tremolo Picking

The climactic moments in "Blackbird" include tremolo picking, where a single note is rapidly picked to create a dramatic effect. This technique enhances stamina and precision in your picking hand. Learn tremolo picking.

Benefits of Learning "Blackbird"

Studying "Blackbird" allows you to develop a versatile guitar skill set. From mastering technical challenges like alternate picking and legato to expressing emotion through vibrato and string bending, this lesson helps guitarists refine their technique while building musicality. Beyond the techniques, it offers an opportunity to explore dynamic songwriting and dual-guitar interplay, hallmarks of Alter Bridge’s style.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Finger-picking
• Hybrid picking
• Alternate picking
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String bending
• Bluesy bends
• Arpeggios
• Dual guitar harmonies
• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Tremolo picking

Master "Blackbird" today and take your guitar playing to the next level with LickLibrary.com!