Ghost of Days Gone By - Alter Bridge

Alter Bridge's "Ghost of Days Gone By" is a powerful song that combines intricate guitar techniques, emotive melodies, and dynamic transitions, making it an ideal piece for aspiring guitarists to master. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary.com allows you to delve into this epic track, unlocking its secrets while refining your technical skills. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists and Their Influence

The song features the extraordinary guitar work of Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy, two of the most respected guitarists in modern rock. Tremonti's precision and Kennedy's emotive touch create a signature sound that is both technically impressive and emotionally evocative. Tremonti is renowned for his mastery of alternate picking, power chords, and dynamic solos, while Kennedy brings soulful phrasing and melodic sensibility to the mix. Together, they epitomise the balance between technical brilliance and musicality, inspiring countless guitarists worldwide.

Techniques Covered in "Ghost of Days Gone By"

Alternate Picking

This lesson emphasises Tremonti’s clean, fast alternate picking technique, which is crucial for maintaining clarity and speed in complex passages. Alternate picking enhances your control and precision, allowing you to navigate intricate riffs with confidence.

Vibrato

Learn how to infuse emotion into your playing by mastering vibrato. This technique is used extensively throughout the song to add depth and sustain to notes, making your guitar sing with expressive power. Learn Vibrato

Power Chords

The song’s driving rhythm relies heavily on power chords. These are essential for creating the powerful and full-bodied sound characteristic of Alter Bridge. Power chords are a cornerstone of rock and metal rhythm guitar. Learn Power Chords

Palm Muting

Palm muting gives the riffs a rhythmic, percussive quality, adding intensity and control. This technique is vital for creating dynamic contrast within the song’s arrangement. Learn Palm Muting

String Bending

Both Tremonti and Kennedy utilize string bending to produce dramatic, vocal-like effects. This technique is key to adding emotion and flair to your solos. Learn String Bending

Slides

Slides provide fluid transitions between notes and are often used in the song to maintain a smooth and connected feel. Mastering slides will improve your phrasing and note articulation. Learn Slides

Arpeggios

The song’s intro and bridge sections feature arpeggios, which showcase melodic movement within chord progressions. This technique enhances your understanding of harmony and adds elegance to your playing. Learn Arpeggios

Harmonics

Tremonti’s use of harmonics in key sections adds shimmering textures and highlights the song’s atmospheric elements. Harmonics are a great way to diversify your tone palette. Learn Harmonics

Double Stops

This technique appears in the song’s solos, providing a rich, layered sound. Double stops are excellent for adding harmony and interest to your lead playing. Learn Double Stops

Tremolo Picking

For faster sections, tremolo picking ensures fluidity and intensity. This technique is crucial for achieving speed without sacrificing precision. Learn Tremolo Picking

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic complexity of "Ghost of Days Gone By" is brought to life with syncopated rhythms, challenging your timing and groove. Learning this will greatly improve your rhythmic feel. Learn Syncopated Rhythms

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By studying the techniques used in "Ghost of Days Gone By," you’ll not only learn to replicate the song but also gain versatile skills applicable across a variety of styles. Each technique contributes to better precision, speed, and musicality, ensuring you grow as a well-rounded guitarist.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Here’s a list of the guitar techniques used in our lesson for "Ghost of Days Gone By," complete with links to help you dive deeper into each one:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics
• Double Stops
• Tremolo Picking
• Syncopated Rhythms

Dive into this lesson and let the mastery of Mark Tremonti and Myles Kennedy guide your journey to becoming a more skilled and expressive guitarist!