Shooting Star by Bad Company

Master the Classic Rock Sound with 'Shooting Star'

Bad Company's Shooting Star is a timeless rock ballad that showcases masterful guitar work, evocative melodies, and dynamic playing techniques. This LickLibrary guitar lesson breaks down the song note-for-note, allowing you to play it with the same expressive depth as the original recording. By learning Shooting Star, you'll refine your classic rock guitar skills, enhance your expressive phrasing, and strengthen your overall technique. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work of Mick Ralphs and Paul Rodgers

Mick Ralphs, the primary guitarist for Bad Company, was known for his powerful yet melodic playing. His style blends bluesy bends with crisp rock phrasing, creating a sound that is both raw and refined. In Shooting Star, Ralphs delivers memorable licks and rhythmic chord progressions that define the song’s emotional impact. Paul Rodgers, although primarily a vocalist, also contributed to the guitar work in the band, emphasising blues-inspired phrasing and rhythm techniques. Their combined guitar approach in Shooting Star captures the essence of classic rock and blues, making this song an essential study for guitarists looking to master expressive playing.

Key Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending is an essential expressive tool used throughout Shooting Star. This technique involves pushing or pulling a string to change its pitch, allowing for vocal-like expression. By mastering string bends, guitarists can add emotion and depth to their solos, making their playing more dynamic and engaging.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used extensively in Shooting Star to give sustained notes a singing quality. By slightly oscillating the pitch of a note, vibrato enhances sustain and emotion. This technique is crucial for developing a professional-sounding lead tone and improving overall control of the fretboard.

Chord Progressions

The rhythmic structure of Shooting Star revolves around well-crafted chord progressions. These progressions not only establish the harmonic foundation of the song but also help guitarists improve their ability to transition smoothly between chords, a key skill for any aspiring musician.

Slides

Sliding between notes adds fluidity to lead guitar playing, a technique prominently featured in Shooting Star. Learning slides improves finger dexterity and phrasing, making solos sound more connected and expressive.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs allow guitarists to create smooth, legato passages in their playing. These techniques help develop finger strength and coordination, essential for executing fast melodic lines with precision.

Double Stops

Double stops are a staple of classic rock guitar, allowing players to harmonise notes and add thickness to their solos. In Shooting Star, double stops are used to create rich, melodic phrases that stand out within the song's structure.

Barre Chords

Barre chords play a crucial role in the rhythm sections of Shooting Star. Mastering barre chords improves hand strength and flexibility, enabling players to perform complex chord shapes with ease.

Why Learn 'Shooting Star'?

Learning Shooting Star is a fantastic way to enhance your guitar technique and musicality. By mastering the techniques used in the song, you'll develop better control over bends, vibrato, and phrasing. Additionally, studying Mick Ralphs' approach to rhythm and lead guitar will provide insight into how to craft expressive rock guitar parts. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your technique or an intermediate player aiming to refine your style, this lesson will take your playing to the next level.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Barre Chords

By incorporating these techniques into your playing, you'll develop a more expressive and dynamic guitar style. Start your Shooting Star guitar lesson today and take your classic rock skills to new heights!