Billy Idol – White Wedding – Main Riff

Dive into one of rock’s most recognisable guitar riffs with our note-for-note guitar lesson on Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” main riff, exclusively at Licklibrary.com. This riff is a staple of early '80s rock guitar, combining raw attitude with tight rhythmic precision. Our detailed lesson breaks down every element of this unforgettable part, helping you not only play it accurately, but also understand the techniques that make it so effective and timeless. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Track

Released in 1982, White Wedding became one of Billy Idol’s biggest hits, solidifying his status as a solo artist after his work with punk band Generation X. The song’s driving riff, snarling attitude, and dynamic arrangement helped it stand out during the MTV era. Central to the song’s identity is its powerful guitar work—dark, rhythmic, and full of sneering character.

The riff is performed by Steve Stevens, a guitarist renowned for his innovative and expressive style. Stevens brought a new level of flair and technicality to Idol’s music, mixing punk rock energy with a polished, arena-ready sound. His use of effects, articulate picking, and rhythmic sensibility made him one of the most respected players of the era. The main riff in White Wedding is a perfect example of how he infused seemingly simple parts with immense character and groove.

Riff Breakdown

The main riff of White Wedding is built on a foundation of power chords and palm-muted open-string riffs, driven by a tight, percussive rhythm. While the part may seem straightforward on the surface, its effectiveness lies in the execution—the precision, timing, and tone that Stevens delivers.

In our lesson, we walk you through every chord, every pick stroke, and every nuance of the riff. You'll not only learn how to play it, but also how to sound like it, with proper muting, attack, and control. This is an ideal riff for intermediate players looking to refine their sense of timing and rhythm, and for beginners seeking an iconic, achievable rock part to master.

Key Techniques in the Riff

Palm Muting

Palm muting is crucial to the White Wedding main riff. It adds a sharp, percussive element that tightens up the low end and helps the riff punch through the mix. By learning how to properly mute strings with the edge of your picking hand, you’ll gain better control over your dynamics and tone.

🔗 Palm Muting

Power Chords

Power chords are the building blocks of this riff. Their simplicity and strength make them perfect for creating big, bold statements in rock music. Mastering power chords will strengthen your left-hand coordination and help you develop tight, consistent rhythm playing.

🔗 Power Chords

Syncopated Rhythms

One of the standout elements of the riff is its syncopation—the way it plays off the beat to create tension and drive. Understanding and playing syncopated rhythms sharpens your sense of timing and teaches you how to add groove to your rhythm parts.

🔗 Syncopated Rhythms

Open-String Riffs

The riff makes clever use of open strings, which adds a ringing resonance that contrasts with the muted notes. This technique expands your fretboard vocabulary and allows for greater variation in tone without changing hand positions.

🔗 Open-String Riffs

Why Learn This Riff?

The main riff from White Wedding is more than just a cool part—it’s a study in rhythm guitar fundamentals. By mastering it, you’ll develop better timing, cleaner muting, and greater control over chord dynamics. It’s also a powerful way to strengthen your right-hand picking technique and explore how attitude and precision work together in rock music.

Whether you're preparing for a band rehearsal, a cover gig, or just want to level up your rhythm playing, this riff is the perfect tool for sharpening your skills while learning an essential piece of rock history.

Guitar Techniques Used

• 🔗 Palm Muting
• 🔗 Power Chords
• 🔗 Syncopated Rhythms
• 🔗 Open-String Riffs