Black Country by Black Country Communion

If you're looking to master the hard-hitting rock anthem "Black Country" by Black Country Communion, this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary is your ultimate guide. This lesson breaks down the song's intricate guitar parts and focuses on key techniques that will enhance your playing skills. Whether you're a fan of Joe Bonamassa's fiery lead work or the tight, riff-driven grooves of Derek Sherinian and Glenn Hughes, this lesson will help you develop the essential techniques needed to play this track like a pro. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist - Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa is one of the most revered blues-rock guitarists of the modern era. Known for his impeccable technique, soulful phrasing, and powerful tone, Bonamassa seamlessly blends blues and rock influences into his playing. In "Black Country," his approach combines dynamic riffing, expressive bends, and soaring lead lines, showcasing the virtuosity that has made him a household name among guitar enthusiasts. His influence extends from classic blues legends like Eric Clapton and B.B. King to hard rock pioneers such as Jimmy Page and Gary Moore, making his playing both technically proficient and deeply expressive.

Key Guitar Techniques in "Black Country"

Power Chords

Power chords form the foundation of this song's driving rhythm section. These chords provide a thick, full-bodied tone, making them essential for rock and blues-based playing. Learning to use power chords effectively will improve your rhythmic precision and chord transitions while enhancing your overall playing dynamics.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is employed to add a tight, percussive quality to the song's riffs. This technique helps control note sustain, allowing for a crisper, punchier sound that adds depth and variation to the song's energy. Mastering palm muting will greatly improve your control over dynamic contrast.

String Bending

Bonamassa's lead lines in "Black Country" feature expressive string bending, allowing for smooth note transitions and vocal-like phrasing. Learning this technique enhances your ability to add emotional expression to solos and improve overall note articulation.

Bluesy Bends

A variation of traditional bends, bluesy bends involve microtonal adjustments that capture the nuances of blues phrasing. This technique is key to developing an authentic blues-rock sound and making your leads more expressive.

Vibrato

Joe Bonamassa’s vibrato is a defining aspect of his playing style. A controlled, expressive vibrato can bring sustain and character to your notes, making your playing sound more professional and polished.

Slides

Sliding between notes and chords adds a fluid, seamless quality to both lead and rhythm sections. This technique enhances phrasing and smoothness in your playing while improving finger dexterity.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Legato playing is a crucial part of Bonamassa's solos, utilising hammer-ons and pull-offs to create fluid, lightning-fast runs. Mastering this technique will improve finger strength and speed, helping you achieve more articulate and dynamic lead playing.

Alternate Picking

The song's faster passages require precise alternate picking, ensuring clean articulation at high speeds. This technique enhances your ability to execute rapid-fire licks and maintain consistency in your picking hand.

Double Stops

Double stops add harmonic richness to Bonamassa’s phrases, making solos sound fuller and more dynamic. Learning this technique improves your ability to play with depth and complexity, enriching your lead playing.

Chord Progressions

Understanding the song's chord structures and progressions will give you greater insight into composition and arrangement. This knowledge helps you create your own songwriting ideas and improvisations in a similar style.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions

By working through this lesson, you’ll not only be able to play "Black Country" with precision but also expand your guitar vocabulary and technical mastery. Whether you're looking to develop a harder rock edge or refine your blues phrasing, these techniques will take your playing to the next level. Grab your guitar and dive into the world of Black Country Communion today!