Song of Yesterday - Black Country Communion

Learn to Play "Song of Yesterday" Note-for-Note

If you're looking to capture the soulful intensity and blues-infused rock guitar work of Joe Bonamassa in Black Country Communion's masterpiece, "Song of Yesterday," then this in-depth guitar lesson is for you. LickLibrary's expert tuition provides a note-for-note breakdown of this iconic track, ensuring you can master its expressive phrasing, dynamic soloing, and powerful chord progressions. Whether you're a fan of classic rock, blues, or hard-hitting modern rock guitar, this lesson will elevate your playing to new heights. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitar Work of "Song of Yesterday"

Joe Bonamassa, known for his blues-driven tone and emotive soloing, delivers one of his most breathtaking performances on "Song of Yesterday." The track showcases his signature phrasing, fluid legato runs, and incredible dynamic control, all wrapped in soaring melodic lines and powerful chord progressions. Bonamassa's influence comes from the likes of Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, and Jimmy Page, blending British blues-rock with American soul and jazz nuances. Learning to play this track is not just about playing the notes—it's about channeling the expressive touch that defines Bonamassa’s style.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Vibrato

Bonamassa's use of vibrato adds emotion and sustain to his phrasing. By controlling the width and speed of vibrato, players can bring a vocal-like quality to their solos, enhancing expressiveness.

Alternate Picking

Fast, articulate runs require precise alternate picking. Mastering this technique helps improve picking efficiency and speed while keeping notes crisp and defined.

Legato

Joe’s smooth legato passages create fluidity between notes, reducing pick attack and emphasising seamless note transitions. This technique is crucial for achieving the effortless, flowing sound heard in "Song of Yesterday."

String Bending & Bluesy Bends

The song is full of expressive string bends and bluesy bends, essential for injecting soul into your lead playing. Learning these bends will improve your intonation and dynamic control.

Unison Bends

A staple in Bonamassa’s arsenal, unison bends add tension and intensity to solos. This technique involves bending one string to match the pitch of another, creating a powerful and harmonically rich sound.

Double-Stop Bends

Bonamassa frequently employs double-stop bends, where two notes are bent simultaneously. This technique thickens lead lines and adds a raw, bluesy bite to phrases.

Slides

Smooth slides between notes contribute to the vocal-like phrasing in "Song of Yesterday." This technique helps transition between positions effortlessly while maintaining fluidity in solos.

Hammer-Ons & Pull-Offs

Bonamassa’s melodic approach often incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs, allowing for fast, legato passages that maintain sustain and articulation.

Power Chords & Barre Chords

The song features power chords and barre chords, foundational techniques for achieving a full, rich sound in rhythm playing.

Arpeggios

Breaking down chords into individual notes using arpeggios adds melodic interest and creates a more nuanced sound, a technique often employed in Bonamassa’s solos and accompaniment.

Chord Progressions

The dynamic shifts in "Song of Yesterday" rely on strong chord progressions that create tension and resolution, a key element in crafting expressive compositions.

Trills

Fast, repeated alternations between two notes, known as trills, help add flair and excitement to solo passages, making your playing sound more dramatic and technical.

Palm Muting

For rhythm sections, palm muting tightens up the sound, adding percussive definition and helping to control dynamics within the song.

Hybrid Picking

Joe Bonamassa often integrates hybrid picking into his playing, blending pick and fingers for dynamic articulation and a richer tonal palette.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Unison Bends
• Double-Stop Bends
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Arpeggios
• Chord Progressions
• Trills
• Palm Muting
• Hybrid Picking

This "Song of Yesterday" lesson offers an incredible opportunity to develop phrasing, control, and technique, bringing you one step closer to mastering Bonamassa’s expressive playing style. Whether you're an aspiring blues-rock guitarist or a seasoned player looking to refine your technique, this lesson will provide the essential tools to capture the spirit of one of the most dynamic modern guitarists. Get started today and unlock the full potential of your playing!