Hard to Handle - Solo by The Black Crowes - Guitar Lesson Breakdown

Our note-for-note guitar lesson on the "Hard to Handle" solo by The Black Crowes is the perfect way to dive into some classic rock guitar techniques. This song features a powerful solo filled with iconic techniques like alternate picking, string bending, vibrato, and unison bends. Each of these techniques contributes to the dynamic and expressive quality of the solo, giving it the soulful, blues-infused rock feel that defines the Black Crowes' style. In this lesson, we break down each of these techniques in detail, helping you to master them and apply them to your own playing. This lesson is taught by Sam Bell.

Key Techniques in Hard to Handle

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a foundational technique that involves picking each note in an up-and-down motion, making it essential for speed, accuracy, and efficiency. In the "Hard to Handle" solo, alternate picking is used to play rapid sequences of notes with precision and clarity. This technique allows for clean articulation of fast passages and helps maintain consistent rhythm. Mastering alternate picking will enable you to tackle more complex solos and riffs across multiple genres. In this lesson, we break down the alternate picking patterns used in the solo to help you build speed and accuracy in your playing.

String Bending

String bending is a key technique for adding emotion and expression to your playing, and it's used extensively throughout the "Hard to Handle" solo. By bending a string, you raise the pitch of a note, allowing for smooth, vocal-like transitions between notes. String bending is especially effective for adding tension and release to a solo. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute clean, controlled bends that stay in tune and add a rich, bluesy feel to your playing. String bending is crucial for conveying the soulful intensity found in this solo, making it an important technique to master for anyone looking to emulate the Black Crowes’ style.

Vibrato

Vibrato is another essential technique for adding expression to your notes. It involves slightly bending the string up and down to create a wavering effect that adds sustain and emotional depth. In "Hard to Handle," vibrato is used to emphasize key notes in the solo, giving them a powerful, resonant sound. This lesson will guide you through developing a controlled, consistent vibrato, which is a hallmark of professional-sounding lead guitar work. By mastering vibrato, you’ll be able to add richness and character to your playing, making your solos sound more polished and expressive.

Unison Bends

Unison bends involve bending one string while holding another at a fixed pitch, creating a powerful and harmonically rich sound. This technique is featured prominently in the "Hard to Handle" solo and adds to the intensity of the performance. Unison bends are often used to create tension and resolution within a solo, and they give your playing a distinct, screaming tone that stands out. In this lesson, we break down how to execute unison bends cleanly and effectively, ensuring that both notes are in tune and that the bend delivers maximum impact.

About the Guitar Players in Hard to Handle

The Black Crowes’ rendition of "Hard to Handle" features the brilliant guitar work of Rich Robinson and Jeff Cease. Their combined effort on this track captures the essence of Southern rock, drawing heavily from blues influences while incorporating the raw energy of classic rock. Rich Robinson’s rhythm work lays the foundation, while Jeff Cease’s lead playing during the solo demonstrates masterful control over essential techniques. Learning the solo from "Hard to Handle" will give guitarists insight into how these players blend technical skill with feel, groove, and attitude to create a standout performance.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Unison Bends

By learning these key techniques, you’ll not only be able to play "Hard to Handle" with the same energy and finesse as the original, but you’ll also gain valuable skills that will enhance your playing across a variety of genres. Dive into this lesson and take your lead guitar work to the next level with the Black Crowes' iconic solo!