White Trash Millionaire – Black Stone Cherry

“White Trash Millionaire” by Black Stone Cherry is a hard-hitting Southern rock anthem that combines gritty riffs, powerful rhythm guitar work, and blistering lead guitar lines. At LickLibrary, we break down this high-energy track note for note, helping you capture the raw power and finesse that defines Black Stone Cherry’s distinctive sound. Our guitar lesson offers a deep dive into the techniques used in the song, covering everything from groove-laden riffs to expressive lead licks — making it the perfect study for intermediate to advanced players looking to push their playing to the next level. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Ben Wells & Chris Robertson

The guitar work on “White Trash Millionaire” is delivered by Chris Robertson (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) and Ben Wells (lead guitar), a dynamic duo known for their deep-rooted Southern rock influences and aggressive playing style. Robertson brings a bluesy, soulful tone with weighty riffing, while Wells complements it with sharp, articulate lead work. Their combined styles evoke the spirit of bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, infused with the heavier edge of modern rock and metal. For guitarists, studying their playing offers a masterclass in blending melodic sensibility with raw power.

Song Breakdown & Guitar Techniques

Main Riff & Power Chords

The song kicks off with a thunderous, syncopated power chord riff that defines its heavy Southern rock sound. Mastering this section not only improves your rhythm guitar skills but strengthens your sense of syncopated rhythm, helping you play tighter in a band setting.

Palm Muting for Groove

The main riff also features aggressive palm-muting, adding a percussive punch that drives the song forward. Learning this technique is essential for players aiming to develop tight, controlled rhythm playing — a must in both rock and metal genres.

Slides & String Bending in the Lead

In the solo section, you'll find tasteful slides and expressive string bending. These techniques give your lead lines vocal-like expression and improve finger control and phrasing. You’ll also find the use of bluesy bends, giving the solo a soulful, emotional edge.

Pinched Harmonics for Aggression

Scattered throughout the leads are sharp pinched harmonics, adding bite and attitude to your playing. This technique enhances your ability to control dynamics and add excitement to solos and riffs.

Pull-offs & Hammer-ons

The lead guitar parts employ fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs, perfect for developing your legato technique. These help with creating smooth, flowing lines that contrast well with the song’s heavy rhythm sections.

Double Stop Bends & Unison Bends

This track makes fantastic use of double stop bends and unison bends, creating a classic rock guitar sound with extra intensity. These techniques boost your bending accuracy and help you add harmonically rich textures to your solos.

Trills & Vibrato for Expression

Short trills and wide vibrato lines give the solo melodic flair and character. Practicing these will greatly enhance your expressive range as a lead player.

Benefits of Learning This Song

Learning “White Trash Millionaire” gives guitarists the opportunity to master a variety of expressive rock techniques that are essential in both live and studio settings. The combination of tight rhythm playing, nuanced soloing, and high-energy phrasing makes it ideal for guitarists aiming to bridge the gap between classic Southern rock and modern hard rock styles.

By tackling this lesson, players will not only grow technically but also improve their ability to play with emotion, groove, and stage presence — all trademarks of Black Stone Cherry's explosive sound.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Double Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Bluesy Bends
• Syncopated Rhythms

Take your playing to the next level with this comprehensive guitar lesson of “White Trash Millionaire” — and start sounding like a rock star, one note at a time.