Moonage Daydream - David Bowie

Learn to Play "Moonage Daydream" by David Bowie

David Bowie's Moonage Daydream is one of the defining tracks from his legendary The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album. This song showcases an electrifying blend of glam rock power, intricate guitar work, and unforgettable melodies. At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson provides you with the techniques needed to master this iconic track, allowing you to develop both your technical proficiency and expressive playing.

In this lesson, we break down every aspect of Moonage Daydream, focusing on its unique guitar techniques. Whether you’re a Bowie fan or looking to improve your guitar skills, this lesson will help you elevate your playing and capture the essence of this timeless song. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitar Players on "Moonage Daydream"

The mesmerising guitar work on Moonage Daydream is delivered by the legendary Mick Ronson. As Bowie's right-hand man during the Ziggy Stardust era, Ronson’s guitar playing combined raw power with melodic sophistication. His use of soaring lead lines, dramatic bends, and expressive vibrato shaped the sound of glam rock and influenced generations of guitarists. Ronson’s tone and phrasing give Moonage Daydream its ethereal quality, blending bluesy rock roots with orchestral textures. Learning this song not only improves technical ability but also provides insight into the artistry of one of rock’s most influential guitarists.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

String Bending

String bending is a crucial element in Mick Ronson’s expressive playing. It allows the guitarist to create vocal-like phrasing, adding emotion and dynamics to solos. Mastering string bending enhances control over pitch and articulation, making your solos more expressive and engaging.

Vibrato

Vibrato is a signature aspect of Ronson’s sound, giving sustained notes a rich, singing quality. Proper vibrato technique improves sustain and adds depth to your lead playing, allowing you to inject personality into your notes.

Double Stops

Double stops are used throughout Moonage Daydream to create harmonic depth and emphasise key moments in the song. This technique strengthens finger dexterity and helps guitarists develop a fuller sound in their lead playing.

Slides

Slides are used to connect different notes smoothly, adding fluidity and a dramatic effect to the solos. Practicing slides improves fretboard navigation and enhances the overall expressiveness of your playing.

Unison Bends

Unison bends add a striking tension and release effect, a technique that Mick Ronson expertly employed in his solos. Learning unison bends enhances finger strength and helps develop an ear for intonation.

Power Chords

The foundation of Moonage Daydream's rhythm section is built on power chords, providing a thick and driving tone. Mastering power chords is essential for any rock guitarist, improving both hand strength and rhythm playing skills.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Ronson’s use of arpeggiated chord progressions gives Moonage Daydream a dynamic texture, blending rhythm and lead elements seamlessly. Practicing arpeggiated chords helps in finger independence and refining picking accuracy.

Rakes

Rakes add a percussive attack to notes, enhancing the overall feel of the solo. This technique sharpens pick control and improves articulation, giving solos more character and intensity.

List of Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Slides
• Unison Bends
• Power Chords
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Rakes

By learning Moonage Daydream through our detailed guitar lesson, you'll not only master a classic rock masterpiece but also strengthen your overall guitar technique. Join Licklibrary.com and take your playing to the next level with our note-for-note breakdown of this iconic track!