Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie

Few songs define an era quite like Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie. This legendary track from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is a staple of rock history and a must-learn for any guitarist looking to capture the essence of classic glam rock. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com meticulously breaks down this iconic song, focusing on key techniques that will enhance your playing and expand your musical vocabulary. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Mick Ronson: The Guitar Architect of Ziggy Stardust

Mick Ronson, the lead guitarist on Ziggy Stardust, was an essential part of David Bowie's sound. His powerful yet melodic playing blended blues influences with a raw, cutting edge that defined the glam rock era. Ronson's tone was thick and expressive, utilising dynamic phrasing, string bends, and punchy chord progressions to create memorable riffs and solos. His work on Ziggy Stardust has influenced countless guitarists, from Slash to Johnny Marr, making this song a crucial study for any aspiring rock player.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Power Chords

A driving force behind Ziggy Stardust is its use of power chords. These two-note chords deliver a punchy and full-bodied sound, perfect for rock and glam styles. Mastering power chords helps build finger strength and enhances your rhythm playing, making them a fundamental technique for any guitarist.

String Bending

Mick Ronson’s lead lines in Ziggy Stardust feature expressive string bending, which allows the player to reach notes that add emotion and nuance to solos. Controlled bending improves your ear training and helps develop a singing quality in your lead playing.

Slides

Ronson’s transitions between notes are often executed with slides, creating a fluid, seamless movement across the fretboard. This technique is essential for adding smoothness and expressiveness to your playing while improving finger coordination.

Vibrato

Throughout the song, Ronson’s expressive vibrato brings life to sustained notes. Learning vibrato enhances sustain, improves note control, and adds a professional touch to your solos.

Hammer-ons & Pull-offs

The legato passages in Ziggy Stardust incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs, which allow for fast, smooth playing without excessive pick use. Mastering these techniques improves finger strength and fluidity, making solos and riffs sound more dynamic.

Double Stops

Some of the melodic passages in Ziggy Stardust make use of double stops, where two notes are played simultaneously. This technique adds thickness to your lead playing and enhances your ability to harmonise melodies on the guitar.

Chord Progressions

The song’s unique chord progressions contribute to its timeless appeal. Understanding these changes will not only help you play Ziggy Stardust accurately but also improve your songwriting and ability to navigate different keys effortlessly.

Why Learn Ziggy Stardust?

Learning Ziggy Stardust note-for-note is a fantastic way to develop essential rock guitar skills. The song incorporates a range of techniques that will help refine your playing, improve your phrasing, and give you a deeper appreciation for Mick Ronson’s influential style. Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or an experienced player seeking to polish your rock chops, this lesson will elevate your playing and inspire new creative possibilities.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Double Stops
• Chord Progressions

Get ready to bring the spirit of Ziggy Stardust to life with our in-depth guitar lesson, and start playing like a rock legend today!