Learn to Play "Pictures of Home" by Deep Purple | Guitar Lesson

Dive deep into the powerful and expressive world of classic rock guitar with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Pictures of Home” by Deep Purple. This track, taken from the band’s legendary 1972 album Machine Head, showcases a brilliant combination of rhythmic precision and melodic lead playing, with Ritchie Blackmore delivering one of his most dynamic guitar performances.

In this detailed guitar tutorial from LickLibrary, we walk you through every riff, rhythm, and solo in “Pictures of Home,” helping you master a range of essential techniques including string bending, alternate picking, pull-offs, and hammer-ons. Whether you're a classic rock fan or a guitarist looking to refine your lead skills, this lesson provides the perfect opportunity to sharpen your technique and deepen your musical understanding. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

String Bending

One of the standout elements in the solo sections of “Pictures of Home” is Blackmore’s expressive string bending. These bends are used to add vocal-like phrasing to the melody, pushing notes up to pitch for dramatic and emotional effect. Learning string bending helps develop finger strength, pitch accuracy, and the ability to create more dynamic and expressive solos. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute smooth, controlled bends that hit the mark every time.

Alternate Picking

The rhythm guitar sections and faster lead runs in “Pictures of Home” rely heavily on precise alternate picking. This technique involves alternating downstrokes and upstrokes in a continuous, flowing motion to maintain speed and accuracy. Mastering alternate picking will not only make your playing more efficient and tight, but it will also prepare you for more advanced passages across various rock, metal, and blues styles.

Pull-Offs

Throughout the lead guitar passages, Blackmore incorporates pull-offs to add fluidity and finesse to his licks. This legato technique allows you to move smoothly between notes without picking each one individually. Pull-offs are essential for creating fast, clean runs and developing finger independence. They also contribute to a more natural, melodic sound—especially when combined with other legato techniques like hammer-ons.

Hammer-Ons

Closely paired with pull-offs, hammer-ons are another legato technique featured throughout “Pictures of Home.” Hammer-ons are used to articulate ascending phrases with speed and smoothness, helping to create flowing melodic lines. Practicing hammer-ons will strengthen your fretting hand, enhance your musical phrasing, and allow you to play faster, more expressive solos without relying solely on picking.

Why Learn “Pictures of Home”?

“Pictures of Home” is more than just another Deep Purple classic—it’s a masterclass in dynamic rock guitar. The song transitions between powerful, chugging rhythms and expressive lead work, making it a well-rounded and challenging piece for any serious guitarist.

Learning this track will sharpen your technical foundation while also teaching you how to add expression and emotion to your playing. With this LickLibrary lesson, you’ll get step-by-step guidance, on-screen tab, and expert insights into how to replicate Ritchie Blackmore’s tone, technique, and phrasing. It’s a full-body guitar workout that will enhance both your rhythm and lead playing.

Whether you’re working on improving your alternate picking control, mastering legato phrasing, or adding bend-driven expression to your solos, “Pictures of Home” is an excellent vehicle for growth. By the end of the lesson, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Blackmore’s approach and a fresh set of skills to carry into your own playing.

About the Guitarist: Ritchie Blackmore

Ritchie Blackmore is a true pioneer of hard rock and heavy metal guitar. As the founding guitarist of Deep Purple, his ability to blend blues, classical, and rock influences created a unique sound that helped shape the genre. Known for his articulate phrasing, powerful riffs, and melodic sensibility, Blackmore's style is as expressive as it is technical. His playing on “Pictures of Home” is a testament to his versatility—featuring aggressive rhythms, fluid solos, and subtle nuance that continues to inspire generations of guitarists.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Alternate Picking
• Pull-Offs
• Hammer-Ons

Unlock the energy, expression, and technique of Ritchie Blackmore with our “Pictures of Home” guitar lesson, and bring one of Deep Purple’s finest moments to life on your fretboard. With accurate instruction and expert breakdowns, this is the definitive way to learn this powerful rock classic