"Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee" by Extreme: Guitar Lesson

"Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee," an opus that packs in a mind-blowing showcase of virtuosity within its short time frame. Crafted by Nuno Bettencourt, the lead guitarist of Extreme, the song serves as an epitome of guitar proficiency, offering a gamut of techniques, scales, and harmonies that would make any guitarist reconsider their practice regimen. In this exclusive Lick Library tutorial, Sam Bell breaks down this technical tour-de-force.

Guitar Chords and Scales

The song predominantly employs a host of power chords and barre chords, giving it the full-bodied, yet clear harmonic structure. Interestingly, Nuno Bettencourt also incorporates altered tunings, allowing him to take advantage of open strings for resonant riffs. Scale-wise, the piece hovers around minor scales, specifically the natural minor and harmonic minor, with a sprinkling of Phrygian dominant for exotic flair.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The song's guitar solo is not merely a section but rather the backbone of the whole composition. Here, Nuno seamlessly transitions from legato phrases to alternate picking passages. You'd also find tastefully executed two-handed tapping and sweep picking. His choice of notes from the harmonic minor scale gives the piece a classical overtone, occasionally spiced up with chromaticism. What's awe-inspiring is his integration of rhythm and melody. It's not just about shredding; it's storytelling at its finest.

He also uses tapped harmonics, a technique that adds a bell-like quality to the sound, especially when executed with a whammy bar. He further enriches the texture with unison bends, where two strings are bent to meet the pitch of a stationary note, creating a textured sonic blend. There are also double-stop bends, where Nuno bends two strings simultaneously but at different rates, again adding another layer to the soundscape.

About Nuno Bettencourt

Nuno Bettencourt is not just a guitarist; he's a musician's musician. His mastery over the instrument is impressive, but what sets him apart is his understanding of musicality. He integrates not just the techniques but also the nuances that elevate a guitar piece into a composition. The way he employs vibrato in "Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee" is a testament to this. He knows when to use it subtly to add emotion and when to make it intense to emphasise certain phrases.

List of Techniques Used

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Altered Tunings

Summing it up, "Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee" is a monumental piece that not only showcases Nuno Bettencourt's extraordinary skills but also serves as a comprehensive workshop on advanced guitar techniques. Whether you are a budding guitarist or a seasoned pro, there's something in this composition for everyone to learn, admire, and aspire towards.