Learn to Play "Mary on a Cross" by Ghost with LickLibrary

Dive into the hauntingly beautiful world of Ghost with our detailed guitar lesson on "Mary on a Cross". This song, rich with melodic layers and evocative guitar techniques, offers both beginners and seasoned guitarists an excellent opportunity to enhance their playing skills. In this lesson, we focus on several key guitar techniques including palm muting, power chords, double stops, and legato, all of which are integral to mastering this track. Our expertly crafted tutorials ensure that you not only learn the song note-for-note but also grasp the techniques that will broaden your musical expertise. This lesson is taught by Rich Shaw.

The Guitar Techniques Explained

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a fundamental guitar technique where the side of the picking hand's palm lightly rests on the strings near the bridge, creating a muted, percussive sound. This technique is prevalent in "Mary on a Cross" during verses to add a rhythmic, controlled depth to the power chords. Learning palm muting can significantly enhance your ability to control dynamics and add texture to your playing.

Power Chords

Power chords are a staple in rock music, known for their robust and impactful sound. In "Mary on a Cross", power chords drive the main riff and chorus, providing a solid harmonic foundation and a compelling drive. Mastering these chords not only enriches your ability to produce powerful and catchy riffs but also lays the groundwork for more complex harmonic concepts.

Double Stops

Double stops involve playing two notes simultaneously, often creating an interval that adds a layer of richness to melodies. This technique is used in the song to embellish the lead guitar parts, especially in the solos and fills. Learning double stops will expand your melodic capabilities and introduce you to the basics of harmony.

Legato

Legato, meaning "tied together" in Italian, involves playing notes smoothly and connectedly with minimal picking, primarily using hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique is featured in the solo sections of "Mary on a Cross", providing a fluid, expressive quality to the phrasing. Legato not only improves your finger dexterity and control but also aids in developing a more lyrical playing style.

The Influence of Ghost's Guitarists

Ghost is known for its anonymous band members, dubbed Nameless Ghouls. Each Ghoul brings a unique flair to the band, with the guitarists often celebrated for their theatrical yet precise playing style. The guitar work in "Mary on a Cross" showcases a blend of classic rock influences with a modern twist, reflecting the band's ability to bridge old-school rock with contemporary metal. Learning their parts not only connects you with modern rock techniques but also with the rich history of rock guitar playing.

Conclusion

"Mary on a Cross" by Ghost is more than just a song; it's a comprehensive lesson in various pivotal guitar techniques that are essential for any guitarist looking to advance their skill set. Whether you're looking to beef up your rhythm playing with palm muting and power chords, add melodic interest with double stops, or smooth out your solos with legato, this lesson offers valuable insights and practical applications in all these areas.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Double Stops
• Legato

By mastering these techniques, you not only enhance your ability to play "Mary on a Cross" but also prepare yourself for a wider range of musical expressions in your guitar-playing journey. Join us at LickLibrary to unlock the secrets of Ghost's guitar prowess and much more.