Riders In The Sky by Hank Marvin

Hank Marvin’s rendition of “Riders In The Sky” is a timeless instrumental masterpiece that showcases the melodic brilliance and technical finesse that has made him a legendary figure in guitar playing. At Licklibrary.com, our detailed guitar lesson for this track brings you an opportunity to learn the song note for note while mastering key techniques featured in this iconic piece. This lesson is ideal for guitarists looking to expand their technical skills and melodic expression. Lee Hodgson breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About Hank Marvin and His Influence

Hank Marvin, the lead guitarist of The Shadows, is one of the most influential guitarists of the 20th century. His clean, melodic playing style, combined with his pioneering use of echo effects, inspired countless musicians, including Mark Knopfler, Brian May, and Eric Clapton. In “Riders In The Sky,” Marvin’s masterful use of tone and technique brings a unique atmospheric quality to this Western-inspired tune. By learning this song, you’ll gain insights into the playing style of one of the most innovative guitarists in history.

Techniques Focused On in This Lesson

Our lesson on “Riders In The Sky” delves deeply into the techniques used by Hank Marvin, helping you to understand and replicate his unique approach to guitar playing. Below are the key techniques covered in the lesson, along with their benefits to your playing:

1. String Bending

This lesson emphasizes Marvin’s tasteful use of string bending, creating expressive pitch variations that are integral to the song's haunting melody.

Benefit: Mastering string bending improves your ability to add emotion and personality to your solos. Learn more about string bending.

2. Vibrato

Hank Marvin’s smooth and controlled vibrato lends a vocal-like quality to his guitar lines, adding depth and sustain to each note.

Benefit: Developing vibrato enhances the musicality of your playing and allows you to sustain notes expressively. Learn more about vibrato.

3. Slides

Slides are prominently featured in the melody, providing seamless transitions between notes and contributing to the song's flowing, lyrical feel.

Benefit: Practicing slides improves your fretboard navigation and overall fluidity. Learn more about slides.

4. Alternate Picking

Marvin’s precise alternate picking ensures clarity and articulation, particularly in the faster melodic runs.

Benefit: Alternate picking is essential for developing speed and accuracy in your playing. Learn more about alternate picking.

5. Double Stops

The track features double stops to enhance harmonic richness and add texture to key sections of the song.

Benefit: Double stops improve your ability to play harmonised lines and add depth to solos and melodies. Learn more about double stops.

6. Palm Muting

To achieve Marvin’s signature percussive attack, palm muting is used in rhythm sections, adding dynamic variation to the piece.

Benefit: Palm muting helps control sustain and adds rhythmic precision to your playing. Learn more about palm muting.

7. Arpeggios

The lesson also covers arpeggios, which Hank Marvin uses to outline chord progressions in a melodic and expressive manner.

Benefit: Arpeggios enhance your fretboard knowledge and ability to craft melodic solos. Learn more about arpeggios.

8. Harmonics

Marvin's subtle use of harmonics adds shimmering overtones to certain sections, creating a unique atmospheric quality.

Benefit: Learning harmonics enriches your tonal palette and improves your control over subtle dynamics. Learn more about harmonics.

9. Tremolo Picking

The distinctive Western vibe of this song is enhanced by passages featuring tremolo picking, giving rapid articulation to select notes.

Benefit: Tremolo picking develops your endurance, control, and speed. Learn more about tremolo picking.

Guitar Techniques List

Below is a comprehensive list of guitar techniques taught in the “Riders In The Sky” lesson, with internal links for further exploration:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics
• Tremolo Picking

By mastering the techniques and musical nuances of “Riders In The Sky,” you’ll not only learn a classic track but also elevate your overall guitar-playing skills. Head to Licklibrary.com now to start your journey!