Joe Satriani – Crowd Chant
Learn how to master Joe Satriani’s anthemic instrumental “Crowd Chant” with this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com. This comprehensive tutorial captures every nuance, tone, and expressive detail that defines one of Satriani’s most uplifting and iconic tracks. Perfect for intermediate to advanced guitarists, this lesson breaks down each section of the song, exploring the techniques, tone, and phrasing that make Satriani’s playing so unique. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song
“Crowd Chant” was released on Joe Satriani’s 2006 album Super Colossal and has since become one of his most instantly recognisable compositions. Famed for its catchy, chant-like melody and stadium-rock energy, the track is a masterclass in melodic writing and expressive technique. Built on memorable motifs and rich tonal textures, “Crowd Chant” showcases Satriani’s ability to make instrumental music both accessible and deeply musical.
This LickLibrary lesson takes you through the track note-for-note, showing how to recreate every subtle phrasing detail, articulation, and tone control that Satriani brings to the song. Beyond just learning the notes, you’ll discover how to inject personality, emotion, and dynamic expression into your own playing.
About Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani is a guitarist whose influence stretches across generations. Known for his crystal-clear tone, expressive melodies, and flawless technical command, Satriani’s playing bridges the gap between virtuosity and musical storytelling. His albums, such as Surfing with the Alien, The Extremist, and Flying in a Blue Dream, have become essential listening for guitarists worldwide.
Satriani’s ability to craft memorable, vocal-like melodies through pure instrumental performance is what makes him a legend. In “Crowd Chant”, he delivers one of his most anthemic and engaging performances — combining melodic hooks, fluid phrasing, and impeccable control to create a piece that connects instantly with audiences. Studying this song provides invaluable insight into the mind of a true guitar innovator.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
This lesson explores the full range of techniques that Satriani uses to bring “Crowd Chant” to life. Each technique is broken down, explained, and demonstrated, helping you understand not just how to play it, but how to apply it musically and expressively.
Vibrato
Satriani’s vibrato is one of his most identifiable traits. In “Crowd Chant”, it’s used to add personality and sustain to long notes, creating a singing, vocal-like quality. Mastering vibrato will allow you to control emotion and intensity in your phrasing.
Legato
Smooth and flowing legato passages appear throughout the melody. Learning this technique helps you connect notes seamlessly, improving both your left-hand control and phrasing fluidity.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
Essential to creating expressive runs and melodic lines, hammer-ons and pull-offs develop your dexterity and help produce a natural, effortless sound that defines Satriani’s melodic approach.
Slides
Slides are used to transition between notes with a vocal, lyrical quality. This technique adds movement and expressiveness, enhancing your ability to phrase smoothly and musically.
String Bending
Precise bending is a key part of Satriani’s style. This song uses bends to reach target notes accurately and emotionally. Developing strong control of pitch and release will give your playing greater expression and nuance.
Harmonics
Natural and tapped harmonics bring brightness and colour to Satriani’s sound. Learning to control harmonics allows you to add shimmering accents and dynamic contrast to your playing.
Pinched Harmonics
Used for emphasis and drama, pinched harmonics add edge and excitement to key phrases. They create that unmistakable singing “scream” that cuts through the mix.
Palm Muting
Satriani often uses palm muting to shape the dynamics of his rhythm playing. This technique enhances articulation, tightens your sound, and adds a sense of groove and control.
Power Chords
Power chords form the harmonic backbone of “Crowd Chant.” They provide weight and drive, making your rhythm sections sound full and confident — an essential skill for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
Whammy Bar Tricks
Satriani uses the whammy bar as a vocal extension of his phrasing, performing subtle dips, scoops, and expressive pitch movements. Mastering this technique will open up new avenues of expression in your lead playing.
Sustain
Sustain is central to the soaring tone of “Crowd Chant.” Understanding how to achieve and control sustain helps you make your notes bloom, sing, and connect emotionally with the listener.
Why Learn “Crowd Chant”
Studying “Crowd Chant” isn’t just about learning another Satriani song — it’s about developing musical phrasing, control, and expression. The techniques covered in this lesson will improve your ability to phrase like a vocalist, build dynamic control, and maintain clarity at higher speeds.
By mastering the nuances of Satriani’s tone and touch, you’ll learn to balance technical skill with melody-driven emotion — a hallmark of the greatest instrumental guitarists. Whether you’re refining your vibrato, strengthening your bends, or perfecting your legato runs, “Crowd Chant” provides an inspiring roadmap to expressive guitar playing.
Techniques Used in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...