War – Joe Satriani
Joe Satriani’s “War” is one of the standout tracks from The Extremist (1992), delivering a powerful blend of riff-driven aggression, melodic tension, and Satch’s unmistakable guitar voice. Our LickLibrary note-for-note guitar lesson breaks this modern rock instrumental down in detail, giving players the tools to understand its phrasing, techniques, and musical structure. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Introduction to the Lesson
“War” is built on a dark, heavy groove with layered guitar textures, syncopated rhythms, and harmonically rich lead lines. It balances Satriani’s trademark melodic sense with intense, high-energy rock power. In this lesson, you’ll be guided measure by measure through every riff, fill, and lead section, gaining insight into both Satriani’s musical choices and how to physically execute them on the guitar.
The lesson also breaks down the expressive techniques that make the track stand out—from tight, palm-muted rhythms to long, emotional string bends and dynamic lead phrasing. By working through these techniques in context, players can improve timing, articulation, strength, coordination, and overall musicality.
About Joe Satriani and His Influence
Joe Satriani is one of the most influential instrumental guitarists in modern rock history. His playing blends technical sophistication with deeply melodic writing, and “War” is a perfect example of this balance. Across his career, Satriani has inspired entire generations of players—both through his albums and as an instructor to icons like Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, and Larry LaLonde.
His tone, vibrato, bending accuracy, and compositional sense continue to define the standard for instrumental guitar music. Studying a track like “War” provides not only a breakdown of his technique but also an understanding of the musical mindset behind his playing.
Rhythm Guitar Breakdown
“War” opens with a tight, aggressive rhythm section built around palm-muted power riffs, syncopated accents, and strong chord movement. These ideas form the backbone of the track’s energy.
Palm-Muted Riffs
The main verse revolves around heavy palm-muted precision. Practising palm-muting in this context helps players refine right-hand control, tighten their rhythmic feel, and develop the articulation necessary for modern rock rhythm work.
Power Chords
Power-chord variations drive the harmony of the piece. Learning these progressions in the lesson helps guitarists understand intervallic harmony and gives them the tools to build strong rock rhythm parts in their own playing.
Syncopated Rhythms
Satriani frequently displaces accents to create rhythmic tension. Mastering these patterns enhances timing awareness and helps players break out of predictable rhythmic habits.
Lead Guitar Breakdown
The lead guitar elements of “War” are expressive, melodically focused, and full of signature Satch techniques.
String Bending
Satriani’s bends in this track are wide, vocal, and full of attitude. Learning them improves pitch accuracy, finger strength, and expressive control.
Vibrato
Vibrato adds emotional weight to the sustained notes in the lead lines. Developing a confident vibrato allows guitarists to make phrases feel alive and musical.
Alternate Picking
For the faster phrases and repeated lead motifs, precise alternate picking ensures cleanliness and even articulation. Practising these passages builds speed, accuracy, and consistency in the right hand.
Legato
Sliding legato passages appear in the transitions and melodic runs. Working on these helps develop smoothness, economy of motion, and expressive phrasing.
Slides and Trills
Slides connect phrases fluidly, while trills add ornamentation and tension. Mastering these details helps players develop articulation, coordination, and expressive nuance.
Pinched Harmonics
Satriani occasionally injects bright, aggressive pinched harmonics for colour and emphasis. Learning these gives players a new expressive tool for rock and metal lead playing.
Additional Expressive Techniques
String Bending with Pre-Bends
Some melodic moments in “War” rely on controlled pre-bends. This develops ear training, strength, and accuracy—essential skills for expressive lead work.
Sustain and Tone Control
Satriani’s long, singing sustain is a defining characteristic of the track. Working on sustain teaches players how to manage finger pressure, vibrato, pickup selection, and gain structure.
Slides and Chromatic Elements
Chromatic passing tones add tension to several melodic lines. Learning how Satriani uses chromaticism helps guitarists understand advanced melodic construction and adds depth to their improvisation.
Why This Lesson Benefits Guitarists
Studying “War” note-for-note offers benefits across all levels of ability:
- Rhythmic accuracy: Syncopated riffs and palm-muted patterns sharpen timing and coordination.
- Improved expression: Vibrato, bends, and sustain teach players to phrase with intention.
- Lead control: Alternate picking and legato passages develop finesse and technique.
- Musical understanding: Power chord progressions and chromatic phrases demonstrate Satriani’s compositional approach.
Players who complete this lesson walk away with a clearer understanding of not just how to play the song, but how to apply its musical vocabulary in their own playing.
Guitar 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...