Rock And Roll Is Dead by Lenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz's Rock And Roll Is Dead is a rock anthem that blends gritty, soulful guitar riffs with a classic rock vibe. This song offers a treasure trove of techniques for guitarists to explore, making it an ideal choice for improving your playing while delving into the style of one of modern rock's most distinctive artists. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarist

The guitar work in Rock And Roll Is Dead is a testament to Lenny Kravitz's ability to merge retro influences with modern flair. A multi-talented musician, Kravitz often plays many of the instruments on his tracks, but his guitar playing stands out for its raw, vintage tone and dynamic phrasing. Kravitz draws inspiration from guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, incorporating bluesy bends, power chords, and soulful vibrato into his playing. This song encapsulates his knack for combining straightforward rock riffs with subtle complexities that make the music shine.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

Power Chords

The driving force behind Rock And Roll Is Dead is its power chord foundation. Power chords are a staple of rock music, providing the song's raw energy and punch. Mastering power chords not only enhances your rhythm playing but also builds hand strength and accuracy.

Slides

Sliding between chords and notes is a key feature in this track, adding fluidity and expressiveness to the riffs. Learning slides improves fretboard navigation and creates smooth transitions in your playing.

String Bending

Lenny Kravitz’s use of string bending adds a bluesy, emotive quality to the leads in the song. String bending is essential for developing expressive solos, allowing you to mimic vocal-like phrasing and add character to your playing.

Palm Muting

The muted chugging sections in the riff create dynamic contrast and rhythmical precision. Palm muting is crucial for controlling note sustain and achieving a tight, percussive tone.

Vibrato

Kravitz’s tasteful use of vibrato adds a soulful touch to sustained notes. Vibrato enhances musical expression, giving your notes a singing quality that connects emotionally with the listener.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques are used to create smooth, legato passages in the song’s lead sections. Practicing hammer-ons and pull-offs strengthens your fingers and increases the fluidity of your playing.

Double Stops

Double stops, the technique of playing two notes simultaneously, add harmonic richness to the lead sections. They are a versatile tool for creating dynamic riffs and melodies.

Syncopated Rhythms

The song’s rhythm patterns employ syncopation, keeping the groove engaging and unpredictable. Learning syncopated rhythms sharpens your timing and ability to lock into a groove.

Octave Melodies

Octave melodies appear in sections of the song, adding depth and texture to the arrangement. This technique is invaluable for crafting full-bodied lead lines.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

• Power Chords: Build foundational rock guitar skills and improve rhythm accuracy.
• Slides: Enhance your ability to move smoothly between notes and chords.
• String Bending: Add emotion and character to your solos.
• Palm Muting: Gain control over dynamics and achieve a tight, rhythmic sound.
• Vibrato: Develop expressive phrasing to make your playing more soulful.
• Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs: Increase speed and fluidity in your fretting hand.
• Double Stops: Expand your harmonic vocabulary for riffs and melodies.
• Syncopated Rhythms: Improve timing and rhythm versatility.
• Octave Melodies: Create richer, more textured lead parts.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Double Stops
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Octave Melodies

This lesson on Rock And Roll Is Dead provides a perfect blend of techniques to refine your playing while diving into the artistry of Lenny Kravitz. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock or looking to expand your guitar skills, this song offers a rewarding challenge.