Cult Of Personality – Living Colour
Living Colour’s “Cult of Personality” is one of the most iconic rock tracks of the late 1980s, known for its explosive guitar work, fiery solos, and tight rhythmic foundation. At Licklibrary.com, we provide note-for-note guitar lessons that allow you to learn every riff, solo, and flourish from this classic song in meticulous detail. Our in-depth lesson not only breaks down Vernon Reid’s legendary guitar parts but also teaches you the techniques that made this track a standout in rock history. By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only learn how to play the song accurately, but also strengthen your overall guitar playing, versatility, and confidence. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About Vernon Reid and Living Colour
Vernon Reid, the driving force behind Living Colour, is celebrated for his eclectic style that blends rock, funk, metal, and jazz. As the lead guitarist, Reid’s playing on “Cult of Personality” pushed boundaries with its intensity, speed, and creativity. His fearless use of unconventional phrasing, rapid-fire solos, and expressive effects cemented him as a hugely influential figure in the guitar world. Living Colour’s fusion of socially conscious lyrics with groundbreaking musicianship earned them a Grammy Award and left a lasting mark on rock, metal, and alternative music. Studying Reid’s work in this lesson not only helps you play a classic but also inspires you to explore new musical possibilities on the guitar.
Guitar Techniques in “Cult Of Personality”
Our guitar lesson for “Cult of Personality” covers a wide range of techniques, each vital to capturing the energy and expression of the track. Below, we break down the main techniques taught in the lesson and explain how they benefit your playing:
String Bending and Bluesy Bends
This song is filled with expressive bends, often pushing notes to their limits for dramatic effect. Practicing string bending helps you improve pitch accuracy and ear training, while bluesy bends add soulful inflection to your playing. Learning these will make your solos sound more emotional and dynamic.
Vibrato
Vernon Reid’s lead lines are enriched with a confident and wide vibrato. Developing your vibrato enhances sustain and adds a vocal-like quality to your notes. Mastering this technique will give your solos personality and help them stand out.
Alternate Picking
The fast passages and runs in “Cult of Personality” rely heavily on alternate picking for precision and speed. Practicing this technique sharpens your right-hand coordination, boosts accuracy, and builds endurance for high-energy solos.
Legato (Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs)
Reid frequently uses legato phrasing to create smooth, flowing lines. Hammer-ons and pull-offs reduce picking effort and add fluidity to your playing. This technique develops left-hand strength and allows you to achieve faster, cleaner runs.
Slides and Trills
Slides connect notes seamlessly and add expressiveness to riffs, while trills create intensity and excitement in quick bursts. These techniques improve finger dexterity and give your playing a polished, professional sound.
Pinched Harmonics and Tapped Harmonics
Reid injects squeals and unique overtones using both pinched and tapped harmonics. Learning these techniques gives you access to new textures and makes your solos more explosive and memorable.
Tremolo Picking and Whammy Bar Tricks
The solo sections employ rapid tremolo picking and creative whammy bar dives. Mastering tremolo picking builds precision at high speeds, while whammy bar control adds flair and drama to your playing.
Double Stops and Unison Bends
Adding thickness and grit to the riffs, double stops and unison bends enhance the harmonic richness of the track. Practicing these develops finger strength and improves your ability to handle two-note harmonies, a crucial skill in rock and blues guitar.
Palm Muting and Power Chords
The iconic main riff of “Cult of Personality” showcases palm-muted power chords, giving it a punchy, aggressive feel. These techniques are essential for rhythm playing, improving timing, dynamic control, and groove.
Arpeggios and Chromaticism
Reid’s solo passages explore arpeggios and chromatic runs, pushing the boundaries of rock guitar vocabulary. Studying these builds fretboard knowledge and helps you develop a more sophisticated melodic approach.
Dive Bombs and Pick Slides
Adding to the chaos and excitement, Reid uses dive bombs and pick slides for dramatic effect. These techniques enhance stage presence, help with creative self-expression, and add raw attitude to your sound.
Why Learn “Cult Of Personality” with Licklibrary?
Learning “Cult of Personality” note-for-note with Licklibrary means you’ll gain more than just the ability to play one of rock’s most exciting tracks—you’ll pick up a toolkit of techniques that will strengthen every aspect of your guitar playing. Whether it’s mastering the speed and accuracy of alternate picking, adding soul with string bends and vibrato, or experimenting with harmonics and whammy bar tricks, this lesson gives you everything you need to take your playing to the next level.
Techniques Covered in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Sam Bell
Sam Bell has been playing guitar from the age of 4, since then he has played many styles from Funky Blues to screaming Metal/Fusion on 8 string guitar. A member of UK tech metal band ‘Mask of Judas’, he is also currently writing his own solo instrumental album. He also...