Assault Attack – Michael Schenker Group

Step into the world of precision-driven hard rock guitar with "Assault Attack" by Michael Schenker Group, a track that blends technical firepower with melodic finesse. At Licklibrary.com, our expert guitar lesson dissects every lick, riff, and solo section from this explosive track, teaching you how to play it exactly as it was recorded. Whether you’re aiming to develop speed, control, or expression, this lesson will equip you with professional-level skills used by one of the genre’s most influential players. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Michael Schenker

Michael Schenker is one of the most celebrated guitarists in the history of rock. With a career spanning decades, his work with UFO, Scorpions, and his own Michael Schenker Group has influenced guitarists across multiple generations. Known for his signature Flying V, fluid lead lines, and dynamic stage presence, Schenker’s playing on “Assault Attack” represents a pinnacle of his melodic yet aggressive style. His ability to fuse expressive phrasing with technical precision has earned him praise from peers and fans alike, including major names like Kirk Hammett, Slash, and Joe Satriani.

Alternate Picking

“Assault Attack” features intense passages that rely heavily on alternate picking. This technique is key to executing the rapid-fire sequences and tight melodic lines that define Schenker’s lead work. Developing your alternate picking improves both speed and accuracy, enabling you to play intricate runs cleanly even at high tempos.

Vibrato

Schenker’s signature vibrato is wide, controlled, and expressive. Learning to replicate this style helps you add emotion and personality to your lead lines. A strong vibrato can transform static notes into singing, vocal-like expressions that elevate your soloing from mechanical to musical.

Legato

Fluid, seamless phrases are a hallmark of Schenker’s style, and legato plays a crucial role. Combining hammer-ons and pull-offs, legato technique allows for fast, smooth runs without excessive picking. Mastering this technique builds finger independence and enhances phrasing agility.

Unison Bends

This song features unison bends that deliver intense, expressive climaxes within solos. Mastering this technique requires pitch accuracy and finger strength. It’s an effective tool for adding dramatic tension and dynamic impact to your solos.

Pinched Harmonics

Schenker incorporates pinched harmonics for added aggression and texture. These high-pitched squeals cut through the mix and are ideal for adding flair during solo peaks. Learning this technique boosts your tonal variety and right-hand control.

String Bending

Throughout the track, string bending is used for expressive pitch manipulation. It allows you to reach microtones and deliver emotionally charged melodies. Controlled bending helps with intonation and gives your phrasing a vocal-like quality that resonates with listeners.

Slides

Slides create smooth transitions between fretboard positions and help build flow in both rhythm and lead playing. In “Assault Attack,” they serve as connectors between melodic ideas and enhance phrasing continuity.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are strategically used in the solos to outline chord progressions with clarity. Learning arpeggios builds fretboard knowledge and helps target chord tones, making your solos sound more intentional and musical.

Tapped Harmonics

This technique adds a percussive, bell-like tone that can create standout moments in your solos. Tapped harmonics appear briefly but effectively in this track, adding sonic depth and demonstrating Schenker’s advanced control of the instrument.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The rhythm section of “Assault Attack” relies on tight power chord riffs enhanced by palm muting. These foundational techniques build right-hand discipline and allow you to deliver aggressive, punchy rhythm parts with precision.

Dive Bombs

Using the whammy bar, dive bombs are applied for explosive effect. This expressive trick is perfect for solo transitions or dramatic endings. Learning to execute dive bombs teaches fine motor control and adds a theatrical edge to your performance.

Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• String Bending
• Slides
• Arpeggios
• Tapped Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Dive Bombs

Mastering the techniques in “Assault Attack” not only brings you closer to the playing style of Michael Schenker but also sharpens your overall guitar skillset. Dive into the full lesson at LickLibrary.com and take your lead and rhythm playing to the next level.