Queen – Hammer To Fall – Main Riff

Learn how to play the iconic main riff from Queen’s “Hammer to Fall” with LickLibrary’s in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson. This track, taken from Queen’s 1984 album The Works, features a powerful, riff-driven section that’s perfect for developing your rhythm playing, articulation, and tone control. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, a Queen enthusiast, or looking to enhance your technique arsenal, this breakdown of “Hammer to Fall” delivers the skills and insights you need. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitar Work

“Hammer to Fall” stands out as one of Queen’s heaviest rock songs, blending melodic phrasing with hard rock attitude. The song is built around a driving, memorable riff that is deceptively simple but loaded with expressive and technical nuance. It's a masterclass in rock rhythm guitar, offering an ideal study for players looking to build power, precision, and groove.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Main Riff

Our lesson focuses on dissecting the main riff into digestible parts, giving special attention to the guitar techniques that drive the feel and power of the song. Here's a breakdown of the key techniques you'll develop.

Power Chords

The backbone of this riff lies in solid, well-articulated power chords. These chord shapes form the driving force behind many rock and metal riffs. Mastering them builds finger strength, improves fretting accuracy, and helps you learn chord voicings that are widely used across genres.

Palm Muting

To give the riff its signature punch and percussive attack, palm muting is used extensively. This technique enhances dynamic control and adds rhythmic tightness, allowing the guitarist to lock in with the drums and bass more effectively.

String Bending

There are expressive moments in the riff where string bending is used to add vocal-like articulation. Bending teaches players to manipulate pitch and develop control over microtonal variations, which are crucial for expressive soloing and riff embellishment.

Slides

Used to transition between power chord shapes and add fluid motion, slides are a fundamental rock technique. They connect phrasing smoothly, teaching players how to link ideas with grace and character.

Syncopated Rhythms

A key part of the riff’s catchiness is its use of syncopated rhythms. By shifting emphasis away from the strong beats, syncopation adds groove and unpredictability. Practicing syncopated riffs improves timing, feel, and rhythmic versatility.

Open String Riffs

The main riff makes use of open string riffs, particularly on the lower strings, giving the part a fuller and more resonant sound. Learning to incorporate open strings effectively builds right-hand control and left-hand muting skills.

Why These Techniques Matter

Each of the techniques featured in this lesson has real-world applications beyond this riff. Learning how to properly execute power chords, palm muting, and string bending prepares guitarists to play confidently in a band setting, jam with others, or tackle a wide range of songs in the classic and hard rock catalog.

Techniques like syncopated rhythms and open string riffs improve your rhythm guitar playing dramatically. They help you understand how to create engaging, dynamic riffs that stand out while remaining musically tight.

About Brian May and His Influence

Brian May, Queen’s legendary guitarist, is the creative force behind the main riff of “Hammer to Fall.” Known for his distinctive tone, melodic approach, and technical finesse, May’s playing combines elements of orchestration with the raw energy of rock guitar.

Using a homemade guitar (the Red Special), May developed a unique voice that cuts through any mix with clarity and emotion. His rhythm playing on “Hammer to Fall” is tight and powerful, showcasing his ability to drive a song forward without overshadowing the other instruments. Learning riffs like this offers valuable insight into how May constructed parts that are both musically rich and technically satisfying.

Conclusion

Our note-for-note lesson on “Hammer to Fall” gives you everything you need to nail the main riff—tone, timing, technique, and feel. It’s a perfect study for guitarists who want to build their rhythm chops, expand their technical range, and learn from one of the most influential rock guitarists of all time.

Whether you’re playing for fun, recording, or performing live, mastering this riff adds weight to your rhythm playing and sharpens your technique across multiple dimensions.

Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open String Riffs