Street Lethal by Racer X

“Street Lethal” by Racer X is a shred guitar milestone — a ferocious instrumental track that showcases peak 1980s metal virtuosity. At LickLibrary.com, we’ve created a complete note-for-note guitar lesson designed to break down this high-speed composition and help guitarists master the challenging techniques used throughout. This lesson is not just about playing fast — it’s about playing with control, precision, and flair. If you're looking to level up your technical playing and expand your creative vocabulary on the guitar, this lesson is an essential resource. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Player

The guitar work on “Street Lethal” is driven by the phenomenal Paul Gilbert, one of the most celebrated technical guitarists of his generation. Known for his extraordinary speed, clarity, and creativity, Gilbert co-founded Racer X as a vehicle for blazing neoclassical metal compositions and jaw-dropping solos. His influence extends far beyond shred and metal, impacting players across genres with his melodic sensibility and innovative technique. “Street Lethal” is a prime example of his early work, packed with inventive phrasing, blazing runs, and sophisticated rhythm parts.

Song Breakdown and Techniques

Alternate Picking

From the opening riff to the climactic solo passages, Gilbert demonstrates exceptional alternate picking technique. Clean articulation at high speed is a hallmark of this song, and our lesson breaks down exactly how to develop this skill. Practicing these sections improves right-hand accuracy and stamina, and builds a strong foundation for any fast-paced lead work.

Legato: Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Throughout the track, you'll encounter smooth legato passages that combine hammer-ons and pull-offs in rapid sequences. These lines allow for fluid movement across the neck, reducing picking motion while maintaining speed. Learning legato from “Street Lethal” helps develop finger strength and control, while improving phrasing and fluidity in solos.

Sweep Picking and Arpeggios

One of the most impressive parts of this track is its use of sweep-picked arpeggios. These fast, wide-spanning patterns require tight muting, accurate fretting, and a relaxed right hand. Our breakdown takes you step-by-step through these challenging sections. Mastering sweep picking adds a new dimension to your solos and enables complex chordal phrasing at high speed.

Two-Handed Tapping

Gilbert’s use of two-handed tapping in this song expands the melodic range and allows him to play intricate patterns not otherwise possible with standard techniques. This technique is ideal for building coordination and exploring the full fretboard. Our lesson walks you through the setup, execution, and timing necessary to integrate tapping seamlessly into your playing.

Tremolo Picking

In some lead sections, tremolo picking is used to build intensity and sustain through rapid repetition of a single note. The lesson shows how to execute this technique cleanly and with endurance, enhancing your lead guitar toolkit and making your solos more expressive and aggressive.

Vibrato and String Bending

Though often overshadowed by his speed, Paul Gilbert’s vibrato and string bending are key elements of his expressiveness. The lesson isolates these subtle moments, showing how they elevate melodic lines. Mastering these techniques improves pitch control and adds character to your playing.

Chromaticism

Gilbert frequently employs chromatic passages for tension and variation. The lesson explores how to use these note choices effectively within fast runs and phrasing. This approach expands your musical vocabulary and adds unpredictability to your solos.

Power Chords and Palm Muting

The rhythm guitar sections in “Street Lethal” are just as challenging and exciting as the leads. Gilbert uses tight power chords with palm muting to create a heavy, locked-in groove. Learning these parts strengthens your timing and rhythm accuracy — essential for any rock or metal guitarist.

Why Learn These Techniques?

Each technique taught in this lesson brings real, practical benefits:

• Alternate picking develops timing, clarity, and speed.
• Legato builds finger dexterity and fluid phrasing.
• Sweep picking enables rapid arpeggio execution with minimal effort.
• Two-handed tapping increases range and creativity.
• Tremolo picking adds aggression and intensity.
• Vibrato and bending give your notes emotional weight and expression.
• Chromaticism enhances solo dynamics and unpredictability.
• Power chords and palm muting improve rhythm skills and right-hand control.

“Street Lethal” is more than just a song — it’s a technical workout that challenges and expands every element of your playing. Whether you’re an intermediate player looking to break into advanced territory or an experienced guitarist wanting to refine your shred chops, this lesson is the perfect tool to supercharge your development.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Sweep Picking
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Tremolo Picking
• Vibrato
• String Bending
• Chromaticism
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting

Take on “Street Lethal” today, and unlock the full spectrum of technical metal guitar playing with expert guidance from LickLibrary.