Technical Difficulties – Racer X

Get ready to dive into one of the most technically demanding and exhilarating shred instrumentals ever written – Technical Difficulties by Racer X. This exclusive note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com takes you through every lightning-fast lick, sweeping arpeggio, and intricately composed riff of this Paul Gilbert masterpiece. Designed to challenge and develop even the most advanced players, this lesson is a masterclass in speed, accuracy, and precision – all essential elements for any serious rock or metal guitarist. Sam Bell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Racer X

Originally released in 1999, Technical Difficulties is the title track from Racer X’s third studio album. It is widely regarded as a showcase of Paul Gilbert’s jaw-dropping virtuosity and a highlight in instrumental rock guitar history. Racer X, co-founded by Gilbert, was a band that pushed the boundaries of heavy metal guitar playing in the late '80s and beyond. Known for their dual-guitar harmonies, neoclassical phrasing, and blazing speed, Racer X helped shape the sound and technical standards of modern shred guitar.

Paul Gilbert, the lead guitarist on this track, is revered for his impeccable alternate picking, creative phrasing, and innovative approach to guitar instruction. His influence stretches across generations of guitarists, with many citing him as a key inspiration for pursuing technical mastery on the instrument.

What You'll Learn in This Lesson

This Technical Difficulties guitar lesson breaks the track into digestible sections, each focusing on specific techniques used throughout the piece. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll be mastering.

Alternate Picking

One of Paul Gilbert’s signature techniques, alternate picking is used extensively throughout the song. Practicing these parts improves both your picking hand synchronization and your fretting hand coordination. It also helps develop consistent speed and clarity across all strings.

Sweep Picking

Sweeping arpeggios are a cornerstone of Gilbert’s style, and this track features several fast and intricate sweep picking passages. These licks help develop fluid string transitions, control, and fretboard visualization, especially for extended arpeggio shapes.

Legato

Fluid hammer-ons and pull-offs are utilized to deliver ultra-smooth note transitions. Working on the legato phrases in this song will improve your finger strength and the ability to play seamless, connected lines without relying solely on picking.

Two-Handed Tapping

This song includes dazzling two-handed tapping sequences that require independence and precision between both hands. These passages are excellent for expanding your range across the fretboard and for incorporating flashy yet musical elements into your playing.

String Bending and Vibrato

Melodic sections of the song utilize expressive string bending and vibrato to add emotion and sustain. Mastering these techniques will help you develop feel and personality in your playing — crucial even in a high-speed instrumental context.

Tremolo Picking

Parts of Technical Difficulties feature fast tremolo picking on single strings. Practicing these will improve your stamina and help you maintain rhythmic precision at high tempos.

Pinched Harmonics

Adding attitude and bite to key phrases, pinched harmonics are scattered throughout the track. Learning to execute them properly will enhance your tonal vocabulary and stage presence.

Arpeggios

The song is structured around complex arpeggios that outline chord progressions and add a neoclassical flavor to the composition. These help players understand the harmonic structure of solos and improve fretboard navigation.

Trills and Slides

Short trills and expressive slides are used for ornamentation throughout the piece. They’re great for adding flair and helping players develop finger independence and control over fast intervals.

Palm Muting and Power Chords

Tight palm muting and driving power chords lay the foundation for the song’s heavy rhythm sections. These rhythm parts teach students how to maintain tight timing and dynamic contrast within a high-energy metal context.

Why Learn 'Technical Difficulties'?

Learning Technical Difficulties is not just about playing fast. It’s about developing a comprehensive technical skill set and gaining control over the guitar across multiple dimensions — speed, accuracy, expression, and musicality. By mastering this song, you'll dramatically improve your technique and gain confidence to tackle advanced solos, write technical riffs, and perform complex instrumental pieces with authority.

Whether you're preparing for live performances, developing advanced solo chops, or looking to elevate your guitar game, this lesson delivers the tools and techniques used by one of the greats.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Sweep Picking
• Legato
• Two-Handed Tapping
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Tremolo Picking
• Pinched Harmonics
• Arpeggios
• Trills
• Slides
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords