Bulls On Parade – Rage Against The Machine

Learn to Play 'Bulls On Parade' – A Riff-Driven Revolution in Guitar

At Licklibrary.com, our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against The Machine delivers a detailed and immersive breakdown of one of the most iconic and politically-charged rock tracks of the '90s. Performed by the legendary Tom Morello, this track is a masterclass in rhythm guitar, creative effects, and unconventional techniques. Designed for intermediate players looking to expand their vocabulary and sharpen their skills, this lesson not only helps you nail every riff and scratch-inspired solo but also teaches essential guitar techniques that are highly transferable to other styles. Richard Shaw breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Artist Behind the Sound – Tom Morello

Tom Morello is a genre-defying guitar hero known for his innovative soundscapes and unorthodox approach to guitar playing. As the lead guitarist for Rage Against The Machine, Morello merged aggressive rock riffing with hip-hop and DJ-inspired effects, often using only a handful of pedals and jaw-dropping creativity. His influence stretches far beyond the boundaries of alternative rock, inspiring generations of guitarists to think outside the box. With “Bulls On Parade,” Morello redefined what a guitar solo could be, using tone, texture, and rhythm rather than sheer speed.

Key Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Power Chords

The song is powered by tight, aggressive power chords that drive the main riff and verse sections. Learning to play these with proper palm muting and percussive attack is essential for capturing the heavy, rhythmic energy of the track.

Benefit: Mastering power chords boosts your rhythm playing, tightens your timing, and lays a solid foundation for playing rock, punk, and metal styles.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used extensively throughout the song to create a syncopated, percussive groove that defines the Rage Against The Machine sound. You'll learn how to vary muting pressure for dynamic expression.

Benefit: This technique enhances your control over tone and texture, allowing you to deliver riffs with more punch and attitude.

Pick Scrapes (Pick Slides)

"Bulls On Parade" features one of the most famous pick slides in modern rock, used in place of a traditional solo. You'll learn how to execute this dramatic effect using just your pick and strings.

Benefit: Adds a new sonic element to your playing, giving your solos and riffs a raw, edgy sound.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Tom Morello's creative use of the whammy bar turns his guitar into a turntable in the iconic solo section. Our lesson shows you how to emulate this revolutionary approach using controlled dives and pitch modulation.

Benefit: Helps develop expressive playing and introduces innovative techniques that push the boundaries of traditional guitar solos.

Harmonics

Morello uses a variety of harmonics, particularly natural and tapped harmonics, to add texture and eeriness to his playing. This lesson will teach you how to accurately place and strike harmonics for maximum clarity.

Benefit: Learning harmonics enhances your fretboard awareness and adds shimmering overtones to your tone palette.

Syncopated Rhythms

The rhythmic structure of "Bulls On Parade" is complex and funky, relying heavily on syncopated rhythms to create tension and groove. Our breakdown helps you understand how to count, feel, and play these rhythms tight.

Benefit: Improves timing, groove, and the ability to play in styles like funk, hip-hop, and modern metal.

Octave Melodies

The use of octave melodies adds a melodic yet aggressive quality to the riffs. These are particularly useful for creating lead lines that cut through the mix.

Benefit: Adds dimension to your lead playing and helps with fretboard navigation.

Expand Your Guitar Vocabulary

Not only will you learn to play “Bulls On Parade” in its entirety, but you’ll also absorb crucial lessons in creativity, rhythm, and tone control. These techniques transcend the song itself and can be applied to a wide array of musical contexts, from rock and metal to funk and experimental music. Whether you're a budding shredder or a seasoned rhythm guitarist, this lesson is a must-watch to unlock new layers in your playing.

Techniques Used in 'Bulls On Parade'

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Pick Slides
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Harmonics
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Octave Melodies

Get ready to elevate your playing, expand your creative toolkit, and discover why "Bulls On Parade" remains a benchmark for modern guitar innovation.