Stone Cold – Rainbow
“Stone Cold” by Rainbow is a timeless example of melodic rock guitar playing, full of expressive phrasing, impeccable tone, and technical finesse. At LickLibrary, our note-for-note guitar lesson breaks down every phrase of this classic, allowing you to capture the emotion and precision of Ritchie Blackmore’s masterful playing. This detailed lesson not only teaches you how to play the song exactly as it was recorded but also helps you develop the essential techniques that make Blackmore’s style so unique and influential. Eliza Lee breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song
Released in 1982 on Straight Between the Eyes, “Stone Cold” became one of Rainbow’s biggest hits, blending haunting vocal melodies with intricate and expressive guitar work. The song’s arrangement is a masterclass in dynamics — moving from moody, clean textures to soaring lead guitar sections that showcase Blackmore’s command of melody and tone. Every part of the track, from the atmospheric intro to the passionate solo, serves as a lesson in phrasing, control, and expression. For guitarists, learning “Stone Cold” is an opportunity to build both musical sensitivity and technical skill.
About the Guitarist – Ritchie Blackmore
Ritchie Blackmore stands as one of rock’s most innovative and influential guitarists. As a founding member of both Deep Purple and Rainbow, his pioneering blend of classical precision and rock aggression helped define the sound of hard rock and early metal. His phrasing, dynamics, and ability to weave melodic sophistication into heavy riffs set a new standard for guitarists worldwide. Blackmore’s influence can be heard in countless players who followed — from Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani to Steve Morse and beyond. Learning his parts in “Stone Cold” gives valuable insight into the playing style of a true legend whose approach continues to shape the modern rock guitar sound.
Techniques Covered in the Lesson
Vibrato
Ritchie Blackmore’s use of expressive vibrato gives “Stone Cold” its emotional depth. His controlled finger movement creates a singing tone that enhances every sustained note. Developing your vibrato technique adds personality to your playing and helps you communicate emotion more effectively through your guitar.
String Bending
Bending notes accurately and with feeling is one of Blackmore’s hallmarks. The bends in “Stone Cold” are carefully chosen for pitch and timing, making them sound vocal and expressive. Practicing string bending improves your intonation, control, and ability to add drama to solos.
Legato
Blackmore’s smooth transitions between notes are achieved through precise legato phrasing. This technique allows fluid, connected lines without relying on constant picking. Mastering legato improves speed, finger strength, and the ability to play melodies with effortless flow.
Slides
Slides connect melodic ideas naturally and give Blackmore’s lines a graceful, vocal quality. They’re used throughout “Stone Cold” to move seamlessly between positions on the fretboard. Learning to use slides effectively builds control and helps make your phrasing more expressive.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
These techniques are essential to achieving the flowing, melodic lead lines heard in “Stone Cold.” Hammer-ons and pull-offs create smooth note transitions, allowing you to play fast passages cleanly and efficiently while reducing the need for excessive picking.
Double Stops
Double stops are used to thicken the harmony and add texture to both rhythm and lead sections. Blackmore’s use of two-note combinations gives his sound depth and power. Incorporating double stops into your playing helps strengthen your fretboard awareness and improves harmonic understanding.
Arpeggios
In “Stone Cold,” Blackmore’s arpeggio work showcases his classical influence. These patterns outline the chord progressions beautifully and highlight his melodic sense. Practicing arpeggios develops your ability to visualise chord tones across the neck and play more musically structured solos.
Power Chords
The rhythm sections of the song rely on tight, articulate power chords to create a driving rock foundation. Learning to play these with accuracy and consistency strengthens your rhythm technique and gives your playing the punch and authority that defines rock guitar.
Palm Muting
Palm muting adds rhythmic precision and tonal control to the song’s heavier sections. It helps create contrast between open and muted passages, enhancing the overall groove and clarity of your playing.
Harmonics
Subtle harmonics are used to add brightness and texture to the guitar tone. Developing this skill expands your tonal range and teaches you how to bring new sonic colours into your playing.
Why Learn “Stone Cold”?
Learning “Stone Cold” is more than just mastering a Rainbow classic — it’s about developing expressive control and emotional depth as a guitarist. The techniques used throughout the song are essential for anyone looking to refine their tone, improve phrasing, and learn how to balance technical skill with feeling. Every section of this track provides insight into the artistry of Ritchie Blackmore, one of rock’s most expressive and influential guitarists.
By following this LickLibrary note-for-note guitar lesson, you’ll not only gain the ability to perform “Stone Cold” authentically but also build a toolkit of techniques that will enhance every aspect of your playing. It’s a lesson in precision, control, and musical storytelling — all hallmarks of great guitar performance.
Techniques Featured in This Lesson
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Eliza Lee
Eliza Lee is a UK guitarist whose playing blends the grit of rock, the drive of alternative, and the power of metal. Picking up the guitar at 15 after discovering a love for 70s rock, she taught herself to play and quickly developed a distinctive style. She is currently the...