"Coast to Coast" by Scorpions
Explore the timeless instrumental “Coast to Coast” by Scorpions with Licklibrary’s in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson. This powerful and melodic track showcases the band’s signature twin guitar sound and is an essential study piece for rock guitarists looking to elevate their playing. Our lesson breaks down every section of the song while focusing on the crucial techniques that define its feel and tone. Whether you’re an intermediate guitarist looking to expand your vocabulary or an advanced player seeking to refine your expressive playing, this lesson delivers a rewarding challenge. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Its Guitar Legacy
“Coast to Coast” comes from the Scorpions' 1979 album Lovedrive, a release that marked a significant turning point for the band both musically and in terms of lineup. This track stands out as an instrumental masterpiece, known for its melodic lead lines, lush harmonies, and dynamic structure. It features a blend of expressive phrasing and technical finesse that perfectly captures the band’s hard rock identity.
The twin guitar attack is led by Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs, two of the most influential guitarists in the genre. Schenker’s rhythm work provides a rock-solid foundation, while Jabs brings a modern edge with fluid legato runs, expressive bends, and harmonically rich leads. Together, their synergy on “Coast to Coast” embodies the spirit of melodic hard rock and has inspired generations of players.
Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson
Our Licklibrary lesson for “Coast to Coast” dives deep into the techniques that define the Scorpions' guitar style. Here’s a breakdown of the major techniques taught throughout the video:
String Bending
One of the most expressive elements of “Coast to Coast” is its tasteful use of string bending. These bends are crucial for conveying emotion and replicating the vocal-like phrasing of the original performance.
Why learn it?
Mastering string bending helps players develop control, intonation, and musical expression—essential tools for soloing in any style.
Vibrato
The song features slow, wide vibrato to add depth and sustain to the lead lines, giving them that iconic vocal quality.
Why learn it?
Vibrato enhances note sustain and musicality, making your playing sound more professional and expressive.
Slides
Sliding between notes helps connect phrases smoothly and adds a lyrical, flowing quality to the melodies.
Why learn it?
Slides build legato phrasing skills and are essential for achieving a fluid, vocal-style soloing technique.
Legato
Legato phrases, especially those using hammer-ons and pull-offs, are scattered throughout the lead lines, making the melodies feel seamless and smooth.
Why learn it?
Legato playing improves speed and phrasing, making solos sound fluid and effortless.
Hammer-ons & Pull-offs
These essential legato components feature prominently in this lesson, helping to articulate faster melodic lines without picking every note.
Why learn it?
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs improve your fretboard fluency and allow for more dynamic control in solos.
Power Chords
The driving rhythm section of “Coast to Coast” relies heavily on the punchy, aggressive sound of power chords, providing the backbone to the soaring lead lines.
Why learn it?
Power chords are foundational for rock and metal rhythm guitar, and mastering them helps lock in your timing and dynamics.
Dual Guitar Harmonies
One of the song's defining features is the harmonised lead guitar parts that Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs execute with surgical precision.
Why learn it?
Dual guitar harmonies are essential for players in bands or those looking to add melodic layering to their solos and compositions.
Palm Muting
Subtle yet effective, palm muting is used in the rhythm sections to control dynamics and add percussive bite to the guitar tone.
Why learn it?
Palm muting adds definition and rhythmic precision, helping you control tone and intensity.
Why This Lesson Matters
“Coast to Coast” is more than just a song—it’s a masterclass in phrasing, melody, and rock guitar technique. Learning it will not only expand your technical ability but also deepen your understanding of musical storytelling. From soulful bends to harmonised leads and solid rhythmic foundations, every section offers a unique learning opportunity that will elevate your overall musicianship.
Whether you're looking to add emotion to your solos or strengthen your rhythm chops, this lesson offers practical and inspiring skills you can apply to your own playing.
Techniques Covered in the "Coast to Coast" Guitar Lesson
Dive into the lesson today at Licklibrary and take your playing from solid to soaring—just like the Scorpions intended.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Danny Gill
Danny Gill is, without a doubt, the most loved tutor by our community. With an incredible array of DVDs and web lessons for LickLibrary covering a wide variety of topics all of which he covers with incredible detail, it's no wonder he carries as much respect as he does. As...