Rock You Like A Hurricane – Scorpions

Learn to master one of the most iconic hard rock anthems of the 1980s with LickLibrary’s note-for-note guitar lesson on “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by the Scorpions. This comprehensive guitar tutorial breaks down every element of the song, helping you harness the classic rock techniques that shaped a generation of guitarists. From high-energy riffs to melodic solos, this lesson is perfect for any guitarist looking to refine their skills while diving into a true rock masterpiece. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Released in 1984 on the Love at First Sting album, “Rock You Like A Hurricane” quickly became a defining track for the Scorpions and one of their most commercially successful singles. Known for its punchy guitar work, catchy chorus, and unmistakable attitude, this track is a staple in any rock guitarist’s repertoire.

The song’s arrangement features dynamic contrasts between power chord-driven riffs and soaring melodic leads, giving guitarists the perfect playground to explore a variety of expressive techniques. Whether you're into rhythm or lead playing, this track offers challenges and rewards for all.

Guitar Techniques Explored in the Lesson

Power Chords

The track opens with powerful, chunky power chords that drive the song’s aggressive tone. Learning to control your tone and palm muting within these sections enhances tightness and rhythmic precision—vital skills for any rock guitarist.

Palm Muting

A classic feature of the rhythm guitar in this track, palm muting provides that essential percussive crunch. This technique adds articulation and dynamics to your playing, allowing for expressive rhythmic accents throughout the song.

Slides

Throughout the intro and solo sections, slides are used to transition between notes smoothly. Slides help you develop fluid fretboard movement and improve your phrasing in both rhythm and lead contexts.

String Bending

No Scorpions solo would be complete without expressive string bending. This lesson breaks down each bend, ensuring you hit every pitch accurately while adding vocal-like qualities to your solos.

Pinched Harmonics

The use of pinched harmonics injects extra attitude and edge into certain riffs. This technique is a must-learn for any guitarist wanting to sound more aggressive and modern.

Unison Bends

The solo showcases tasteful unison bends, which add emotional impact and sustain. Mastering these gives your solos a singing, lyrical quality often heard in rock and blues.

Double Stop Bends

Double stop bends appear in the lead sections, adding harmonic depth and bluesy intensity. They teach control, strength, and intonation across two strings simultaneously—essential for advanced lead guitar phrasing.

Vibrato

Emotive vibrato is used throughout the solo to enhance note sustain and expression. Practicing vibrato gives your playing a professional polish and allows your leads to sing with feeling.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Legato phrasing through hammer-ons and pull-offs enhances the speed and smoothness of your licks. These techniques are essential for fluid, connected lead runs and are carefully broken down in the lesson.

Whammy Bar Tricks

Add dramatic flair with whammy bar tricks, used throughout the solo to deliver dive bombs and subtle pitch modulation. This adds a wild, unpredictable element to your sound, just like the pros.

About the Guitarists

The guitar work on “Rock You Like A Hurricane” is performed by Matthias Jabs and Rudolf Schenker—two legendary players whose combined styles defined the Scorpions’ hard rock identity. Schenker, known for his powerful riff-writing and rhythmic precision, lays the foundation with driving chords and syncopated grooves. Jabs, with his technically fluid yet melodic soloing, delivers searing lead parts full of expressive bends, harmonics, and energetic phrasing.

Their partnership showcases a perfect blend of rhythmic strength and melodic virtuosity, making them hugely influential in the rock and metal guitar community. Learning their parts provides valuable insight into rock phrasing, technique, and the art of dual guitar harmony.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning “Rock You Like A Hurricane” offers far more than just mastering a classic track. You’ll develop technical precision, enhance your expressive lead playing, and gain better command of tone and dynamics. This lesson is ideal for intermediate to advanced players looking to add powerful techniques and polished phrasing to their skillset. Plus, with LickLibrary’s signature note-for-note breakdown, you’ll gain full insight into every detail of the performance.

Techniques Used in this Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Slides
• String Bending
• Pinched Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Double Stop Bends
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Whammy Bar Tricks

Ready to channel your inner rock god? Head over to LickLibrary and start learning “Rock You Like A Hurricane” today—note for note, riff by riff, solo by solo.