Joker & The Thief by Wolfmother

Wolfmother’s Joker & The Thief is a powerhouse of modern hard rock riffing, combining classic rock roots with a fresh energy that’s made it a staple in setlists and soundtracks worldwide. At Licklibrary.com, we bring you a note-for-note guitar lesson on this electrifying track that will help players master a range of essential guitar techniques. Whether you're into heavy riffing, expressive solos, or tight rhythm playing, this lesson is packed with musical tools to elevate your playing. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Andrew Stockdale

The primary guitarist and frontman of Wolfmother, Andrew Stockdale, is renowned for his raw tone, classic rock influences, and energetic playing style. Channeling the spirit of legends like Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi, Stockdale’s guitar work in Joker & The Thief blends blues-infused solos with hard-hitting riffs. His use of vintage gear and gritty tones has cemented his place among modern rock guitar heroes. Learning this track is not just about the notes—it’s about capturing the rebellious spirit of a guitarist who brings a retro flair into the 21st century.

Main Riff Breakdown

The song opens with one of the most iconic modern rock riffs of the 2000s. Played with confidence and clarity, this riff is a masterclass in power chords and alternate picking. The power chords give the riff its muscle and weight, while alternate picking ensures tight rhythmic precision and speed. These two techniques combined lay the foundation for many rock and metal songs, making them vital tools in any guitarist's toolkit.

Benefit to the player: Mastering this intro riff builds rhythmic accuracy and teaches how to blend aggression with precision—skills that translate directly to performing live or jamming in a band.

Pre-Chorus and Chorus Techniques

As the song transitions into the pre-chorus and chorus sections, the energy builds with dynamic chord movements and intricate embellishments. Here, slides are used to connect phrases and add flow to the rhythm parts. These smooth transitions between notes help inject expression into rhythm playing, rather than sounding mechanical.

You’ll also encounter string bending during the chorus fills, adding a bluesy edge and vocal-like quality to the guitar tone.

Benefit to the player: These techniques enhance expressiveness and phrasing, allowing players to emulate the feel and voice-like quality of the guitar—critical in lead and rhythm contexts.

Solo Section: A Lesson in Controlled Chaos

Stockdale’s solo in Joker & The Thief is fiery and raw, making use of techniques like vibrato and hammer-ons to create a powerful, emotional lead line.

You’ll also see clever use of pull-offs to build speed and intensity, without losing clarity. These legato elements give the solo its fluidity and sense of forward motion, perfect for capturing the dramatic peak of the song.

Benefit to the player: Learning this solo helps guitarists build better finger independence, dynamic control, and the ability to shape phrases with emotion—crucial for developing a unique lead style.

Rhythmic Drive and Palm Muting

Throughout the verses and bridge, palm muting plays a huge role in giving the riffs their punch and articulation. By using palm-muting, players can control the aggression of their tone and create tight, percussive rhythms that keep the track grooving.

Benefit to the player: This technique is essential for metal, punk, and rock players. It improves picking hand accuracy and adds dynamic contrast to your rhythm playing.

Overall Takeaway

This guitar lesson on Joker & The Thief isn’t just about learning a hit song—it’s about developing core rock guitar skills. You’ll walk away with stronger rhythm chops, a more expressive lead style, and a better understanding of how to bring energy and dynamics into your playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Palm-Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs

Whether you're a budding guitarist or an experienced player looking to refine your skills, the Joker & The Thief guitar lesson from Licklibrary offers the perfect blend of power, technique, and musicality. Plug in, turn up, and get ready to rock.