Learn to Play “Mind’s Eye” by Wolfmother
Discover the raw power and psychedelic energy of Wolfmother’s Mind’s Eye with our in-depth, note-for-note guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com. This masterclass dissects the signature licks and techniques used in this riff-heavy anthem, helping you unlock the tone and attitude that define the band’s unique sound. Whether you’re a classic rock fan, a tone chaser, or a guitarist looking to expand your skill set, this lesson offers valuable insights into both foundational and advanced techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Song Overview
Mind’s Eye, from Wolfmother’s debut self-titled album, channels the spirit of '70s rock and psychedelia, with massive riffs, soaring vocals, and dynamic shifts. The track stands out for its moody intro, blues-inflected lead lines, and thunderous rhythm guitar work, providing a goldmine of teachable moments for any aspiring guitarist.
Guitar Techniques Explored
Power Chords
Power chords are central to the driving rhythm of Mind’s Eye. These chords, built from just the root and the fifth, create a fat and punchy sound ideal for rock and heavy music. By mastering power chords, guitarists will develop a stronger sense of rhythm and learn how to build riffs with a powerful low-end presence.
String Bending
The lead lines in Mind’s Eye feature expressive string bending techniques that add emotion and dynamic tension to solos. This technique helps players convey feel and attitude in their playing, essential for blues, rock, and expressive solo work.
Vibrato
Vibrato is used throughout the solos and melodic passages, adding depth and sustain to bent notes. Learning vibrato improves note control and makes solos sound more vocal-like and expressive.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Rapid-fire hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create fluid, legato-style runs that enhance the solo sections. These techniques help players build speed and fluidity in their playing, forming the basis for faster and more lyrical phrases.
Slides
Slides are a key part of the bluesy lead tone in Mind’s Eye, connecting phrases and enhancing musical phrasing. Slide techniques help guitarists move smoothly between positions and add a more vocal, expressive quality to their lines.
Palm Muting
The use of palm muting in the rhythm sections provides dynamic variation and tightens up the sound. Palm muting is essential for developing rhythmic control and gives riffs a tighter, percussive edge.
Double Stops
Throughout the song, double stops are used for added harmonic texture in both rhythm and lead parts. Learning double stops expands a player’s harmonic vocabulary and is useful in both rock and blues contexts.
Unison Bends
A few moments in the solo use unison bends, where one string is bent to match the pitch of another. This technique creates a powerful and almost vocal-like intensity, sharpening a player’s pitch accuracy and finger strength.
About the Guitarist – Andrew Stockdale
Andrew Stockdale, the frontman and guitarist of Wolfmother, is the creative force behind the band’s signature sound. Known for his powerful riffs and vintage tone, Stockdale’s playing is heavily influenced by legends like Tony Iommi, Jimi Hendrix, and Jimmy Page. His approach blends classic blues-rock phrasing with modern aggression, making him a unique figure in modern rock. Learning his parts gives guitarists insight into the seamless fusion of retro influences with contemporary flair.
Why Learn This Song?
Studying Mind’s Eye gives players a comprehensive look at how classic rock techniques are applied in a modern setting. From gritty rhythm playing to melodic soloing, this lesson offers players the tools to:
- Enhance lead phrasing and articulation
- Tighten rhythm skills with dynamic control
- Build a stronger sense of melody and harmonic layering
- Connect traditional rock techniques with modern tone
This is more than just learning a song – it's an opportunity to understand the essence of hard rock guitar through a modern classic.
Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson
Take your guitar playing to the next level and dive into Mind’s Eye today – available exclusively at Licklibrary.com.
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...