White Unicorn by Wolfmother
Dive into the raw, vintage power of Wolfmother’s “White Unicorn”, a song that blends classic rock influences with modern energy and intensity. At Licklibrary.com, we offer a note-for-note guitar lesson that dissects every riff, lick, and solo from this standout track. This lesson is perfect for players looking to expand their technique, improve their tone, and channel the primal power of hard rock. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
About the Song and Guitar Style
Released in 2005, “White Unicorn” is a cornerstone of Wolfmother’s self-titled debut album. It showcases the band’s penchant for retro-infused rock, reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple. The track's heavy use of fuzz-driven guitar, blues-influenced phrasing, and dynamic changes make it a masterclass in rock guitar tone and attitude.
The guitar work in “White Unicorn” is both melodic and explosive, with moments of restraint giving way to powerful outbursts. This makes it an excellent vehicle for intermediate to advanced players looking to push their expressiveness and technical skills.
Guitar Techniques Covered
Our lesson on “White Unicorn” explores a range of essential rock guitar techniques that every guitarist should master. Here's a breakdown of the key elements you’ll learn:
String Bending
A cornerstone of expressive lead playing, string bending involves pushing the string across the fretboard to raise its pitch. This technique is vital for capturing the bluesy feel of the song’s solo sections. It helps players develop better pitch control and vibrato.
Slides
Slides are used extensively throughout the track to connect notes and phrases in a smooth, flowing manner. Mastering slides improves your ability to transition between fretboard positions with style and accuracy.
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
The lesson dives into several hammer-on and pull-off combinations that give the riffing a fluid, legato feel. These techniques improve finger strength and speed, allowing for more seamless phrasing.
Power Chords
The heavy, driving riffs in “White Unicorn” rely on solid power chord technique. Practicing power chords enhances rhythm guitar playing and is essential for anyone looking to master rock and metal.
Palm Muting
Palm muting is used in this song to create percussive, chugging rhythms that contrast beautifully with the more open, ringing parts. It’s crucial for controlling dynamics and achieving a tight, aggressive tone.
Vibrato
Expressive vibrato is sprinkled throughout the lead lines. This technique adds emotional depth to your solos and improves your control over sustained notes.
Unison Bends
Unison bends, where two strings are played together with one bent to match the other's pitch, bring a fiery character to the solos. They demand accurate bending and intonation skills.
Open String Riffs
Parts of the song make clever use of open strings to enhance the resonance and power of the riffs. Learning this approach helps you maximise sustain and tonal richness with minimal effort.
About the Guitar Player
The guitar work on “White Unicorn” was performed by Andrew Stockdale, the frontman of Wolfmother. Known for his powerful vocals and guitar tone, Stockdale’s playing is a bold mix of 70s rock swagger and modern energy. His influence stems heavily from legends like Jimmy Page and Tony Iommi, and he channels their spirit through fuzzy riffs, epic solos, and dynamic songwriting. Learning his approach gives students insight into creating memorable guitar moments while honouring classic rock traditions.
Why Learn These Techniques?
Each technique featured in this lesson builds not only your technical skill but also your stylistic fluency. Whether you’re working on your soloing chops or your riff writing, the “White Unicorn” lesson provides practical applications for each skill in a real-world musical context. By the end of this lesson, you’ll not only be able to play the song accurately, but you’ll also understand how to use these techniques to develop your own unique voice on the guitar.
Techniques Used in this Lesson
Unleash your inner rock god with this powerful breakdown of “White Unicorn” and take your playing to a whole new level with Licklibrary.
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...