Woman by Wolfmother

Wolfmother's iconic track "Woman" has captivated guitarists and rock fans alike with its raw power, unforgettable riffs, and explosive energy. This LickLibrary guitar lesson brings the song's gritty essence to your fingertips, breaking down each technique used in "Woman" and guiding you through the intricacies that define its sound. If you're eager to replicate the electrifying experience of this song, this lesson will walk you through everything you need, from bold riffs to subtle articulations. This deep dive into "Woman" will not only help you master the song but also expand your guitar skills in dynamic and expressive ways. Danny Gill breaks down this classic Wolfmother track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Player: Andrew Stockdale's Unique Influence

Andrew Stockdale, Wolfmother’s frontman and primary guitarist, brings a heavy, riff-centric style influenced by classic rock legends like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Cream. His playing on "Woman" channels the powerful, gritty tones of 70s rock while adding a modern edge, a blend that has helped carve out Wolfmother’s unique place in the rock landscape. Stockdale’s use of thick, distorted tones and rhythmic intensity gives "Woman" its punch, and his technique emphasises precision with a raw, expressive edge. Learning to play in Stockdale’s style is valuable for any guitarist wanting to blend power and melodic finesse with a signature tone that stands out in rock music.

Key Techniques in "Woman" and Their Benefits

Power Chords

The song’s driving rhythm is grounded in solid power chords, giving it a heavy, full sound. Power chords are fundamental in rock music and are particularly suited for high-gain settings, offering a thick, punchy sound without the dissonance of additional harmonic notes. Mastering power chords improves your ability to create solid, rhythmically tight foundations in rock and metal genres.

String Bending

"Woman" includes expressive string bends that add a bluesy, soulful character to the riffs. String bending involves pushing or pulling the string to raise the pitch, adding emotion and intensity. Practicing bends will enhance your control and expression, allowing you to hit precise pitches and give life to your solos or lead lines.

Palm Muting

Palm muting adds rhythmic texture and dynamics, particularly in the song’s riff sections. By partially muting the strings with your picking hand, you can create a percussive, tight sound that contrasts with open, ringing chords. This technique is essential for adding groove and separation within high-gain guitar parts, and it helps with rhythm precision.

Slides

Slides connect notes smoothly, creating a fluid, legato feel that enhances the song’s slinky, almost hypnotic quality. By sliding your finger up or down the fretboard without lifting, you add a dynamic movement that’s both efficient and expressive. Practicing slides will improve your fretboard navigation and your ability to create seamless, flowing melodies.

Vibrato

Vibrato is used in "Woman" to add depth and character to sustained notes, particularly in the solo sections. This technique involves a subtle oscillation in pitch, making notes sound richer and more alive. Learning vibrato builds expressive capabilities, helping you give each note personal style and intensity.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song’s lead parts incorporate hammer-ons and pull-offs, essential for creating smooth, fast transitions without picking each note. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are crucial for building speed and fluidity in lead lines, allowing you to create a more seamless, legato sound in your playing.

Bluesy Bends

Stockdale uses "bluesy bends" to infuse the solo and fills with soulful character, rooted in classic rock and blues styles. These bends involve bending a note just slightly or bending to a “blue note” for added flavor. Practicing bluesy bends develops your feel for nuanced pitch control, allowing you to add a vintage, emotional tone to your solos.

Summary of Guitar Techniques in "Woman"

1. Power Chords
2. String Bending
3. Palm Muting
4. Slides
5. Vibrato
6. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
7. Bluesy Bends

Each of these techniques contributes to the distinct sound of "Woman" by Wolfmother. By mastering these methods, you’ll not only be able to play the song accurately but will also gain skills that apply to a wide range of rock and blues-based music. Dive in, and experience the power and intensity of Wolfmother's riff-driven classic for yourself.