Classic Albums - Deep Purple In Rock

Deep Purple In Rock is not just an album; it is a foundational blueprint for hard rock and heavy metal. Released in 1970, this masterpiece marked the debut of the legendary Mark II lineup and unleashed a new, heavier sound that would define the decade. At the heart of this sonic revolution was Ritchie Blackmore, whose explosive, classically-tinged and innovative riffing cemented his place as a guitar god. This course is your definitive guide to mastering the raw power and technical brilliance of this landmark record. If you're looking for authentic Deep Purple guitar lessons that delve into the core of their sound, or specifically a comprehensive Deep Purple In Rock guitar lesson, you've found the ultimate resource. We break down every iconic riff, every blistering solo, and every essential technique, giving you the tools to play this album with power and precision.
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2 Hours, 7 Minutes
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Danny Gill Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Danny Gill

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Introduction
2 Speed King
3 Bloodsucker
4 Child In Time
5 Flight Of The Rat
6 Into The Fire
7 Living Wreck
8 Hard Lovin' Man
9 Black Night
10 Gear & Tone
11 Outro

Song-by-Song Guitar Lessons Taught by Danny Gill

• Speed King

• Bloodsucker

• Child In Time

• Flight Of The Rat

• Into The Fire

• Living Wreck

• Hard Lovin’ Man

• Black Night

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

• Are passionate about 70s rock guitar lessons and the birth of heavy metal.

• Want to master the signature techniques and musicality of the legendary Ritchie Blackmore.

• Are looking for comprehensive guitar lessons that go beyond simple tabs to explain the why and how behind the music.

• Wish to add powerful, blues-infused hard rock riffing and classically-inspired lead playing to their repertoire.

• Are ready to take on the challenge of a full album course and emerge as a more dynamic and technically proficient guitarist.

• Specifically seek Deep Purple guitar lessons to learn the definitive versions of these classic tracks.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

By completing this course, you will not only learn to play the entire Deep Purple In Rock album, but you will also gain a deep understanding of the techniques that define the sound of 70s rock guitar. You will master the unique style of Ritchie Blackmore, incorporating his signature blend of blues, classical, and rock influences into your own playing. This is more than just a song-by-song tutorial; it's a masterclass in hard rock guitar.

• Master the Pentatonic Scale: Learn how Ritchie Blackmore uses the minor pentatonic scale, often with a bluesy twist, to create his most memorable riffs and solos, such as in "Speed King" and "Black Night."

• Develop Advanced Lead Techniques: Gain proficiency in essential hard rock techniques including rapid alternate picking, expressive string bending, vibrato control, and the use of the whammy bar for dramatic effect, as heard in the epic "Child In Time."

• Understand Riff Construction: Deconstruct the powerful, driving rhythm guitar lessons that form the backbone of tracks like "Into The Fire" and "Hard Lovin' Man," improving your timing and power chord execution.

• Integrate Classical Influences: Discover how to weave arpeggios and modal scales, inspired by classical music, into your rock solos, adding a layer of sophistication to your shredding.

• Improve Tone and Feel: Learn about the gear and settings that contributed to Blackmore's iconic sound, helping you dial in that classic, aggressive 70s rock guitar tone.

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** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with Deep Purple nor does Deep Purple perform or appear on this course.*

Deep Purple In Rock: A Guitarist's Perspective

"Deep Purple In Rock," released in 1970, is the fourth studio album by the British rock band Deep Purple. This album was a significant milestone in the band's career, marking the formation of their most famous lineup - Ian Gillan on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Paice on drums, Jon Lord on keyboards, and the extraordinary Ritchie Blackmore on lead guitar. The album set the foundation for the heavy metal genre and is considered a cornerstone of hard rock.

In this guitar lesson course, LickLibrary veteran, Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from this classic rock gem one phrase at a time, including all of Ritchie Blackmore’s legendary guitar parts from the tracks; “Black Night,” “Speed King,” and the anthemic, “Child In Time.”

Ritchie Blackmore: The Lead Guitarist

Ritchie Blackmore is a virtuoso guitarist whose playing style is characterised by his extensive use of vibrato, alternate picking, legato, and tapped harmonics. He is known for his innovative techniques and ability to blend classical music elements with rock and roll. Blackmore's unique approach to the guitar, along with his distinctive tone, significantly contributed to the album's sound and success.

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. Speed King

"Speed King" opens the album with a fast-paced and hard-hitting riff that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Blackmore employs the E minor pentatonic scale, creating a perfect blend of hard rock and bluesy undertones. The solo section features intricate double-stop bends and unison bends, showcasing Blackmore's technical prowess.

2. Bloodsucker

"Bloodsucker" features a driving riff in the key of G minor. Blackmore uses the G minor pentatonic scale to craft a solo that incorporates pinched harmonics, trills, and tremolo picking to build tension and excitement.

3. Child in Time

"Child in Time" is a progressive rock epic that showcases the band's ability to create intricate and emotional music. The song is built around a haunting chord progression in G minor, and the solos feature arpeggios and dive bombs with the whammy bar. Blackmore's use of harmonics adds another layer of depth to the song's complex arrangement.

4. Flight of the Rat

"Flight of the Rat" is a high-energy track with a riff based on the E blues scale. The solo section features fast-paced pull-offs and power chords that showcase Blackmore's technical abilities. The song also highlights his skill with palm muting and barre chords, contributing to its driving rhythm.

5. Into the Fire

"Into the Fire" is a heavy, blues-inspired track in D minor. Blackmore employs the D minor pentatonic scale and a variety of techniques, including two-handed tapping, sweep picking, and rakes. The track showcases Blackmore's ability to create memorable riffs and solos that perfectly complement the song's gritty atmosphere.

6. Living Wreck

"Living Wreck" is a mid-tempo rocker with a riff based on the E blues scale. The solo section demonstrates Blackmore's mastery of finger-picking and hybrid picking techniques. His use of pre-bends and hammer-ons adds a unique touch to the solo, making it one of the standout moments on the album.

7. Hard Lovin' Man

"Hard Lovin' Man" closes the album with an aggressive, up-tempo riff in A minor. Blackmore utilizes the A minor pentatonic scale and incorporates double-stops, slides, and Travis picking in his solo. The song is a fitting finale, highlighting Blackmore's guitar prowess and the band's tight musicianship.

In conclusion, "Deep Purple In Rock" is a groundbreaking album that showcases the incredible musicianship of Deep Purple, particularly the exceptional talent of lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. His innovative playing techniques and ability to seamlessly blend classical and rock elements helped shape the sound of heavy metal and hard rock for years to come.

From memorable riffs and solos to his signature use of various guitar techniques, Blackmore's contributions to this album cannot be overstated. The songwriting and musicianship displayed on "Deep Purple In Rock" make it a must-listen for guitarists and fans of the genre alike. The album offers a wealth of inspiration for guitarists, providing a masterclass in guitar playing that can be studied and enjoyed time and time again.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Deep Purple In Rock"

Throughout the album, Ritchie Blackmore displays an impressive array of guitar techniques that contribute to the album's distinct sound. Some of these techniques include:


Danny Gill playing the guitar.

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...

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