Learn To Play The Darkness

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

Immerse yourself in the electrifying, high-energy rock sounds of The Darkness with Licklibrary's comprehensive "Learn To Play The Darkness" guitar course taught by Danny Gill. This detailed program is designed to walk you step-by-step through the guitar techniques, solos, and scales used in five iconic songs from the band's repertoire. Understand the unique style of lead guitarist Dan Hawkins and how his contributions have defined these songs and the band’s distinctive sound.

Guitar Lessons Include:

I Believe In A Thing Called Love 

Black Shuck 

Friday Night 

Love Is Only A Feeling 

Get Your Hands Off My Woman

Lesson Performance Notes

I Believe In A Thing Called Love

This track is renowned for its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and, importantly, its vibrant guitar segments. The song primarily utilizes the G major scale, contributing to its upbeat and lively feel. Dan Hawkins employs a mix of power chords and palm muting in the rhythm sections to drive the song's rock sound. The solo is particularly noteworthy, utilizing techniques such as string bending and rapid alternate picking, which are pivotal in achieving the song's characteristic energy and pitch variations.

Black Shuck

"Black Shuck" delivers a heavier sound, using the E minor scale to invoke a darker, more ominous atmosphere. The guitar work here involves deep, resonating power chords combined with intense strumming patterns. The solo in this song is brief yet potent, with a focus on aggressive pick slides and string bending. Hawkins’ approach demonstrates how simplicity, combined with the right techniques, can significantly contribute to a song’s atmosphere and narrative.

Friday Night

A song that captures the essence of rock 'n' roll fun, "Friday Night" is set in the A major scale, providing a happy, energetic backdrop for tales of weekend revelry. The rhythm guitar uses open chord progressions to maintain an uplifting tone. In contrast, the lead guitar incorporates slides and double-stops, emphasizing the track's playful nature. The solo section showcases more complex elements like rapid legato runs and tapped harmonics, adding an impressive flare.

Love Is Only A Feeling

Drawing on the more emotional side of rock, "Love Is Only A Feeling" employs the D major scale to create its heartfelt sound. The use of arpeggiated chord progressions in the rhythm parts adds a sense of depth and texture. The lead guitar work is expressive, with extensive use of vibrato and string bending to convey emotion. The solo is a masterclass in building dynamics, starting slow with smooth legato phrases and building into more intense high-pitched bends and rapid alternate picking sequences.

Get Your Hands Off My Woman

This song, characterized by its aggressive energy, uses the C minor scale to deliver a hard-edged sound. The guitar riffs are rhythmically complex, with syncopated rhythms and galloping strumming patterns. The solo is aggressive, featuring techniques like tremolo picking, fast hammer-ons and pull-offs, and whammy bar tricks for added emphasis. It's a showcase of technical skill and raw rock energy.

Dan Hawkins' Contribution

Dan Hawkins, as the lead guitarist, has been instrumental in crafting the unique sound of The Darkness. His style, deeply rooted in classic rock, yet distinguished by its flamboyant, high-energy performances, has defined these songs’ identity. Hawkins skillfully balances technical proficiency with expressive playing, ensuring that each song delivers an emotional punch while still showcasing impressive guitar work. His solos are particularly noteworthy, often employing a mix of speed, precision, and flair that captivates listeners.

Guitar Techniques Used

Throughout these lessons, a variety of guitar techniques are explored. For your convenience, we've listed these techniques, and you can learn more about each by following the links:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Tremolo Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• Harmonics
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Rakes
• Pre-Bends
• Hammer-ons
• Double-Stops
• Slides
• Sustain
• Pick Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Bluesy Bends
• Octave Melodies
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

With "Learn To Play The Darkness," guitarists of all levels will find valuable takeaways, enhancing their technique, expression, and overall playing style. Whether you're looking to master the art of high-energy rock performances or explore the emotive possibilities of the guitar, this course is a comprehensive guide to the awe-inspiring guitar work of The Darkness.