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Every single kid that picks up a guitar with the intent to learn it quickly runs into the simple albeit awesome riff from Smoke on the Water. This song is on every “best of” collection that featured ‘70s rock, and it isn’t hard to see why. Smoke on the Water simply rocks. It is the definition of hard rock, and also can be seen as the creation. The song, and the band Deep Purple, are one of the greatest American treasures since the advent of amplified music and an unassuming Brit named Ritchie Blackmore can pretty much lay claim to the invention of Hard Rock.
Granted, Black Sabbath and Randy Rhoads had their hands in the invention of both Metal and Hard Rock but it was Ritchie who had the inherent heaviness to deliver solos that were nothing short of revolutionary. This was accomplished in part by his inventive use of a scalloped fretboard, where the wood in between frets is shaved down for a more fluid feel. Blackmore was one of the pioneers of this style when he shaved down his Fender Stratocaster (which he played for the majority of his Deep Purple and Rainbow days) and began delivering his extremely tasteful blues and minor scales. While nobody will argue that Smoke on The Water is a difficult song to play, the solos in the song are typically complex thanks to Blackmore’s European Classical soloing style.
Keep in mind that Deep Purple was formed in 1968! This was before Led Zeppelin and Sabbath began bringing their influence to the table. With “In Rock”, “Fireball”, and “Machinehead”, Deep Purple defined Hard Rock in three albums before Stairway to Heaven was even a concept. Later, Blackmore left to form the less successful group “Rainbow” and his name faded from the public consciousness. All the same, his incredibly sick riffs and awesome solos have influenced legions of bands and artists like Joe Satriani, Metallica, Slayer, and many more. Most metal guitarists, which are typically the most complex players, cite classical notes and scales as their influence but it was Blackmore who first saw how intricate fretwork can be used for more than waltzes and movements. Any shredder who plays blues-based scales incredibly fast owes a debt to Ritchie Blackmore.
Continue to Ritchie Blackmore part 2>>
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