Classic Albums – Rising (Rainbow)

Rising: A Guitarist’s Perspective on Rainbow’s Masterpiece
Few albums stand as testaments to the ingenuity of rock guitar like Rainbow’s ‘Rising.’ Its impact resonates beyond the era of its release, showcasing the iconic and virtuosic guitar work of Ritchie Blackmore. This piece will shed light on the signature techniques employed throughout the album, offering detailed song-by-song analysis for guitarists.
Released in May 1976, Rising is the second studio album by the British/American rock band Rainbow. Easily considered as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time, Rising features Richie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio at the peak of their creative powers and chronicles Blackmore’s neo-classically infused metal compositions at their most ambitious.
In this course, LickLibrary veteran Danny Gill walks you through the many highlights of each song from Rising one phrase at a time, including Richie Blackmore’s legendary guitar riffs and iconic solos from the tracks “Tarot Woman” “A Light in the Black,” and the epic “Stargazer.”

Guitar Lessons in this Course
Guitar Lesson 1: Tarot Woman
The album opens with the grandeur of “Tarot Woman”, rooted in the key of D minor. Here, Blackmore’s command over power-chords, minor scales and arpeggios is evident. The guitar solo, a glorious eruption of minor pentatonic and Aeolian scales, exemplifies his tasteful approach to vibrato, string bending and alternate picking.

Guitar Lesson 2: Run with the Wolf
“Run with the Wolf”, based on an E minor chord progression, employs open-string riffs, palm muting and power chords, creating a driving rock sound. Blackmore’s solo here is a masterclass in legato and slides, while his clever use of harmonics punctuates the sonic landscape.

Guitar Lesson 3: Starstruck
“Starstruck”, in G minor, sees Blackmore using double-stops and syncopated rhythms. The guitar solo showcases his signature touch in pre-bends and bluesy bends, blending minor pentatonic and blues scales.

Guitar Lesson 4: Do You Close Your Eyes
“Do You Close Your Eyes” integrates fast galloping rhythms and power chords. Built around an A minor chord progression, its guitar solo showcases Blackmore’s command of the natural minor scale, employing chromaticism, alternate picking and sustain.

Guitar Lesson 5: Stargazer
“Stargazer” is an epic tour de force in C# minor, integrating arpeggiated chord progressions, chromaticism, and syncopated rhythms. The extensive solo melds natural minor and harmonic minor scales, utilizing legato, trills, and vibrato to great effect.

Guitar Lesson 6: A Light in the Black
“A Light in the Black” showcases a dual-guitar harmony, with the A minor chord progression supporting Blackmore’s layered approach. The solo is a true testament to his dexterity, combining alternate picking, sweep picking, legato, and dive bombs, all while navigating between Aeolian and harmonic minor scales.

Blackmore’s work on ‘Rising’ epitomizes his capacity as a composer and a guitarist. He has an uncanny ability to balance technicality with emotional depth. His contributions on this album have inspired countless guitarists, ensuring that his impact continues to reverberate through the halls of rock history.

Techniques Used in This Album
• Vibrato
• Alternate picking
• Legato
• Harmonics
• Double-stops
• Syncopated rhythms
• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Pre-bends
• Bluesy bends
• Slides
• Chromaticism
• Sustain
• Trills
• Arpeggiated chord progressions
• Sweep picking
• Open-string riffs

Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or a beginner, the wealth of techniques found on ‘Rising’ offer a fertile ground for exploration and growth. Happy playing!