Highway Star by Deep Purple is one of the defining songs of hard rock, from Machine Head (1972). The guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore is a landmark in rock guitar history — combining neoclassical sequences, harmonic minor phrasing, and raw rock aggression into one of the most studied solos ever recorded.
About the Solo
Blackmore’s Highway Star solo is built on Bach-influenced sequences played at rock speed — classical music vocabulary delivered with electric guitar aggression. It was revolutionary in 1972 and remains essential study material for any serious rock or metal guitarist today.
What You Will Work On
- Bach-style neoclassical sequences — classical patterns adapted for rock guitar
- Harmonic minor scale at speed — Blackmore’s primary melodic tool
- Fast alternate picking — the engine behind Blackmore’s neoclassical runs
- Rock aggression and feel — classical ideas delivered with electric intensity
- Position shifting in fast sequences — moving through positions without losing speed
Tips for Learning
- Learn the harmonic minor scale thoroughly before tackling the solo.
- Start at 40% speed and build up — the fast sections are technically demanding.
- Study Bach’s music alongside this solo — the connection is direct and intentional.
- Focus on clarity at every tempo — blurry notes are worse than slow clean ones.
WANT TO MASTER THIS SOLO PROPERLY?
Private Rock Guitar Lessons via Zoom — Diego Fonseca
Rock & metal specialist with 20+ years of teaching. Students across the US and Canada. I will build a lesson plan around the music you actually want to play — solos, technique, theory.
✔ Free 30-min trial lesson ✔ US & Canada timezones ✔ $240/month · 4 lessons
Fill out the form and Diego will reply within 12 hours.