The Last in Line by Dio, from The Last in Line (1984), features one of Vivian Campbell’s finest guitar solos. Fast, aggressive, and melodically coherent — it combines harmonic minor phrasing with classic heavy metal energy in a way that few solos of the era could match.
About This Lesson
Campbell constructs this solo with real musical intelligence — the phrases have direction, the technique is formidable, and the energy never lets up. It is a benchmark for 80s metal lead guitar and essential study material for anyone serious about the genre.
What You Will Work On
- Harmonic minor metal phrasing — Vivian Campbell at his most dramatic
- Fast, precise alternate picking — clean execution under metal conditions
- Melodic solo construction — phrases that tell a story from start to finish
- Aggressive bends in a metal context — wide, powerful, accurate
- Classic heavy metal energy — commitment and intensity throughout
Tips for Learning
- Compare this solo to the Holy Diver solo — Campbell’s technique evolved between albums.
- Learn the harmonic minor scale first — it is the foundation of this solo.
- Build speed methodically — clean slow playing is always better than fast sloppy playing.
- Listen to the full Dio catalog to understand the full context of Campbell’s style.
WANT TO DEVELOP THIS TECHNIQUE?
Private Shred Guitar Lessons via Zoom — Diego Fonseca
Shred & neoclassical specialist with 20+ years of teaching. Alternate picking, legato, sweep picking and harmonic minor — in the style of Malmsteen, Satriani and Blackmore. Students in the US, Canada, Europe and worldwide.
✔ Free 30-min trial lesson ✔ 4 × 60-min lessons · $240/month ✔ All timezones — US, Canada & Europe
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