In this video
This bonus lesson breaks down the brilliant lead riff that defines ‘The Last Time’. It combines lead and rhythm techniques that show off the Stone’s iconic guitar style.
What You Will Learn:
• Learn the expressive two-fret slide phrasing trick perfect for any lead riff!
• Directional picking technique for speed and fluidity
• Breakdown the fretboard positions, not just the riff notes
• Arpeggiated picking for the A and D bar chords in the chorus
• Tone settings using a clean amp with boost pedal
• The connection to Oasis's "Half the World Away"
The Slide Technique
The start of the riff centres around an E5 power chord on string 5 at the 7th fret and the signature move is a two-fret slide from fret 7 to fret 9. This is that same sliding concept that connects to the bonus content from Day 1, so a great recuring part of Rolling Stones guitar-vocabulary.
Picking Approach
To play this at speed, we use directional picking, always moving in the direction of the next string. We pick Down when going down and Up when coming up to the next string, regardless of phrasing (e.g. slides) or picking open strings. This efficient picking technique is essential for nailing the riff cleanly.
The Chorus Parts
During the chorus, the rhythm shifts to arpeggiated picking over A and D bar chords at frets 5 and 10. The picking pattern creates a similar feel to Oasis's "Half the World Away" – a little strum down (hitting mostly the thicker strings) followed by up-picks on strings 1 and 2 (thinner strings).