Limelight Guitar Lesson - Rush

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In this Limelight guitar lesson video, I will show you how to play all of Alex Lifeson's guitar parts to this Rush classic, note-for-note.

The tuning is standard tuning E A D G B E.

There are some great riffs to learn in this one. The opening riff is instantly recognizable and launches the full band into a cool groove using lots of chords using open strings to give it that airy yet punchy sound.

The verse is relatively easy to play, but you need to watch out for some of the rhythmic twists that Rush throws at you.

The chorus briefly switches everything to a clean guitar sound with lots of chorus effect on it. The chords used here are a little unusual and might feel a bit odd getting them under your fingers. Halfway through the chorus the gain is kicked back in and the rhythm becomes more aggressive.

Alex Lifeson's solo is one of his most well known. It contains liberal use of the whammy/vibrato bar with lots of bar dives and scoops. Parts of this solo are really hard to recreate exactly like Alex plays it. I will give you some pointers along the way.

Pay close attention to the ending chorus section since it uses some chord voicings that aren't seen earlier in the song. The ending is also really cool!

I hope you guys enjoy this classic from Rush! #limelightguitarlesson #rush #guitarcovers

Carl...

[ricardocastillo]

Alex is one of the most intuitive guitarists I've ever seen. I don't think he even knows what he's doing half the time, he just does it. Hendrix was like that.

[misc]

I’m a lifelong Rush fan and Alex is probably my favorite guitarist of all time. When I was a teenager I “learned” to play some of these riffs by ear. Mostly just the basic roots and patterns. Many, many years later, I’m learning to play these songs accurately. Carl is THE BEST RUSH/LIFESON TEACHER EVER! He just nails the subtleties and nuances so well. Thank you Carl!

[SDFitz]

1:10 - Intro
5:06 - Verse
9:19 - Chorus
14:05 - Solo
21:00 - Outro

[earthmoods]

I am a music teacher... I've been teaching guitar and public school music over 32 years..I have a degree in Jazz guitar... I love Rock.... You my friend are an EXCELLENT teacher!!! thanks for the video, ....

[tonyb]

the gold standard of easy access, internet lessons anywhere

[ericbergmueller]

My favorite Rush song. Maybe my favorite solo in all of rock guitar. One of my artsy students painted a brick with Rush artwork and the words “All the world’s indeed a stage” as a gift. I had to fight back tears when she gave it to me. Your video is very clear and the sound is great!

[metaldude]

The clean part has always had mesmerizing qualities.

[markpro]

i can still hear neils drums kicking in

[ncwomega]

Probably one of the most challenging songs I've ever tried to play. I'm going to keep working on it though.

[jeffreyhall]

Kick ass lesson. Lifeson is such a melodic groove master. Long live Rush. Thanks Carl

[Gazman]

Thanx Carl. Straight forward instruction with a minimum of technical BS + 3 camera angles make it easy to follow. Others think you've been to a conservatory & dribble on with shit ya don't need to know, or just sit there & play. If I'm looking for "How to play" videos, I look for 365 first.
Gazman - One of the world's averagist guitarers.

[bt]

No matter what song you teach, you always capture the spirit of the song. As well as doing a good job at getting the sound and overall tone pretty damn close to the original. You sir are pretty badass. Thanks for what you do. 🤘🏻

[batman]

How many people are watching this and don't even know how to play guitar but love this kick ass song?? Alex is so underrated! Great work dude!

[StevenDusza-jm]

Thanks Carl!! Saw rush 18 times and ur spot on!!!

[LetsPlayAll]

Awesome lesson, loving your content and the effort you put in mate. The production on your vids is superb, really inspirational for us newbies!

[houseofmars]

I started watching a video with Alex giving a tutorial, but a great player isn't always a great teacher, haha. This video really demystified a lot of parts.

[MrBoolee]

How is this so hard? And solo is nuts, where did he come up with that? Did he fall down the stairs whilst holding his guitar? Mind blowing.

[marioreis]

Guy u are the best. Regards from Brazil.

[sixstringriffs]

Amazing lesson thank you so much!
I found a tab before but it didn't sound right.
I wasn't sure if i'd be able to play the solo but your lesson helped me out big time!

[JonesRd-ppsh]

Great video! Incredible song by the best band. How did Alex keep his guitar in tune after that solo? The stuff of legend.