The Final Countdown Guitar Solo Lesson - Europe

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Released in 1986, "The Final Countdown" became an enormous international hit for the band Europe, reaching number one in 25 countries around the world.

In this The Final Countdown guitar lesson series, I will show you how to play all of guitarist John Norum's guitar parts note-for-note, including that killer guitar solo.

Obviously, most of "The Final Countdown" is dominated by that infectious keyboard melody with the guitar relegated to a backing role. There are some cool little riffs going on there though so make sure you check them out. All of the chords and riffs will be taught in the first video lesson.

In the second video lesson I will take you through John Norum's guitar solo note-for-note. There are some really great licks in this solo that can be turned into some nice technique exercises if you wish.

The fast arpeggios that open the solo requires smooth legato and sweep picking. Those two techniques combine to create a very fluid sound. I will show you exactly how to pick this section and the great thing is, once you get the first arpeggio down, the entire sequence is played the same way.

The rest of the solo includes fast alternate picking, whammy bar dips, unison and oblique bends and more. It really is a great 80's era guitar solo in that it contains lots of flashy guitar licks, but the entire solo can still pretty much be hummed throughout. Creating musically yet technically demanding solos was the challenge of many great guitarists back in the 80's shred era, the solo for "The Final Countdown" certainly doesn't disappoint!

Hope you guys enjoy this one! It is really fun to play once you get it all together.

Carl...

[rodneywatkins]

This solo is so timeless, it has zero fat on it, just pure melodic bliss by mr. Norum

[tatyonajoyea]

This is one of the best solos of all time, in my opinion. I also love the Round and Round guitar solo by Ratt. You’re the best teacher on YouTube.

[lueysixty-six]

Its surprisingly easy for how "shreddy" it sounds.

I just came off trying to play EVH's Beat it solo for MJ...and that sounds similarly shreddy...but is harder!

[cbcacbca]

That pentatonic rundown in the middle is absolutely magnificent. I've heard it 100's of times and it still gives me the shivers.

[emgex]

People think the hardest part is the sweep picking, he hardest part of the solo is actually the bluesy lick that comes after the first sweep picking stuff...

[domdom]

I think the 2 down picks are correct but what is essential imo is the ever so slight pause after the very 1st downward pluck which allows for that 'gallop'. Secondly imo there should be a flick -action down on the 1st string which allows for a definite hammer on on the 1st string.

[floshjix]

Quick tip on the arpeggios at the beginning, when he hammers on 10, on the E, DONT, just pick it THEN pull off. It will save you frustration and it sounds just as good

[Paulo-ssfi]

You help me so much, im even learning english

[LuMartinelli]

Interestingly enough, the hardest part, as usual, is the less flashy-more bluesy part. The one at 4:48. That will fuck up your day

[angelicamariaquezadagallar]

Carl you are Awesome. From Pantera's solos to this epic solo. Just fantastic

[jiddurivadeneira]

Thank you for the lesson. 🤘Just one little suggestion, and please sorry I put this here but I think it’s alternative picking and not sweep picking for the main part of the solo.

[luffymonkey]

Man your the man i tried searching all tabs of this song yours are the easiest to learn great thank you

[brucealcoriza]

Hi ! Carl, just want to say hi ! and thanks so much for all your guitar lessons here in Youtube...Been a fan since (even though I never subscribed to your channel) and been watching some of my favorite songs and solos that you taught like Something by The Beatles, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, etc...I have actually learned and mastered them because of you...I just thought that you're one of the most under appreciated guitar teacher here in youtube...In my own honest opinion, I think that you're better than Marty Schwartz, and everyone else because your tone and licks are more accurate, sounds like the original recording of these songs that you teach...keep up the great work ! Thanks a lot again from the bottom of my heart...

[madihumadi]

You are so good with your teaching steps 👍❤
I love you from Yemen

[RaulSilva]

Holy crap, fun way for me to finally learn how to start sweep picking! Thank you!🤘🏼

[bickoybueno]

I really love the way you teach every single step of the solo keep it up

[VaporProject]

Hey guys, for those of you who mastered this solo, I've got a question. I am wondering how did you manage to play it as fast as it should be cuz i've been practicing for a week non stop and my finger placement is perfect however i don't seem to be picking fast enough to achieve the awesome sound, you guys have any tips on how i can improve my speed? thanks.
Those who have the same problem feel free to say so!

[magendavid]

I enjoy your videos so much thank you !

[linggaganachannel]

Thanks for all the time, I really appreciate ❤🙏

[jorgedinis]

What a beautiful sterling music man you got there